King James Version

What Does Revelation 2:17 Mean?

Revelation 2:17 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 2:17 · KJV


Context

15

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

16

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

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.

18

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

19

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 2:17 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 39 words
1 of 39
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔχων2 of 39

He that hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

οὖς3 of 39

an ear

G3775

the ear (physically or mentally)

ἀκουσάτω4 of 39

let him hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τί5 of 39

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τὸ6 of 39
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα7 of 39

the Spirit

G4151

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

λέγει8 of 39

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ταῖς9 of 39
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίαις10 of 39

unto the churches

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τῷ11 of 39
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νικῶντι12 of 39

that overcometh

G3528

to subdue (literally or figuratively)

δώσω13 of 39

will I give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ14 of 39

To him

G846

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

φαγεῖν15 of 39

to eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ16 of 39

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ17 of 39
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μάννα18 of 39

manna

G3131

manna (i.e., man), an edible gum

τοῦ19 of 39
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεκρυμμένου20 of 39

the hidden

G2928

to conceal (properly, by covering)

καὶ21 of 39

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δώσω22 of 39

will I give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ23 of 39

To him

G846

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

ψῆφον24 of 39

stone

G5586

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

λευκὴν25 of 39

a white

G3022

white

καὶ26 of 39

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπὶ27 of 39

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν28 of 39
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψῆφον29 of 39

stone

G5586

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

ὄνομα30 of 39

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

καινὸν31 of 39

a new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

γεγραμμένον32 of 39

written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

33 of 39

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐδεὶς34 of 39

no man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἔγνω35 of 39

knoweth

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

εἰ36 of 39
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ37 of 39
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

38 of 39
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαμβάνων39 of 39

he that receiveth

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 2:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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