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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 2:12–17. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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 Pergamos. Whether this was a city raised up out of the ruins of old Troy, a Troy nouveau (as our London was once called), or some other city of the same name, is neither certain nor material; it was a place where Christ had called and constituted a gospel church, by the preaching of the gospel and the grace of his Spirit making the word effectual.
2.Who it was that sent this message to Pergamos: the same Jesus who here describes himself as one that hath the sharp sword with two edges (Rev 1:16), out of whose mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. Some have observed that, in the several titles of Christ which are prefixed to the several epistles, there is something suited to the state of those churches; as in that to Ephesus, what could be more proper to awaken and recover a drowsy and declining church than to hear Christ speaking as one that held the stars in his hand, and walked in the midst of the golden candlesticks? etc. The church of Pergamos was infested with men of corrupt minds, who did what they could to corrupt both the faith and manners of the church; and Christ, being resolved to fight against them by the sword of his word, takes the title of him that hath the sharp sword with two edges.
(1.)The word of God is a sword; it is a weapon both offensive and defensive, it is, in the hand of God, able to slay both sin and sinners.
(2.)It is a sharp sword. No heart is so hard but it is able to cut it; it can divide asunder between the soul and the spirit, that is, between the soul and those sinful habits that by custom have become another soul, or seem to be essential to it.
(3.)It is a sword with two edges; it turns and cuts every way. There is the edge of the law against the transgressors of that dispensation, and the edge of the gospel against the despisers of that dispensation; there is an edge to make a wound, and an edge to open a festered wound in order to its healing. There is no escaping the edge of this sword: if you turn aside to the right hand, it has an edge on that side; if on the left hand, you fall upon the edge of the sword on that side; it turns every way.
II.From the inscription we proceed to the contents of the epistle, in which the method is much the same as is observed in the rest. Here,
1.Christ takes notice of the trials and difficulties this church encountered with: I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, etc., Rev 2:13. The works of God's servants are best known when the circumstances under which they did those works are duly considered. Now that which added very much lustre to the good works of this church was the circumstance of the place where this church was planted, a place where Satan's seat was. As our great Lord takes notice of all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he takes notice of all the temptations and discouragements we meet with from the places where we dwell, and makes gracious allowances for them. This people dwelt where Satan's seat was, where he kept his court. His circuit is throughout the world, his seat is in some places that are infamous for wickedness, error, and cruelty. Some think that the Roman governor in this city was a most violent enemy to the Christians; and the seat of persecution is Satan's seat.
2.He commends their stedfastness: Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. These two expressions are much the same in sense; the former may, however, signify the effect and the latter the cause or means. (1.) "Thou holdest fast my name; thou art not ashamed of thy relation to me, but accountest it thine honour that my name is named on thee, that, as the wife bears the name of the husband, so thou art called by my name; this thou holdest fast, as thine honour and privilege." (2.) "That which has made thee thus faithful is the grace of faith: thou hast not denied the great doctrines of the gospel, nor departed from the Christian faith, and by that means thou hast been kept faithful." Our faith will have a great influence upon our faithfulness. Men who deny the faith of Christ may boast very much of their sincerity, and faithfulness to God and conscience; but it has been seldom known that those who let go the true faith retained their fidelity; usually on that rock on which men make shipwreck of their faith they make shipwreck of a good conscience too. And here our blessed Lord aggrandizes the fidelity of this church from the circumstance of the times, as well as of the place where they lived: they had been stedfast even in those days wherein Antipas his faithful martyr was slain among them. Who this person was, and whether there be anything mysterious in his name, we have no certain account. He was a faithful disciple of Christ, he suffered martyrdom for it, and sealed his faith and fidelity with his blood in the place where Satan dwelt; and though the rest of the believers there knew this, and saw it, yet they were not discouraged nor drawn away from their stedfastness: this is mentioned as an addition to their honour.
3.He reproves them for their sinful failures (Rev 2:14): But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, etc., and those that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. There were some who taught that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and that simple fornication was no sin; they, by an impure worship, drew men into impure practices, as Balaam did the Israelites. Observe,
(1.)The filthiness of the spirit and the filthiness of the flesh often go together. Corrupt doctrines and a corrupt worship often lead to a corrupt conversation.
(2.)It is very lawful to fix the name of the leaders of any heresy upon those who follow them. It is the shortest way of telling whom we mean.
(3.)To continue in communion with persons of corrupt principles and practices is displeasing to God, draws a guilt and blemish upon the whole society: they become partakers of other men's sins. Though the church, as such, has no power to punish the persons of men, either for heresy or immorality, with corporal penalties, yet it has power to exclude them from its communion; and, if it do not so, Christ, the head and lawgiver of the church, will be displeased with it.
4.He calls them to repentance: Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, etc., Rev 2:16. Observe here,
(1.)Repentance is the duty of saints as well as sinners; it is a gospel duty.
(2.)It is the duty of churches and communities as well as particular persons; those who sin together should repent together.
(3.)It is the duty of Christian societies to repent of other men's sins, as far as they have been accessory to them, though but so much as by connivance.
(4.)When God comes to punish the corrupt members of a church, he rebukes that church itself for allowing such to continue in its communion, and some drops of the storm fall upon the whole society.
(5.)No sword cuts so deep, nor inflicts so mortal a wound, as the sword of Christ's mouth. Let but the threatenings of the word be set home upon the conscience of a sinner, and he will soon be a terror to himself; let these threatenings be executed, and the sinner is utterly cut off. The word of God will take hold of sinners, sooner or later, either for their conviction or their confusion.
III.We have the conclusion of this epistle, where, after the usual demand of universal attention, there is the promise of great favour to those that overcome. They shall eat of the hidden manna, and have the new name, and the white stone, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it, Rev 2:17.
1.The hidden manna, the influences and comforts of the Spirit of Christ in communion with him, coming down from heaven into the soul, from time to time, for its support, to let it taste something how saints and angels live in heaven. This is hidden from the rest of the world - a stranger intermeddles not with this joy; and it is laid up in Christ, the ark of the covenant, in the holy of holies.
2.The white stone, with a new name engraven upon it. This white stone is absolution from the guilt of sin, alluding to the ancient custom of giving a white stone to those acquitted on trial and a black stone to those condemned. The new name is the name of adoption: adopted persons took the name of the family into which they were adopted. None can read the evidence of a man's adoption but himself; he cannot always read it, but if he persevere he shall have both the evidence of sonship and the inheritance.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
12 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But as the engrafted wild olive does not certainly lose the substance of its wood, but changes the quality of its fruit, and receives another name, being now not a wild olive, but a fruit-bearing olive, and is called so; so also, when man is grafted in by faith and receives the Spirit of God, he certainly does not lose the substance of flesh, but changes the quality of the fruit
The third order of the saints shows that they are men who are strong in faith, and who are not afraid of persecution; but because even among them there are some who are inclined to unlawful associations, He says:-
"Thou hast there some who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught in the case of Balak that he should put a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat and to commit fornication. So also hast thou them who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes; but I will fight with them with the sword of my mouth." That is, I will say what I shall command, and I will tell you what you shall do. For Balaam,22 with his doctrine, taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the eyes of the children of Israel, to eat what was sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication,-a thing which is known to have happened of old. For he gave this advice to the king of the Moabites, and they caused stumbling to the people. Thus, says He, ye have among you those who hold such doctrine; and under the pretext of mercy, you would corrupt others.
"To him that overcometh I will give the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone." The hidden manna is immortality; the white gem is adoption to be the son of God; the new name written on the stone is "Christian."
“To him who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna.” This manna is the invisible Bread which came down from heaven, which indeed was made man, so that “man might eat the bread of angels.” And the figure of this was indicated beforehand in the manna given in the desert. Whoever ate of that bread were said by the Lord to have died, because remaining faithless, they did not eat of this hidden and uniquely spiritual manna by which [Christ] offers immortality to the faithful. For he said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you will not have eternal life in you.” For, indeed, whoever at that time was able to eat spiritually, they were worthy to obtain the same immortality, as were Moses and others. As the apostle teaches, “They ate the same spiritual food.” For the visible manna was in no way detrimental to those who used the bodily food in a spiritual manner. So also now, the spiritual manna of the Lord’s body does not profit persons in the present if they receive it unworthily, for “they eat and drink judgment upon themselves.”
“And I shall give to him a white stone,” that is, the body made white by baptism. “And on the stone is written a new name,” that is, the knowledge of the Son of man. “Which no one knows except him who receives it.” That is, no one knows it except through revelation, and for that reason it is said of the Jews, “For had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
“And I will give him a white stone,” that is, the adoption of the sons of God. This stone is a precious gem and may be understood as similar to that pearl that the merchant found and valued as equal to all his possessions which he sold. Another translation renders this as “pearl.” “And upon the stone is a new name,” that is, the name of Christian, for which reason we read, “And you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will give.” And besides baptism I mention also martyrdom, “which no one knows except him who receives it.” Although hypocrites seem to bear the name superficially, they are unable to enter the power of its meaning, “having the form of religion but denying the power of it.” Therefore, the same John says, “He who says that he knows him but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
The “hidden manna” is “the Bread of Life” which came down from heaven for us and became edible. Figuratively, those good things are also called “manna” which are in the future going to come down from heaven, from where comes also the “new Jerusalem.” Those who conquer the devil shall obtain these things.
And on the stone a new name written. That we may be called and may be the sons of God.
What no one knows except the one who receives it. Because he who says he knows God and does not keep His commandments is a liar. The hypocrite does not taste how sweet the Lord is.
To him who overcomes I will give hidden manna. He who despises the enticement of the flesh, although hypocrites may urge it, will justly be filled with the sweetness of the invisible bread that came down from heaven.
And I will give him a white stone. That is, a body now made white by baptism, then shining with the glory of incorruption.
He, that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh, I will give the hidden manna. By the hidden manna he means the invisible bread that came down from heaven and was made man so that man might eat the bread of angels. [Cf. John 6:51; Ps. 77:24-25] This manna is now consumed in the sacrament by faith, and will someday be consumed in reality by sight, according to this saying of the Psalmist: I shall be filled when thy glory shall appear to me. [Variant of Ps. 16:15] Indeed if we translate manna, it means “What is this?”, which we say only of a thing we have not seen before. Therefore it is appropriate for that satiety of heavenly glory to be called manna, because, according to Paul's words, neither hath eye seen, nor hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love him. [Part of 1 Cor. 2:9] And will give him a white counter, and in the counter, a new name, which no man knoweth, but he that receiveth it. The counter is a precious stone which is also called carbuncle, because this stone is said to do the same as a kindled piece of coal, which shines in the darkness with the size in which it stopped. Therefore, what is indicated by the white counter but Jesus Christ, who appeared clean among men without any dark stain of sin, and illuminated the darkness of our mortality with the light of his divinity? The meaning is: I will make the one who triumphs over the author of death my coheir in the Father's kingdom. Another translation has “pearl” instead of counter. The new name he is talking about is “Christian,” which was previously unheard of, concerning which the Lord says through Isaiah to the Church, Thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord hath spoken. [Variant of Is. 62:2] Yet, since many who have been overcome by the Devil are called by this name, how is it that he promises to give it only to those who overcome, if not because the gift we must understand here is the one by which we know those who are predestined to life in the heavenly city have been chosen? Here it is suitably said after that, which no man knoweth, but he that receiveth it, as if he were saying, “No one defends the dignity of the Christian name by their life and manners but the one who has gained it through divine predestination to eternal life.” For knowing the name of Christ is about keeping the commandments, while receiving it is traced back to the grace of divine predestination.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna of the mystery. He said, in an indirect way, that he would grant him to be filled with the intelligible and future goods.
and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except the one who receives it. For it has been said, "what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man, what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Cor. 2:9)
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Summary
Revelation 2:17 concludes the message to the church in Pergamum with a profound series of promises to those who overcome the spiritual challenges of compromise and false teaching. It begins with the familiar call to spiritual discernment, urging believers to heed the Spirit's message to the churches. The core of the verse then unfolds three specific, intimate rewards for the faithful: the gift of hidden manna, symbolizing unique spiritual sustenance; a white stone, representing divine vindication and acceptance; and inscribed upon that stone, a new name known only to the recipient, signifying a deeply personal and intimate identity bestowed by God.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is the concluding promise in the third of seven letters dictated by the resurrected Christ to the churches in Asia Minor, delivered through the Apostle John. Each letter follows a similar structure, addressing a specific church, commending their faithfulness (if any), rebuking their failures, and offering a promise to "him who overcomes." The message to Pergamum, specifically, addresses the church's perilous existence in "Satan's seat" (Revelation 2:13), a city steeped in pagan idolatry and imperial cult worship. Despite some faithful members, the church is rebuked for tolerating those who hold to the "teaching of Balaam" and the "teaching of the Nicolaitans," which involved compromise with idolatrous practices and sexual immorality. The promises in Revelation 2:17 serve as a powerful counter-incentive to the temptations of compromise, offering divine intimacy and eternal provision far superior to any worldly gain.
Historical & Cultural Context
Pergamum was a prominent city, serving as the capital of the Roman province of Asia. It was a center of various pagan cults, including the worship of Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and Asclepius (god of healing, symbolized by a serpent, leading to the city's reputation as "Satan's seat"). Crucially, Pergamum was a hub for the imperial cult, where emperor worship was mandatory. Refusal to participate often led to persecution, as exemplified by Antipas, Christ's "faithful martyr" (Revelation 2:13). In this environment, the pressure to compromise with pagan practices or the imperial cult was immense. The "hidden manna" alludes to the manna God provided to Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16), and specifically the pot of manna kept in the Ark of the Covenant (Hebrews 9:4). The "white stone" (Greek: psēphos leukē) carries multiple cultural connotations: it could be a voting pebble for acquittal in a court of law, a ticket for admission to a special banquet or assembly, or a token of honor and friendship. The "new name" reflects ancient Near Eastern practices where a new name signified a new identity, status, or intimate relationship, often bestowed by a king or deity.
Key Themes
The overarching theme in Revelation 2:17 is Overcoming (Greek: nikaō), which is central to the entire book of Revelation, culminating in the victory of Christ and His followers over evil. This overcoming is not merely survival but an active triumph over spiritual and worldly pressures. Another key theme is Divine Provision and Sustenance, symbolized by the hidden manna, which contrasts sharply with the defiled food associated with idolatry. It points to Christ as the true source of life and nourishment, echoing themes found in John 6. The New Identity and Intimacy conveyed by the white stone and new name speaks to God's personal knowledge and acceptance of His faithful ones, offering a unique relationship that transcends earthly understanding and is a stark contrast to the loss of identity often associated with compromising one's faith in a pagan society. Finally, the repeated phrase "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" emphasizes the theme of Spiritual Discernment and Attentiveness to God's voice, which is crucial for navigating the deceptions and challenges of the world.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies "to subdue (literally or figuratively)," "to conquer," "to prevail," or "to get the victory." In the context of Revelation, it describes the enduring faithfulness of believers who, by the power of Christ, stand firm against persecution, false teaching, and the temptations of the world. It is a dynamic and active triumph, not passive endurance.
Meaning "to conceal (properly, by covering)," or "to keep secret," this word emphasizes the exclusive and intimate nature of the manna promised. It is not something publicly available or accessible to the world but a special, reserved provision for those who have proven their loyalty and overcome.
The word leukós means "white," signifying purity, victory, or joy. The word psēphos refers to "a pebble" used as a counter or ballot, implying a verdict (of acquittal) or a ticket (of admission). Combined, "white stone" here symbolizes divine approval, vindication from accusations, and privileged access or acceptance into God's presence, a mark of honor for the overcomer.
Verse Breakdown
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;"
This is a recurring refrain in each of the seven letters, serving as a solemn call to spiritual attentiveness and discernment. It implies that the message is not merely for the specific church addressed but for all believers across time, urging them to listen deeply to the Holy Spirit's communication, especially regarding the challenges of compromise and the rewards of faithfulness.
"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, "
This clause presents the first promise to the victorious believer. The "hidden manna" symbolizes a unique, spiritual sustenance provided directly by Christ. Unlike the physical manna given to Israel in the wilderness, which sustained them physically, this "hidden" spiritual manna represents the profound, life-giving nourishment found in Christ Himself, the true "Bread of Life" (John 6:35). Its "hidden" nature suggests an exclusive, intimate provision reserved for those who persevere in faith, inaccessible to the world.
"and will give him a white stone, "
The second promise is a "white stone." Drawing on ancient customs, this stone signifies divine acquittal, vindication, and acceptance. In a context where believers faced accusations and persecution, this promise assures them of God's ultimate approval and a place of honor and privilege in His presence, a mark of their justified status and belonging.
"and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it]."
The third and most personal promise is a "new name" inscribed on the white stone, known only to the recipient and God. This signifies a deeply intimate, unique, and personal identity bestowed by God upon the overcomer. It speaks of a renewed relationship and destiny, reflecting a profound level of divine recognition, acceptance, and belonging that transcends earthly understanding and is a testament to the unique bond formed through faithful perseverance.
Literary Devices
Revelation 2:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Symbolism is paramount, with the "hidden manna," "white stone," and "new name" each carrying rich layers of meaning derived from Old Testament allusions and Greco-Roman cultural practices. The "hidden manna" functions as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and intimate communion with Christ, contrasting with the physical manna and the defiled food of idolatry. The "white stone" is symbolic of divine favor, vindication, and privileged access. The "new name" symbolizes a transformed identity and a unique, intimate relationship with God. The verse also utilizes allusion, referencing the manna in the wilderness and the pot kept in the Ark of the Covenant, linking the New Testament promise to Old Testament divine provision. The repeated phrase "He that hath an ear, let him hear" acts as a refrain, emphasizing the importance of spiritual perception and drawing attention to the profound significance of the message for all who would listen.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 2:17 profoundly articulates God's faithfulness to those who remain steadfast amidst spiritual warfare and societal pressure. The promises of hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name speak to the deepest longings of the human spirit: for sustenance that truly satisfies, for vindication and acceptance, and for a unique, intimate identity known only to God. The "hidden manna" points to Christ as the ultimate spiritual nourishment, a provision far superior to any worldly offering or compromise. The "white stone" assures believers of their divine acquittal and privileged status in God's kingdom, a stark contrast to the condemnation and marginalization they might experience in the world. The "new name" signifies a personal and unique relationship with God, a profound intimacy that transcends human comprehension, affirming their secure and cherished place in His eternal family. These promises underscore the eschatological hope and the personal nature of God's reward for perseverance.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 2:17 serves as a powerful call to spiritual vigilance and unwavering faithfulness in a world that constantly tempts us to compromise our convictions. The opening exhortation, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches," reminds us of the crucial need for active spiritual discernment. In an age saturated with distractions and competing narratives, cultivating a sensitive ear to the Holy Spirit's voice is paramount for navigating truth from deception and standing firm against the subtle allure of worldly compromise. The promise to the "overcomer" challenges us to examine areas in our own lives where we might be tempted to dilute our faith for comfort, acceptance, or worldly gain. It assures us that true spiritual sustenance comes only from Christ, a "hidden manna" that satisfies far more deeply than any fleeting pleasure or earthly provision. Furthermore, the white stone and new name offer profound comfort, reminding us that our ultimate vindication, acceptance, and identity are found not in human approval or societal status, but in our intimate and unique relationship with God, a relationship forged and deepened through faithful perseverance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "hidden manna"?
The "hidden manna" symbolizes a unique, spiritual sustenance provided by Christ to His faithful followers. It alludes to the manna God provided to Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16) and specifically to the pot of manna that was kept within the Ark of the Covenant, hidden from public view (Hebrews 9:4). Theologically, it points to Jesus Christ Himself as the true "Bread of Life" (John 6:35), who offers eternal life and spiritual nourishment that the world cannot provide or understand. Its "hidden" nature emphasizes its exclusive and intimate character, reserved for those who overcome and remain in close communion with Him.
What does the "white stone" symbolize?
The "white stone" (Greek: psēphos leukē) carries multiple symbolic meanings from the ancient world, all of which resonate with the promise to the overcomer. It could represent: 1) A verdict of acquittal in a court of law, signifying divine vindication and freedom from condemnation. 2) A ticket or token for admission to a special feast, assembly, or privileged event, symbolizing acceptance into God's eternal presence and participation in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. 3) A mark of honor, distinction, or friendship, indicating God's personal approval and favor upon the faithful. In essence, it signifies divine affirmation, acceptance, and a privileged status in God's kingdom.
Why is the "new name" known only to the recipient?
The "new name" known only to the recipient and God signifies a deeply personal, unique, and intimate identity bestowed by God upon the overcomer. In biblical thought, a new name often indicates a new status, character, or destiny (e.g., Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel). The fact that this name is known only to God and the individual recipient underscores the profound intimacy of the relationship between the faithful believer and their Creator. It speaks of a level of divine recognition and belonging that transcends human understanding or public acknowledgment, reflecting a unique and cherished bond that is personally known and affirmed by God. It assures the believer of their secure and unique place in God's eternal family.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 2:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the quintessential overcomer, and through Him, in the life of every believer. Christ Himself declared, "I have overcome the world" (John 16:33), and it is His victory that empowers believers to overcome the spiritual battles they face. The "hidden manna" is fully realized in Christ, who proclaimed, "I am the bread of life" and "the living bread that came down from heaven" (John 6:48, 51). He is the spiritual sustenance that satisfies the deepest longings of the soul, offering eternal life and intimate communion that is hidden from the world but revealed to those who believe. The "white stone" represents the divine acquittal and acceptance that believers receive through Christ's atoning sacrifice. He is our righteousness, and through faith in Him, we are declared righteous before God (Romans 5:1). Finally, the "new name" points to the new identity and profound intimacy believers share with Christ. We are called children of God (1 John 3:1), and our very lives are "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). This new name signifies our unique belonging to Him, a personal relationship known and cherished by the One who "calls His own sheep by name" (John 10:3). Thus, every promise in Revelation 2:17 is a promise of deeper union with Christ, secured by His finished work on the cross and empowered by His indwelling Spirit.