What does Revelation 2:17 mean?

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

Explanation

Revelation 2:17 contains a promise to believers who remain faithful. Breaking it down:

• “He that hath an ear, let him hear”: This phrase is an idiomatic expression urging those who are willing to understand and accept spiritual truths to listen attentively. It carries an implication that not everyone will receive or accept these truths.

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• “what the Spirit saith unto the churches”: The “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, who communicates God’s will to the believers. “Churches” signifies different Christian communities.

• “To him that overcometh”: The term “overcometh” is associated with prevailing against adversity, particularly in remaining faithful to Christian beliefs despite challenges and persecutions.

• “will I give to eat of the hidden manna”: Manna in the Old Testament was the supernatural food God provided to the Israelites in the desert. Here, “hidden manna” suggests spiritual nourishment that God provides to believers, which is not obvious to non-believers.

• “and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written”: The white stone may have several meanings; it could be a token of acquittal in a court of law, a ticket for admittance to a feast, or a symbol of special favor. The “new name” implies a new identity or status in the eyes of God, reflecting a personal and intimate relationship with Him.

• “which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it”: This clause suggests that the new name is a secret between God and the individual believer, further emphasizing the personal and unique relationship each believer has with God.

Historical Context

The Revelation of John, also known as the Apocalypse, is traditionally dated to the late 1st century during the reign of Emperor Domitian, a time when Christians faced persecution. The message in Revelation was meant to provide hope and encouragement to early Christians suffering under Roman rule. The use of symbolic language and imagery in the text, such as the “white stone” and “hidden manna,” can be partly attributed to the need for discretion during a period when direct Christian teachings could have led to prosecution or execution.

Theological Insights

The verse reveals several theological points:

• Perseverance in Faith: “To him that overcometh” signifies the importance of steadfastness in Christian faith despite trials.

• Divine Revelation and Reward: The offering of the “hidden manna” and the “white stone” suggests that there are spiritual rewards that God reveals to those who remain faithful.

• Personal Salvation: The new name written on the stone points to the concept of personal salvation and individual relationship with God.

Different theological perspectives may interpret these symbols differently; for example, some view the new name as representing an entirely new character in Christ, while others see it as a pledge of eternal life and union with God.

Practical Applications

Applying Revelation 2:17 to daily life:

• Christians can take comfort in God’s promise of spiritual sustenance and revival in difficult times.
• Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their trials are known to God and will be rewarded.
• The verse can be seen as a call to seek a more profound and personal relationship with God, going beyond external religious practices.

Cross-References

• “He that hath an ear, let him hear” is repeated in Revelation 2:7, 11, 29; 3:6, 13, and 22.
• The concept of “hidden manna” echoes the manna God provided the Israelites, as described in Exodus 16:14-35.
• The “new name” concept also surfaces in Revelation 3:12 and Isaiah 62:2.

Language Study

The original Greek phrases used in this verse add depth to the interpretation:

• “To him that overcometh” (τῷ νικῶντι, tō nikōnti): The participle νικῶντι denotes continuous action, suggesting ongoing victory or perseverance.

• “Hidden manna” (τοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου, tou manna tou kekrymménou): The adjective κεκρυμμένου means “hidden” or “concealed,” indicating something secret or not easily perceived.

• “White stone” (ψῆφον λευκήν, psēphon leukēn): “ψῆφον” refers to a small stone or pebble, which had various uses in antiquity, including casting votes and giving admission to events.

• “New name” (ὄνομα καινόν, onoma kainon): “καινόν” infers not just newness but also freshness and a difference in kind or quality from what was there before.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of receiving a new name or identity from a deity is not unique to Christianity and can be found in other ancient cultures and religions. In many of these, names are given by gods or represent a bond with the divine. Similarly, secret knowledge or hidden truths reserved for certain individuals is a common thread across mystery religions and esoteric traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

The allusion to “hidden manna” might be said to metaphorically resemble concepts from psychology about the unseen nourishment of the human psyche or inner being. While there are no direct scientific claims or analysis related to this verse, psychological interpretations of metaphorical sustenance are a possible area of intersection.

Commentaries

Commentaries reveal different interpretations of the symbols within Revelation 2:17:

• Some see the white stone as an ancient “ticket” to a banquet, representing an invitation to the heavenly feast.
• Others reference Roman customs where a juror would place a white stone in an urn to signify acquittal – thus the white stone could represent forgiveness of sins.
• The hidden manna is frequently associated with Jesus, the Bread of Life, who sustains believers spiritually.
• The new name is commonly believed to represent a transformed life in Christ, a clean break from the past, or a deeper revelation of one’s identity in Christ.

These varying interpretations demonstrate the richness and complexity of the symbolism found within the Book of Revelation.