Revelation 2:17 kjv

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:17 nkjv

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." '

Revelation 2:17 niv

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Revelation 2:17 esv

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'

Revelation 2:17 nlt

"Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.

Revelation 2 verses

Revelation 2 17 Meaning

Revelation 2:17 presents promises from Christ to the believers in Pergamum who remain faithful amidst prevailing spiritual and cultural corruption. It assures those who overcome compromise and idolatry of spiritual sustenance directly from God, intimate acceptance and justification, and a new, unique, and personal relationship with Christ, known only to the individual and God. This verse offers profound hope and encouragement by promising divine provision, an elevated status, and a deepened identity in God for the steadfast.

Revelation 2 17 Context

Revelation 2:17 is part of Jesus' specific message to the church in Pergamum, the third of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. Pergamum was a city steeped in paganism, a center of emperor worship, and home to several major temples, notably one dedicated to Asclepius (god of healing represented by a snake, often called "Satan's Throne" due to its intense pagan activity and persecution of Christians like Antipas). This cultural backdrop highlights the intense pressure on Christians to compromise their faith, engage in idolatry, or succumb to teachings like those of "Balaam" or the "Nicolaitans," which likely encouraged participating in pagan feasts or immoral acts. The promises in verse 17 directly counteract these temptations: instead of the "food offered to idols" or acceptance from pagan society, the faithful are offered divine, secret manna and a stone signifying pure acceptance and a unique, divine identity, transcending all worldly accolades. The verse reminds them of the greater spiritual reality and rewards in Christ.

Revelation 2 17 Word analysis

• He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches: This is a recurring phrase across the letters to the seven churches (οὖς, ous - "ear"; ἀκούω, akouō - "to hear"). It is not merely a call to physical hearing, but an exhortation to spiritual understanding and obedience. It emphasizes the universal relevance of the Spirit's message beyond the immediate recipient church, applying to all churches and believers through all ages.
• To him who overcomes (νικῶν, nikōn): Refers to spiritual triumph and perseverance against the pressures of the world, false teaching, persecution, and compromise. In Pergamum, this meant resisting emperor worship, idolatry, and immoral doctrines that the Nicolaitans and those following "Balaam's teaching" were promoting. It denotes enduring faith despite adversity.
• I will give him some of the hidden manna to eat:
  • Hidden manna (τοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου, tou manna tou kekrymmenou): This speaks to divine provision and spiritual sustenance. It contrasts with the physical manna given in the wilderness (Exod 16), which sustained physical life. It also alludes to the jar of manna kept hidden within the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's faithfulness and a sacred, untouched relic (Heb 9:4).
  • The "hidden" aspect suggests it is a spiritual food, not seen by the world, but personally given by Christ to the faithful. It symbolizes profound spiritual nourishment and a secret fellowship with God, hinting at a Messianic banquet or eternal life through Christ, who is the true "bread of life" (John 6:32-35).
• And I will give him a white stone (ψῆφον λευκήν, psēphon leukēn - "stone white"): This symbol carries multiple layers of meaning rooted in ancient practices, all suggesting favor, approval, and privilege:
  • Judicial acquittal: In ancient courts, a white stone symbolized a vote for acquittal, meaning "not guilty," while a black stone meant conviction. This implies justification and forgiveness from God for those who overcome.
  • Admission/Acceptance: White stones were also used as tickets or tokens for entry to banquets, festivals, or private assemblies. This signifies acceptance into God's eternal presence and participation in divine communion, especially the Lamb's Wedding Supper.
  • Honour/Victory: A white stone or pebble might also have been given to victorious athletes or esteemed guests as a sign of honor or privilege. This suggests divine honor for faithful endurance.
• with a new name written on the stone which no one knows except him who receives it:
  • New name (ὄνομα καινόν, onoma kainon): This signifies a transformed identity, a fresh beginning, and a deep, intimate relationship with God. In ancient cultures, receiving a new name from a ruler or god signified ownership, special status, or a new calling (e.g., Abraham, Jacob).
  • No one knows except him who receives it: This emphasizes the uniquely personal and intimate nature of this identity and relationship. It suggests a profound level of communion between Christ and the individual believer, a bond that is exclusively shared and understood between them. This divine identity surpasses all earthly recognition or renown.

Revelation 2 17 Bonus section

The specific choice of "hidden manna" not only refers to the manna hidden in the Ark but also possibly hints at a future eschatological meal with Christ, drawing parallels to rabbinic traditions that spoke of a hidden manna reserved for the righteous in the age to come. This elevates the reward from a simple historical provision to an eternal, heavenly banquet. The exclusivity of "which no one knows except him who receives it" for the new name emphasizes the unique, unsharable bond between the individual believer and Christ. It speaks of a specific knowledge of God's heart for that individual, known and understood only by them in His presence, highlighting the ultimate intimacy of eternal salvation and relationship with God. This deeply personal reward transcends all earthly concepts of status or identity, offering a singular, divinely bestowed recognition.

Revelation 2 17 Commentary

Revelation 2:17 delivers a rich tapestry of spiritual promises to the church in Pergamum, and by extension, to all believers who persevere in faithfulness against the pervasive influence of sin and apostasy. In a city dominated by pagan cults and the demands of emperor worship, where compromising beliefs led many astray, Christ offers a three-fold reward to those who overcome. The "hidden manna" speaks of a secret, supernatural sustenance, reminding believers that true spiritual life comes only from God, contrasting with the spiritually empty food offered to idols. It points to Christ Himself as the true Bread of Life, providing an intimate nourishment available only to the faithful. The "white stone" powerfully symbolizes divine justification and complete acceptance; like an ancient acquittal verdict, it declares the faithful believer pure and blameless before God. Furthermore, it implies privileged access into God's presence, marking them as His chosen ones. Finally, the "new name written on the stone" represents a profoundly personal, unique, and eternal identity granted by God, known only in the deepest communion between the believer and Christ. This new name signifies not only divine ownership but also a unique relationship that transcends any earthly identity or status, affirming an intimate, personal fellowship with the Risen Lord in eternity. This promise served to encourage the beleaguered believers to remain steadfast, for their reward was far greater and more personal than anything the world could offer or take away.