Atar (H5849) means to crown, to encircle with a crown or wreath, to surround as in coronation or honor. The act of crowning conveys dignity, royal authority, and divine blessing that encircles the recipient.
Psalm 103:4 says God 'crowns you with love and compassion' — the crown here is the steadfast love of the covenant God that encircles the redeemed. The crown in Scripture spans from earthly royalty to the eschatological 'crown of life' promised to the faithful (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). Christ, who wore a crown of thorns in humiliation, now wears many crowns in exaltation (Revelation 19:12).