Revelation 2:17
What does Revelation 2:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 2:17 means
The call to hear returns, and Jesus promises three gifts to the overcomer. First, “hidden manna” signals God’s secret provision—nourishment from Christ Himself in a world of idolatrous feasts. Second, a white stone may evoke acquittal or admission to celebration; whatever the precise background, it speaks of acceptance and honor from Christ. Third, on the stone a new name known only to the receiver signifies personal, intimate identity given by the Lord. In contrast to public compromise, these promises offer private fellowship, sustenance, and dignity that only Christ can bestow. Overcoming here means rejecting corrupt teaching and cleaving to Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who has ears, let him give ear to what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give of the secret manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name, of which no one has knowledge but he to whom it is given.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He who is having an ear--let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies: To him who is overcoming, I will give to him to eat from the hidden manna, and will give to him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, that no one knew except him who is receiving <FI>it<Fi> .
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh I will give the hidden manna and will give him a white counter: and in the counter, a new name written, which no man knoweth but he that receiveth it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him that overcomes, to him will I give of the hidden manna; and I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he that receives [it].
Context
This verse closes the letter to Pergamum. It balances the stern warning of verse 16 with tender, individualized rewards for faithfulness. The triple promise contrasts with the compromised teaching of verses 14–15: true food instead of idol feasts, true honor instead of worldly approval, and true identity instead of polluted association. With Pergamum’s message ended, the chapter turns to Thyatira (verses 18–29), the longest of the four letters here, mixing strong commendation with severe rebuke and expansive promises.
v.16Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
v.17This passage
v.18And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 3:32
For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; But his friendship is with the upright.
- Revelation 3:22
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
- Psalms 36:8
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; And thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
- Isaiah 65:13
Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be put to shame;
- Revelation 14:3
and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth.
- Colossians 3:3
For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
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