The white stone and a new name

[Xenia]

Rev 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.

There is so much about this verse that has always intrigued me. I would love to hear what your understanding of it is.

[Gina123]

I also find this very interesting. In the past I had read some information on it and about what some of the early ministers and teachers thought about it. There is a difference of opinion but no one seems to be dogmatic on it. I think some of the suggestions of the meaning are really good.

As far as the white stone, some point out that in the Greek Culture (which Greek thought and custom was prominant in the New Testament times) judgement was often pronounced by the giving of a white stone (for innocent or accepted) or a black stone (for guilty).

Another possibility is that a white stone was used as a token of membership or admission. Especially if it had a name inscribed on it. Thus it could be our entrance ticket to the messianic feast of the lamb that is spoken of later in Revelation. I like this meaning!

As far as the name on it...some think this is a new name that is given us by God that will denote who we are, or our position etc... Often names given here are just something our parents like, or named for a relative or whatever. God knows our name and its not that the name we have here is not 'good' but rather that He is showing such personal love and intimacy with us that he has a special name for each of us. And it may be that only He and that person will know what that special name is. I think it is not clear if that name will remain a secret or if it will become the name we are known by in the eternal future. I like the thought that this lovely white stone will be worn around our necks ---like the most precious necklace ever! I guess thats because I can't imagine carrying it in a 'pocket' or just hand carrying it around
("oops, I left my white stone back at the mansion")

The hidden manna could be Jesus himself---as He says He is the bread of life. We are to be partakers of his eternal life.

[Xenia]

Oh, I love what you have found out! I too have been doing some searching and have found similar ideas within different commentaries. As you have said there seems to be a variety of opinions concerning this verse. Barnes says of the white stone:

There has been a great variety of opinion in regard to the meaning of this expression, and almost no two expositors agree. Illustrations of its meaning have been sought from Grecian, Hebrew, and Roman customs, but none of these have removed all difficulty from the expression.

(1) A white stone was regarded as a token of favor, prosperity, or success everywhere - whether considered as a vote, or as given to a victor, etc. As such, it would denote that the Christian to whom it is said to be given would meet with the favor of the Redeemer, and would have a token of his approval.
(2) the name written on this stone would be designed also as a token or pledge of his favor - as a name engraved on a signet or seal would be a pledge to him who received it of friendship. It would be not merely a white stone - emblematic of favor and approval - but it would be so marked as to indicate its origin, with the name of the giver on it. This would appropriately denote, when explained, that the victor Christian would receive a token of the Redeemer’s favor, as if his name were engraven on a stone, and given to him as a pledge of his friendship; that is, that he would be as certain of his favor as if he had such a stone. In other words, the victor would be assured from the Redeemer, who distributes rewards, that his welfare would be secure.
(3) this would be to him as if he should receive a stone so marked that its letters were invisible to all others, but apparent to him who received it. It is not needful to suppose that in the Olympic games, or in the prizes distributed by Roman emperors, or in any other custom, such a case had actually occurred, but it is conceivable that a name might be so engraved - with characters so small, or in letters so unknown to all others or with marks so unintelligible to others - that no other one into whose hands it might fall would understand it. The meaning then probably is, that to the true Christian - the victor over sin - there is given some pledge of the divine favor which has to him all the effect of assurance, and which others do not perceive or understand. This consists of favors shown directly to the soul - the evidence of pardoned sin; joy in the Holy Spirit; peace with God; clear views of the Saviour; the possession of a spirit which is properly that of Christ, and which is the gift of God to the soul. The true Christian understands this; the world perceives it not. The Christian receives it as a pledge of the divine favor, and as an evidence that he will be saved; to the world, that on which he relies seems to be enthusiasm, fanaticism, or delusion. The Christian bears it about with him as he would a precious stone given to him by his Redeemer, and on which the name of his Redeemer is engraved, as a pledge that he is accepted of God, and that the rewards of heaven shall be his; the world does not understand it, or attaches no value to it.He also comments about the manna:

The true spiritual food; the food that nourishes the soul. The idea is, that the souls of those who “overcame,” or who gained the victory in their conflict with sin, and in the persecutions and trials of the world, would be permitted to partake of that spiritual food which is laid up for the people of God, and by which they will be nourished forever.What a neat little bit of intrigue and if this is inspiring just imagine what awaits us.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

[Gina123]

Xenia, I enjoyed what you wrote, from areas you have researched. It may be that the white stone will have the Lord's name on it. I don't know if that is Yahweh or something else but whatever that sacred name is, that might be on the stone. That would show that we belong to Him.

So whether its a certain name for us or His special name---the name on the white stone will be something very special I'm sure.

I love it that some of this is a mystery! He has a lot of wonderful things in store. Some are hinted at and some we will not know anything about until that day comes.