Revelation 2:17

[Kathi]

Revelation 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’
What do you think the "white stone" is mentioned in this passage?

 

[jeff77]

I have heard that the Greeks gave out little white stones as a reward for winning sporting events during Bible times. Maybe it symbolizes a heavenly reward to "overcomers"?

 

[Kathi]

I have heard that the Greeks gave out little white stones as a reward for winning sporting events during Bible times. Maybe it symbolizes a heavenly reward to "overcomers"?

That is what I have heard too

 

[Kathi]

One explanation is that the white stone may be a translucent precious stone such as a diamond.The word translated "white" in Revelation 2:17 is leukos and can also mean "brilliant,bright".This interpretation holds that on the stone is written the name of Christ,not the name of the believer.Revelation mentions that the name of Christ is written on the foreheads of saints Revelation 3:12;Revelation 14:1.
This is just one of several views.

 

[Deborah13]

I have heard that the Greeks gave out little white stones as a reward for winning sporting events during Bible times. Maybe it symbolizes a heavenly reward to "overcomers"?

Adam Clarke has a really interesting section about this and other stones that were used by the Romans for different things contracts, friendships, hospitality, etc. Here's the link if you are interested.
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/revelation/2.htm

 

[Sinthesis]

Adam Clarke has a really interesting section about this and other stones that were used by the Romans for different things contracts, friendships, hospitality, etc. Here's the link if you are interested.
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/revelation/2.htm

Roman catapult ammo?

 

[Deborah13]

Roman catapult ammo?

 

[Butch5]

Revelation 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’
What do you think the "white stone" is mentioned in this passage?

As I understand it in that time when one was before the court and judged they were given either a white stone as a judgment of not guilty or a black stone indicated that the judgment was guilty

 

[Deborah13]

As I understand it in that time when one was before the court and judged they were given either a white stone as a judgment of not guilty or a black stone indicated that the judgment was guilty

Adam Clarke and other commentators point this out to. It was done in Greece and Rome.

 

[Butch5]

Adam Clarke and other commentators point this out to. It was done in Greece and Rome.

OK, thanks!

 

[Kathi]

• One of the better-accepted explanations of the white stone has to do with the high priest’s breastplate, which contained twelve stones. Each of these stones had the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on it (Exodus 28:21). As he ministered in the temple, the high priest bore the names of God’s people into God’s presence. In the same way, the “white stone” with the believer’s name written on it could be a reference to our standing in God’s presence.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/white-stone-new-name.html#ixzz35ybj0sQA

 

[Butch5]

• One of the better-accepted explanations of the white stone has to do with the high priest’s breastplate, which contained twelve stones. Each of these stones had the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on it (Exodus 28:21). As he ministered in the temple, the high priest bore the names of God’s people into God’s presence. In the same way, the “white stone” with the believer’s name written on it could be a reference to our standing in God’s presence.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/white-stone-new-name.html#ixzz35ybj0sQA

Hi Kathi,

The white stone is given to those who overcome. It would seem that it's meaning would be connected to overcoming that is why I believe the judicial explanation is correct. The one who overcomes this world will be judged righteous.

 

[Kathi]

Hi Kathi,

The white stone is given to those who overcome. It would seem that it's meaning would be connected to overcoming that is why I believe the judicial explanation is correct. The one who overcomes this world will be judged righteous.

I don't know if we know which one is truly correct until we receive it.

 

[phil marriner]

The white stone was used in the ancient world as a sort of admission ticket to public function or as a voting ballot. White stones were sometimes engraved with the name of victorious gladiators. They were also used in the courts to indicate a “not guilty” verdict, black to indicate “guilty” (Ford 400, Robertson, 307). The faithful follower of Christ will be declared forever NOT GUILTY before God.

On the white stone would be engraved a secret new name. In ancient cultures a name was not just a handle for a person as it is in our culture today. To the ancient world a persons name was a reflection of his or her character and personality, and as an extension of their authority. A new name was often given after recovery from a serious illness or after a life-changing event (as in the case of Jacob / Israel and Saul / Paul).

The nations will then see your saving justice,
And all kings your glory,
And you will be called a new name
Which Yahweh’s mouth will reveal.