Revelation 2:17
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.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The promise of a "new name written on the stone" isn't just about a special identifier, but about an intimate, deeply personal revelation of identity and belonging that only the recipient can truly comprehend. This secret knowledge signifies a unique relationship with God, far beyond what the outside world can see or understand.
This passage comes at the end of a letter to the church in Pergamum, a city known for its political and religious compromises. Jesus has just rebuked them for tolerating those who held to false teachings and engaged in immoral practices. Therefore, this promise is given as a powerful incentive for believers to remain faithful amidst such pressures.
Imagine a feast so profound, its sustenance is hidden even from the world. What could this 'hidden manna' be, and why is it promised to those who conquer?
This promise points to a spiritual nourishment far deeper than physical sustenance. It contrasts the temporary manna God provided in the wilderness with a heavenly, enduring food.
The True Bread
While the manna in the Old Testament sustained Israel physically in the desert, this 'hidden manna' represents Christ Himself – the Bread of Life. To 'eat' of it is to partake in His very presence and power, finding true sustenance for the soul.
Beyond the Visible
The 'hidden' aspect suggests that this nourishment is not readily apparent to the world. It's a spiritual reality, a life lived with Christ, concealed with Him in God, and revealed to those who overcome. It's the ongoing provision of God's grace that sustains believers through life's challenges.
A white stone, a new name... what do these seemingly simple gifts signify for the one who conquers?
The white stone and the new name are profound symbols of intimate relationship, acceptance, and a transformed identity granted by God.
The White Stone: More Than Just a Pebble
While its exact origin is debated (ancient legal customs, tokens of friendship, or symbols of victory), the 'white stone' universally signifies favor, acquittal, and belonging. In a world that judges and condemns, this stone is a divine declaration of acceptance and purity. It’s a symbol of being declared righteous and worthy before God.
The New Name: A Personal Revelation
The new name written on the stone is deeply personal. It’s not just a new title but a revelation of one's true identity in Christ, known only to God and the recipient. This name reflects a transformed character and a unique relationship with God, signifying a deep, intimate knowledge that transcends worldly understanding.
Understand the original words
nikaō · Greek Verb
Refers to the act of overcoming the world, sin, and the devil through faith in Jesus Christ; it implies persevering in loyalty to God despite trials or persecution.
man · Hebrew Noun
Symbolically represents divine provision and spiritual sustenance provided by God, specifically referring to Christ as the bread of life that sustains the believer in their wilderness journey.
psēphos · Greek Noun
In the ancient world, this was used for various purposes, including legal acquittal (a 'not guilty' verdict) or a token of admission to a special event, symbolizing here the believer’s vindication and intimate relationship with Christ.
The imagery of 'hidden manna' and a 'white stone with a new name' draws deeply from Jewish tradition surrounding lost Temple artifacts and offers a profound promise of divine sustenance, intimate relationship, and a unique identity for those who remain faithful amidst persecution.
c. 587 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and deport many inhabitants to Babylon, ending the independent kingdom of Judah.
c. 400 BC - 100 BC
Development of Jewish Traditions
During the Second Temple period and under foreign rule, various Jewish traditions and interpretations of scripture emerge, including beliefs about hidden sacred artifacts.
c. 150 BC
Second Book of Maccabees Written
This apocryphal book records traditions, including Jeremiah hiding the Ark of the Covenant, the tent of meeting, and the altar of incense, fueling the idea of 'hidden' sacred items.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christianity, leading to the early church and the spread of the Gospel.
This passage speaks of Jesus as the Bread of Life, directly linking to the 'hidden manna' promise as the true spiritual sustenance that offers eternal life, unlike the earthly manna which couldn't prevent death.
Isaiah 62:2This verse describes a new name that the Lord will give to His people, echoing Revelation 2:17's promise of a new name written on a stone, symbolizing a new identity and relationship with God.
Zechariah 3:9The mention of a stone with 'seven eyes' here provides a symbolic link, suggesting that the 'white stone' in Revelation might represent a divine token with special knowledge or a mark of God's favor.
1 Corinthians 2:9This verse speaks of things 'prepared by God' that 'no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined,' which connects to the 'hidden manna' and the 'new name' known only to the recipient, hinting at heavenly realities beyond human comprehension.
Exodus 16:33This passage describes a pot of manna preserved in the Ark of the Covenant, which likely inspired the 'hidden manna' imagery, representing a sacred, memorial sustenance kept in God's presence.
ellicottRevelation 2:17: "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."
(17) To him that overcometh. —The promise should run thus:— To him that conquereth will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name graven, which no man knoweth, but he who…
pulpitRevelation 2:17: "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."
Verse 17. - He that hath an ear (see notes on ver. 7). To him that overcometh. Again it is made clear that the individual can free himself from the corruption and condemnation of his Church. He may live in the very abode o…
The promise of a "new name written on the stone" isn't just about a special identifier, but about an intimate, deeply personal revelation of identity and belonging that only the recipient can truly comprehend. This secret knowledge signifies a unique relationship with God, far beyond what the outside world can see or understand.
This passage comes at the end of a letter to the church in Pergamum, a city known for its political and religious compromises. Jesus has just rebuked them for tolerating those who held to false teachings and engaged in immoral practices. Therefore, this promise is given as a powerful incentive for believers to remain faithful amidst such pressures.
This passage comes at the end of a letter to the church in Pergamum, a city known for its political and religious compromises. Jesus has just rebuked them for tolerating those who held to false teachings and engaged in immoral practices. Therefore, this promise is given as a powerful incentive for believers to remain faithful amidst such pressures.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Revelation 2:17 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 95— this verse
Revelation Written
The Apostle John writes the Book of Revelation, likely while in exile on the island of Patmos, addressing seven churches in Asia Minor experiencing persecution and theological challenges.
"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 wh…" — The promise of a "new name written on the stone" isn't just about a special identifier, but about an intimate, deeply personal revelation of identity and belonging that only the recipient can truly c…
