Revelation 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχων
He that hath
G2192
ἔχων
He that hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 39
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 39
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 39
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 39
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαις
unto the churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίαις
unto the churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
10 of 39
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δώσω
will I give
G1325
δώσω
will I give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
13 of 39
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῷ
To him
G846
αὐτῷ
To him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 39
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 39
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δώσω
will I give
G1325
δώσω
will I give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
22 of 39
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῷ
To him
G846
αὐτῷ
To him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 39
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ψῆφον
stone
G5586
ψῆφον
stone
Strong's:
G5586
Word #:
24 of 39
a pebble (as worn smooth by handling), i.e., (by implication, of use as a counter or ballot) a verdict (of acquittal) or ticket (of admission); a vote
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 39
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
27 of 39
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 39
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψῆφον
stone
G5586
ψῆφον
stone
Strong's:
G5586
Word #:
29 of 39
a pebble (as worn smooth by handling), i.e., (by implication, of use as a counter or ballot) a verdict (of acquittal) or ticket (of admission); a vote
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
30 of 39
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
καινὸν
a new
G2537
καινὸν
a new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
31 of 39
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
γεγραμμένον
written
G1125
γεγραμμένον
written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
32 of 39
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
33 of 39
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
34 of 39
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἔγνω
knoweth
G1097
ἔγνω
knoweth
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
35 of 39
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
37 of 39
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Isaiah 62:2And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.Isaiah 65:15And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:Revelation 2:7He 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 tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.Revelation 2:11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.Revelation 14:3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.Revelation 3:6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.Revelation 3:22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.Isaiah 65:13Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, 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 ashamed:Colossians 3:3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.Psalms 36:8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 2:17 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 w... This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.