“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.”
My Notes
What Does Revelation 2:17 Mean?
Jesus promises the overcomers in Pergamos two rewards: hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it that no one knows except the one who receives it.
Hidden manna connects to the manna God provided in the wilderness — but this manna is hidden, secret, reserved. It is sustenance that the world cannot see or access. A private provision for the faithful.
The white stone in the ancient world had multiple associations: a vote of acquittal in a trial, an admission ticket to a banquet, or a token of intimate friendship. Each meaning enriches the promise: you are acquitted, you are invited, you are known.
The new name written on the stone is private — known only to the giver and the receiver. It represents an intimate, personal relationship between Christ and the individual believer that no one else shares. A secret name for a secret relationship.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does the 'hidden manna' represent — what secret sustenance does God provide for the faithful?
- 2.What might the white stone signify — acquittal, invitation, or intimate friendship?
- 3.What does a secret name from Jesus — known only to you and him — mean for your relationship?
- 4.How does the intimacy of these rewards compare to what the world values as success?
Devotional
I will give him to eat of the hidden manna. Sustenance that is secret. Provision that the world cannot see. Nourishment reserved for those who overcome. The manna is hidden — not public, not visible, not accessible to anyone except the one it is given to.
A white stone, and in the stone a new name written. A stone — acquittal, invitation, intimacy. The stone declares: not guilty. It grants access: you are welcome at the feast. It signifies closeness: you are known personally.
A new name which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. A name no one else knows. A private word between you and Christ. An identity so personal, so intimate, that it belongs to the two of you alone.
This is what the overcomer receives: secret nourishment, complete acquittal, and a private name from Jesus. The rewards are not public and flashy. They are intimate and hidden. The deepest gifts are the ones no one else sees.
The overcomer is not rewarded with fame or visible success. They are rewarded with intimacy — a secret name, hidden manna, a white stone that means something only they understand. The best rewards are between you and Jesus.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
He that hath an ear, let him hear,.... See Gill on Rev 2:7.
To him that overcometh; the Balaamites and Nicolaitans,…
He that hath an ear ... - notes on Rev 2:7. To him that overcometh - notes on Rev 2:7. Will I give to eat of the hidden…
The hidden manna - It was a constant tradition of the Jews that the ark of the covenant, the tables of stone, Aaron's…
Here also we are to consider,
I. The inscription of this message. 1. To whom it was sent: To the angel of the church of…
give to eat He shall receive the Bread of God (St Joh 6:32 sqq.) instead of communicating at the table of devils (1Co…
Cross References
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