From peri (around) and tithēmi (to place). To place around, to put on, to bestow. Used of placing the crown of thorns on Jesus and of God bestowing greater honor on lesser members.
The soldiers 'placed' a crown of thorns on Jesus' head (Matthew 27:29) — meant as mockery, it became the greatest symbol of vicarious suffering. Paul teaches that God 'bestows greater honor' on the parts of the body that seem to lack it (1 Corinthians 12:24). What the world uses to shame, God transforms into glory.