What is the hidden manna mentioned in Revelation 2:17?

Answer

In a portion of the Lord’s message to the church of Pergamum, we are told, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna” «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). The book of Revelation is an example of apocalyptic literature, which includes symbolism and at times unusual imagery in its presentation of prophecy. The reference to the “hidden manna” in the letter to Pergamum is one instance of such symbolism.

Simply put, the hidden manna symbolically represents Jesus Christ. Just as the manna provided during the Exodus sustained and fortified the Israelites throughout their forty years of wandering in the desert, Jesus spiritually sustains and strengthens us as we journey through life towards heaven. Jesus is the heavenly “manna”—the spiritual nourishment we require—and this is a promise to us.

Jesus Himself drew a parallel between the manna from Moses’ time and His own provision of salvation: “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. . . . This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever” (John 6:48-51, 58). The manna that sustained the Israelites was a

Foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Christ; the manna mentioned in Revelation 2:17 is another symbolic reference to Christ.

As a symbol, the hidden manna of Revelation 2:17 is not to be taken literally; in other words, Jesus is not speaking of something we literally eat. Rather, the Bread of Life is something we “ingest” in another, non-physical way. We receive the benefits of salvation by faith «But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: », (John 1:12).

The manna is “hidden” in that it is given exclusively to believers in Christ. Only believers will reap the benefits of salvation. The unbelieving world that rejects Christ will never know the joy and satisfaction of faith in Him.

The recipient of the hidden manna is specified in Revelation 2:17 as “the one who is victorious.” The overcomer is one who endures in his faith, despite trials and hardships. Overcomers are followers of Christ who successfully resist the power and temptation of this world. An overcomer holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. He demonstrates complete dependence upon the Lord Jesus through thick and thin. First John 5:4–5 encourages us that all who are born again will overcome this world: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

As we seek to remain faithful to Jesus, living in light of His death, burial, and resurrection for forgiveness of sins, and resisting the temptations of the world, we are promised goodness. The hidden manna from heaven will be ours. Even if the world cannot understand how, we will be strengthened. We will be sustained.