Revelation 2:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
ἔχων
He that hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
οὖς
an ear
the ear (physically or mentally)
#4
ἀκουσάτω
let him hear
to hear (in various senses)
#5
τί
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#6
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
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
#8
λέγει
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#9
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐκκλησίαις
unto the churches
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#11
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
νικῶντι
that overcometh
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
#13
δώσω
will I give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#14
αὐτῷ
To him
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
#15
φαγεῖν
to eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#16
ἀπὸ
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#17
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
μάννα
manna
manna (i.e., man), an edible gum
#19
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
κεκρυμμένου
the hidden
to conceal (properly, by covering)
#21
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
δώσω
will I give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#23
αὐτῷ
To him
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
#24
ψῆφον
stone
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
#25
λευκὴν
a white
white
#26
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
ἐπὶ
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#28
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
ψῆφον
stone
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
#30
ὄνομα
name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#31
καινὸν
a new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#32
γεγραμμένον
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#33
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#34
οὐδεὶς
no man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#35
ἔγνω
knoweth
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#36
εἰ
if, whether, that, etc
#37
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#39
λαμβάνων
he that receiveth
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection