Why is God going to give us a white stone with a new name?
Revelation 2:17
ESV - 17 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, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.
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Asked July 01 2013
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Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
In the Bible, there is only one reference to God giving us a white stone with a new name: "To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white s...
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Blessing Bisong
Supporter
First, understanding that the scriptures are not literal is the key to understanding And unlocking God's mind for his people. Prov 25:2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honour of kings to search it out. As we spend time with The Lord he reveals and expands his word to us. To address the question, when The Lord promises to give us the hidden manner, he is simply saying as we overcome in our walk with him, he will open up the scriptures more and more to us. Manna speaks of bread, which means the word of God. The Holy Spirit will take of the father and make it plain to us, so that we can walk in victory. The white stone - As we overcome, he will inscribe his Devine nature in us. His Divine nature is the new name. We are overshadowed by his presence and glory, so much so that his very nature radiates through us, then we can truly be called the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We will begin to walk in righteousness and in holiness before him.
Kenneth Heck
Supporter
In Christianity we are like living stones making up the temple of God for priestly activities, and Christ is the headstone (1 Pet 2:4-5). In any temple the stones do not all perform the same function, although all are necessary. It depends on where they are placed what their formal function is. The white stone with the secret name within it is given to those who are victorious, who have overcome, and thus have been granted the closest position to the headstone of Christ within the temple. The stone and the new name is evidence of a higher priestly function for the person receiving it. Analogously in some churches a new name is given at baptism and some memento for the occasion.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Two comments on "white" and "stone" are included: 1 "White" or “bright.” The Greek term λευκός (leukos) can refer either to the color white (traditional here) or to an object that is bright or shining, either from itself or from an outside source of illumination (L&N 14.50; 79.27). 2 On the interpretation of the stone, L&N 2.27 states, “A number of different suggestions have been made as to the reference of ψῆφος in this context. Some scholars believe that the white ψῆφος indicates a vote of acquittal in court. Others contend that it is simply a magical amulet; still others, a token of Roman hospitality; and finally, some have suggested that it may represent a ticket to the gladiatorial games, that is to say, to martyrdom. The context, however, suggests clearly that this is something to be prized and a type of reward for those who have ‘won the victory.’” Fruit of Thy gracious lips, on me Bestow that peace unknown, The hidden manna, and the tree Of life, and the white stone. -- Wesley My second paragraph then would agree with Michael's last paragraph.
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
Why will God give us a white stone with a new name? At Revelation 2:17, the glorified Christ Jesus promises concerning the Christian conqueror: "I will give him a white pebble ['stone,' KJV], and upon the pebble a new name written which no one knows except the one receiving it." The word "pebble" here translates the Greek word pseʹphon. The apostle Paul uses the word when he recounts his former persecution of Christians, saying: "I cast my vote [pseʹphon; literally, (voting) pebble] against them." (Ac 26:10) Pebbles were used in courts of justice to render judgment or voice an opinion of innocence or guilt. White pebbles were used to pronounce innocence and acquittal; black ones to pronounce guilt and condemnation. The white pebble given to the conqueror therefore appears to mean Jesus' judgment of him as innocent, pure, clean, passing Christ's approval as a disciple. In Revelation 2:17, the white stone is presented as part of a promise to those who "overcome." The image draws from several ancient practices in which a stone carried meaning connected to acceptance, identity, and privilege. The passage uses this familiar object to express a spiritual truth through a symbol. In Revelation, this becomes a picture of the status granted to those who remain faithful. It signifies being acknowledged and received. White stones were also used as admission tokens. At certain gatherings or feasts, a marked stone served as a personal pass that allowed entry. The stone given in Revelation carries a "new name," suggesting a personal designation known only to the one who receives it. This connects the symbol to the idea of being granted access to something reserved, a place or privilege not open to all. It expresses the assurance that the faithful are welcomed into what God has prepared. The new name written on the stone emphasises personal emphasis. In biblical tradition, a name often represents character, identity, or relationship. A new name indicates a new standing or role. It is not a public label but something intimate, known between God and the individual. This suggests a relationship marked by direct acknowledgement, where the person is not treated as part of a crowd but as someone individually known. The stone's whiteness carries its own meaning. White is associated with purity, victory, and honour. It reflects the idea of being granted a place among those who have endured and remained loyal. The stone becomes a symbol of triumph, not through power, but through steadfastness. Pairing the white stone with the hidden manna in the same verse strengthens the theme. The manna represents inward sustenance; the stone represents personal acceptance. Together they form a picture of being upheld and recognised; the stone is not a physical object but a symbolic expression of what God grants to those who overcome: a secure identity, a place of belonging, and a relationship marked by personal knowledge. Different traditions emphasise the symbol. Some focus on the stone as a sign of acquittal. Others highlight its role as an admission token. Some view the new name as representing the transformed identity of the faithful. All these interpretations share the central idea that the white stone expresses acceptance, honour, and personal recognition. In summary, the white stone with a new name in Revelation 2:17 symbolises acceptance and being given a distinct identity by God. It draws on ancient uses of stones to convey acquittal, access, and personal designation. The new name marks a relationship in which the faithful are known and honoured individually.
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