Revelation 3:15

KJV

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

KJV (with Strong's)

I know {G1492} thy {G4675} works {G2041}, that {G3754} thou art {G1488} neither {G3777} cold {G5593} nor {G3777} hot {G2200}: I would {G3785} thou wert {G1498} cold {G5593} or {G2228} hot {G2200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I know what you are doing: you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were either one or the other!

Berean Standard Bible

I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other!

American Standard Version

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Revelation 3:15, Jesus delivers a scathing rebuke to the church in Laodicea, declaring His intimate knowledge of their spiritual condition: they are neither passionately devoted ("hot") nor overtly opposed ("cold"), but rather spiritually indifferent and complacent ("lukewarm"). This state of apathy is so abhorrent to Christ that He expresses a strong desire for them to be decisively one or the other, setting the stage for the severe consequence of their tepid faith in the subsequent verse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 3:15 is the penultimate verse in the letter to the church in Laodicea, the seventh and final of the seven churches addressed by Jesus Christ in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches"). These letters follow a consistent pattern, beginning with an address from Christ, a description of His attributes relevant to the specific church, commendation (though absent for Laodicea), rebuke, exhortation, and a promise to the overcomer. The Laodicean letter stands out for its complete lack of commendation, highlighting the severe spiritual deficiency of this congregation. Its placement as the final letter may also signify a climactic warning against spiritual complacency, a condition particularly dangerous as the church approaches the end times.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Laodicea was renowned for its immense wealth, derived from its banking industry, its production of fine black wool garments, and a famous eye salve (collyrium) made from Phrygian powder. This material prosperity fostered a spirit of self-sufficiency among its citizens, including the church members. Crucially, Laodicea's water supply was a defining feature. It received water via aqueducts from two distant sources: hot medicinal springs from Hierapolis to the north and cold, refreshing springs from Colossae to the east. By the time the water reached Laodicea, it was neither hot enough to be therapeutic nor cold enough to be refreshing; instead, it was lukewarm, often filled with mineral deposits, and notorious for its nauseating effect. This physical reality provides the vivid and potent metaphor for the spiritual condition of the Laodicean church, who, despite their material riches, were spiritually impoverished and distasteful to Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces the theme of **spiritual indifference** or **lukewarmness**, portraying it as a state more detestable to Christ than outright opposition. It contrasts the ideal of **fervent devotion** (symbolized by "hot") and even a clear, if opposing, stance (symbolized by "cold") with the dangerous middle ground of complacency. The verse also implicitly highlights the theme of **divine knowledge and judgment**, as Jesus declares, "I know thy works," emphasizing His perfect understanding of their true spiritual state, regardless of their self-perception. This sets the stage for the call to **genuine repentance** and **wholehearted commitment** that follows in [Revelation 3:18-19](/revelation/3-18-19 "Revelation 3:18-19 - Christ's Counsel to Laodicea"), urging them to buy "gold tried in the fire" and "white raiment" from Him, rather than relying on their own perceived wealth. The broader message underscores that true faith is not passive but active and zealous, a concept echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Romans 12:11](/romans/12-11 "Romans 12:11 - Fervent in Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eídō (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, translated "I know," signifies a deep, experiential understanding, not merely intellectual awareness. It implies Christ's perfect, penetrating insight into the true spiritual condition and "works" (deeds, actions, character) of the Laodicean church, cutting through any superficial appearances or self-deception. It underscores His divine omniscience and authority as the one who searches hearts.
* **érgon (Greek, _érgon'_):** Translated "works," this term refers to toil, effort, or an act. In this context, it encompasses the collective actions, character, and spiritual output of the Laodicean church. Christ's declaration that He "knows their works" implies that their deeds reveal their inner spiritual state—a state of lukewarmness, lacking genuine spiritual fervor or impactful fruit.
* **psychrós (Greek, _psychrós'_):** Meaning "chilly" or "cold," this word, when applied to the Laodiceans, represents a state of spiritual uselessness or even outright opposition to Christ. While seemingly negative, a "cold" state is at least definite and clear, potentially leading to a decisive turning point, either to repentance or open rejection. It is distinct from indifference.
* **zestós (Greek, _zestós'_):** Meaning "boiled" or "calid," and figuratively "fervent," this word describes a state of spiritual passion, zeal, and active devotion to God. Like the hot springs of Hierapolis, it implies a beneficial, therapeutic, and invigorating spiritual life, characterized by fervent love, evangelism, and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I know thy works,"**: This opening phrase establishes Christ's divine authority and omniscience. He is not judging based on rumor or external appearance, but on a complete and intimate understanding of their deeds, character, and spiritual reality. Their "works" are the outward manifestation of their inner spiritual temperature.
* **"that thou art neither cold nor hot:"**: This is the core diagnosis of the Laodicean church's spiritual malady. They are not "hot" (fervent, zealous, passionately devoted to Christ and His mission), nor are they "cold" (either refreshingly useful, like cold spring water, or definitively opposed, which at least allows for a clear choice). Instead, they exist in a state of spiritual apathy, indifference, and complacency—a dangerous middle ground that is spiritually unproductive and unacceptable to Christ.
* **"I would thou wert cold or hot."**: This expresses Christ's profound displeasure and strong desire for a decisive spiritual state. His preference for either "cold" or "hot" over "lukewarm" highlights that spiritual neutrality is anathema to Him. A clear stance, even one of opposition, is preferable to a comfortable, self-satisfied apathy, which offers no potential for growth, repentance, or true engagement.

#### Literary Devices
The dominant literary device in [Revelation 3:15](/revelation/3-15 "Revelation 3:15 - The Lukewarm Church of Laodicea") is **Metaphor**. The spiritual condition of the Laodicean church is vividly compared to the city's notorious lukewarm water supply. Just as the tepid water was unpalatable and nauseating, so too was their spiritual indifference to Christ. This metaphor extends to the desired states of "cold" (refreshing or decisively opposed) and "hot" (zealous, fervent, useful). There is also an element of **Irony** present, as Laodicea, a city proud of its material wealth and self-sufficiency, is spiritually bankrupt in Christ's eyes. His statement, "I would thou wert cold or hot," also carries a degree of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the intensity of His aversion to their lukewarmness and His profound desire for a clear, decisive commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of genuine faith and the divine expectation of wholehearted commitment. It underscores that true discipleship is not a passive or comfortable endeavor but demands fervent passion and active engagement. Christ's rejection of lukewarmness reveals that spiritual neutrality is an illusion; a lack of decisive commitment is, in itself, a form of rejection. This passage challenges believers to examine their hearts, ensuring their faith is characterized by zeal and active love, rather than complacency born of self-sufficiency or worldly comfort. It highlights God's desire for a passionate relationship, one that is either fully engaged or clearly disengaged, rather than a tepid, ineffective pretense.

* [Revelation 3:16](/revelation/3-16 "Revelation 3:16 - The Consequence of Lukewarmness")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")
* [Romans 12:11](/romans/12-11 "Romans 12:11 - Fervent in Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:15 stands as a timeless and piercing challenge to every believer and every church. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that spiritual apathy can be more offensive to Christ than outright rebellion, precisely because it lacks the potential for true repentance or engagement. In a world that often encourages comfort and compromise, this verse calls us to radical self-examination: Are we truly "hot" for Christ, burning with passion for His glory, His Word, and His mission? Or are we "cold," perhaps clearly defined in our beliefs, even if struggling, and thus open to a decisive turning? Or, most dangerously, are we "lukewarm," comfortable in our faith, going through the motions, yet lacking genuine fervor, sacrifice, or transformative power? This verse is a wake-up call to shed spiritual complacency, to repent of indifference, and to pursue a vibrant, active, and wholehearted relationship with Jesus Christ, allowing Him to ignite a fervent spirit within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my spiritual life might be characterized as "lukewarm" rather than "hot" or "cold"?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a fervent passion for Christ, or does it reflect spiritual indifference?**
* **What practical steps can I take to move from spiritual complacency to a more zealous and committed walk with God?**
* **In what ways might my self-perception of spiritual health differ from Christ's assessment, as seen in the Laodicean example?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "cold" and "hot" in this context?**

Answer: In [Revelation 3:15](/revelation/3-15 "Revelation 3:15 - The Lukewarm Church of Laodicea"), "hot" (Greek _zestós_) refers to a state of fervent spiritual passion, zeal, and active devotion to Christ. It implies a life characterized by burning love, purposeful service, and spiritual vitality, much like the therapeutic hot springs of Hierapolis. "Cold" (Greek _psychrós_), in contrast, is often interpreted in two ways: either as refreshingly useful, like cold spring water that quenches thirst and invigorates, or as outright opposition to Christ. While seemingly negative, the "cold" state is at least definite and clear; it is a decisive stance that, unlike lukewarmness, might still lead to a clear choice for or against Christ, or even a recognition of need. The key is that both "hot" and "cold" are useful or decisive, whereas "lukewarm" is neither.

**Why is being "lukewarm" worse than being "cold" in Christ's eyes?**

Answer: Jesus declares that He would prefer the Laodiceans to be "cold" or "hot" because lukewarmness represents a state of spiritual indifference, apathy, and self-satisfied complacency that is utterly useless and distasteful to Him. Like the nauseating lukewarm water of Laodicea, it is neither beneficial (like hot, medicinal water) nor refreshing (like cold, pure water). A "cold" person, whether an unbeliever or one overtly opposed, at least has a clear position, which can be confronted with the truth of the Gospel and potentially lead to a decisive conversion. A "hot" person is passionately devoted and fruitful. But a "lukewarm" person, who claims to follow Christ but lacks genuine fervor, commitment, or spiritual impact, is in a deceptive and dangerous state. They are comfortable in their spiritual mediocrity, believing they are sufficient, and thus are unlikely to recognize their need for repentance or radical transformation, making them spiritually stagnant and abhorrent to the Lord, as implied by the threat to "spew" them out in [Revelation 3:16](/revelation/3-16 "Revelation 3:16 - The Consequence of Lukewarmness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:15, with its sharp rebuke of lukewarmness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Christ is the embodiment of spiritual fervor and unyielding commitment, never lukewarm in His devotion to the Father or His mission of redemption. His life was a consistent demonstration of being "hot"—burning with zeal for God's house ([John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Zeal for God's House")), compassion for the lost ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Compassion for the Crowds")), and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/phil/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He calls His followers to a similar radical commitment, urging them to take up their cross daily ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")) and to love Him above all else ([Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Love for Christ Above All")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for believers to be transformed from spiritual indifference to fervent devotion, offering the "gold tried in the fire" and "white raiment" that the Laodiceans lacked ([Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - Christ's Counsel to Laodicea")). He is the source of true spiritual vitality, enabling His people to be "hot" for Him, not by their own efforts, but by abiding in Him and being filled with His Spirit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")). Thus, the call to be "hot" is ultimately a call to be deeply conformed to the image of Christ, who perfectly exemplified fervent love and unwavering obedience.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

James 1:8

A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.

1 Kings 18:21

¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

Revelation 2:4

Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Psalms 81:11

But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

Psalms 81:13

Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, [and] Israel had walked in my ways!