This noun primarily means a small, smooth pebble or stone, which in ancient Greece served practical purposes like counting, voting, or gaming. In Acts 26:10, Paul says he 'cast his vote' (literally 'gave his pebble') against Christians, using the imagery of voting stones placed in urns. In Revelation 2:17, twice, Christ promises the one who overcomes 'a white stone, and on the stone a new name written'—possibly an image of acquittal, admission to the messianic banquet, or a token of intimate knowledge. The white pebble may echo jury votes, where white meant acquittal and black condemnation.