Keraia
Revelation 2

Revelation 2:17

To the Church in Pergamum · Revelation 2:12–17
Read Revelation 2

Translations

Modern
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.
Traditional
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.
Literal
The one having an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one overcoming, I will give to him the hidden manna, and I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except the one receiving it.
Latin
Qui habet aurem, audiat quid Spiritus dicat ecclesiis: Vincenti dabo manna absconditum, et dabo illi calculum candidum: et in calculo nomen novum scriptum, quod nemo scit, nisi qui accipit.

Original

Greek
English
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.

Notes

Revelation 2:17

  • Those who stay faithful to Christ will receive manna, which is nourishment from heaven (see Exodus 16:11–36).

  • hidden manna: During the exodus, people placed a jar of manna in the ark of the covenant (Exodus 16:33–36). Jewish tradition said that when the Messiah (God's chosen one) comes, the ark will reappear, and people will eat manna at the messianic banquet. Jesus is the bread from heaven and the bread of life (John 6:32–35; compare Exodus 16:4–21).

  • A white stone was often given to winners in athletic competitions, and people commonly used a white stone for admission to special banquets or festivities. It suggests acceptance and victory.

  • The new name probably refers to the recipient’s transformed nature in Christ (see Genesis 17:5; 32:28; John 1:42).

Revelation 2:12–17

The letter to the church in Pergamum describes Christians facing temptations to compromise their morals and loyalty to God. Pergamum was the first capital of the Roman province of Asia. The city had a famous library, and its people developed the use of animal skins for writing.

Revelation 2:1–3:22

The seven messages to the seven churches show the condition of Christ's church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to be faithful and honest. Those who listen to Christ's message will receive God's promised rewards. Those who do not will face judgment.

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Book of Revelation Bread Conversion White

Topics

Alchemy Church: Backslidden Colors: Scriptures Employing the Symbol Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Manna: Blessedness Given to Saints Manna: Figurative Names Pergamos: One of the |Seven Congregations| In Perseverance: General Scriptures Concerning Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone The Color White Travellers: Tesserae Hospitales or Pledges of Hospitality, Alluded To War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Eat of the Hidden Manna Warfare of Saints: They Who Overcome In, Shall: Have a White Stone, And, in It a New Name Written