Revelation 3:16

KJV

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} then because {G3754} thou art {G1488} lukewarm {G5513}, and {G2532} neither {G3777} cold {G5593} nor {G3777} hot {G2200}, I will {G3195} spue {G1692} thee {G4571} out of {G1537} my {G3450} mouth {G4750}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So, because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth!

Berean Standard Bible

So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!

American Standard Version

So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:16 delivers a potent and graphic warning from Jesus Christ to the church in Laodicea, condemning their spiritual indifference and lukewarmness. This verse encapsulates the severe consequence of a faith that lacks fervent commitment or clear conviction, presenting a powerful metaphor for spiritual apathy that is so repulsive to Christ that He vows to utterly reject them, likening their spiritual state to nauseating, tepid water.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 3:16 is part of the seventh and final letter to the churches in Asia Minor, specifically addressed to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). Each letter follows a similar structure, beginning with a self-description of Christ, followed by commendation (or lack thereof), rebuke, exhortation, and a promise to the overcomer. The letter to Laodicea is unique in that it contains no commendation, only a scathing rebuke for their spiritual complacency. This verse serves as the climax of Christ's indictment, immediately preceding His call for them to repent and buy true spiritual riches from Him, rather than relying on their material wealth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "cold," "hot," and "lukewarm" water is deeply rooted in Laodicea's unique geographical and economic situation. Laodicea was a wealthy city, renowned for its banking, its black wool industry, and its medical school, particularly known for an eye salve. However, unlike its neighboring cities, it lacked a natural, reliable water source. Hierapolis, located about six miles north, was famous for its therapeutic hot springs, rich in mineral deposits. Colossae, about ten miles east, was known for its refreshing, cold mountain water. Laodicea, by contrast, had an aqueduct system that brought water from these distant hot springs, but by the time it reached the city, it was tepid, often mineral-laden, and unpalatable—neither invigoratingly hot nor refreshingly cold. This physical reality serves as a vivid illustration for the spiritual state of the Laodicean church: they were neither spiritually zealous ("hot") nor clearly opposed to Christ ("cold"), but rather bland, ineffective, and spiritually nauseating to Him.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this verse and the broader letter to Laodicea is the danger of **spiritual indifference** and **complacency**. The church's lukewarmness is presented as a more offensive state than outright coldness, as it signifies a lack of genuine commitment and a pretense of faith without its transformative power. This directly contrasts with the fervent love and devotion expected by Christ, as seen in passages like [Matthew 22:37](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37 - The Greatest Commandment"). Another key theme is **divine judgment and rejection**, powerfully conveyed by the visceral image of Christ "spuing" them out of His mouth, which underscores the severity of God's intolerance for half-hearted faith. Implicit in this warning is also a call to **radical commitment and repentance**, urging the church to abandon its self-sufficiency and embrace a zealous, active faith, echoing the broader call for repentance found throughout the book of [Revelation](/revelation/3-19 "Revelation 3:19 - Call to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lukewarm (Greek, _chliarós'_):** This word, G5513, means "tepid" or "lukewarm." It refers to something that is neither hot nor cold, lacking any distinct quality or benefit. Spiritually, it signifies a state of indifference, apathy, and compromise—a lack of fervent commitment or clear conviction for Christ. It's a dangerous middle ground that offers no spiritual refreshment or healing.
* **hot (Greek, _zestós'_):** This word, G2200, means "boiled" or "calid," and figuratively, "fervent." In the context of the Laodicean water supply, it would refer to the therapeutic hot springs of Hierapolis. Spiritually, "hot" signifies zealous devotion, passionate commitment, and active engagement in faith, providing spiritual healing and vitality.
* **spue (Greek, _eméō'_):** This word, G1692, means "to vomit" or "to spew out." It is a strong, visceral term that conveys profound disgust and intolerance. Christ's use of this word emphasizes the utter repulsion He feels toward the Laodiceans' spiritual state, indicating a complete and forceful rejection rather than a mere dismissal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So then because thou art lukewarm":** This phrase directly addresses the Laodicean church, identifying their core spiritual problem. Their "lukewarmness" is not merely a lack of enthusiasm but a state of spiritual indifference and compromise that fails to honor Christ. It implies a superficial adherence to faith without genuine, transformative power or heartfelt devotion.
* **"and neither cold nor hot":** This further clarifies the nature of their lukewarmness by contrasting it with two distinct, and paradoxically, potentially more useful states. "Hot" represents fervent, zealous faith that is invigorating and healing, like the hot springs. "Cold" represents refreshing, life-giving faith, like pure mountain water, or perhaps even outright rejection, which, though opposing, at least presents a clear stance. The Laodiceans are neither, occupying a useless, unpalatable middle ground.
* **"I will spue thee out of my mouth.":** This is the stark and graphic consequence of their spiritual state. The verb "spue" (vomit) powerfully conveys Christ's utter disgust and revulsion. It signifies a complete and forceful rejection, a severance of relationship, highlighting that a half-hearted, indifferent commitment is utterly unacceptable to the Lord. It is a divine expulsion from His presence and fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 3:16 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The entire verse functions as an extended metaphor, where the physical properties of water—hot, cold, and lukewarm—symbolize spiritual states. "Hot" symbolizes zealous, fervent, and healing faith, while "cold" can symbolize refreshing, life-giving faith, or even a decisive, clear opposition. "Lukewarm" powerfully symbolizes spiritual apathy, indifference, and compromise, a state that is spiritually useless and nauseating. The phrase "I will spue thee out of my mouth" is an example of vivid **Imagery** and **Hyperbole**, employing a highly visceral and shocking action to convey the depth of Christ's revulsion and the severity of the impending judgment. This graphic language serves to underscore the gravity of spiritual complacency and to provoke a strong response from the hearers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The condemnation of lukewarmness in Revelation 3:16 underscores a profound theological truth: God desires wholehearted devotion and genuine commitment, not superficial adherence or indifferent religiosity. This verse highlights that spiritual apathy is not merely a minor flaw but a repulsive condition that jeopardizes one's relationship with Christ. It challenges the notion that a passive or compromised faith is acceptable, emphasizing that true faith must be active, fervent, and transformative, reflecting a deep love for God and His kingdom. The divine disgust expressed here serves as a potent reminder that God's covenant relationship demands fidelity and passionate engagement, rejecting any form of spiritual neutrality.

* [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")
* [James 1:8](/james/1-8 "James 1:8 - A double-minded man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:16 serves as a piercing mirror for believers today, challenging us to honestly examine the true depth of our faith and commitment. Are we truly "hot" with a fervent passion for Christ, actively pursuing His will and living out our faith with zeal? Or are we "cold," perhaps clearly rejecting Him or living in open rebellion, which, while tragic, at least presents a clear choice? Most dangerously, are we "lukewarm"—going through the motions of Christianity without genuine conviction, active love, or transformative power? This verse urges us to avoid spiritual complacency, where we might be comfortable in our routines, yet devoid of the vibrant, active faith that pleases God. It calls us to a radical re-evaluation, prompting us to shed indifference, repent of apathy, and embrace a life characterized by wholehearted devotion, active service, and an unquenchable love for God and others. It's a call to be fully devoted, to live with purpose, and to avoid the perils of spiritual apathy that can lead to divine disfavor and a severed relationship with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually lukewarm, lacking genuine passion or commitment to Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "hot" or "cold" (decisive) faith, moving away from spiritual indifference?**
* **How does my current level of commitment reflect my love for God and my desire to serve His kingdom?**
* **Am I allowing comfort or complacency to hinder my spiritual growth and effectiveness?**

### FAQ
**What does "lukewarm" mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: In a spiritual sense, "lukewarm" refers to a state of spiritual indifference, apathy, or compromise. It describes a person or church that is neither passionately devoted to Christ ("hot") nor openly hostile or rejecting of Him ("cold"). Instead, they exist in a comfortable, non-committal middle ground, going through the motions of faith without genuine fervor, conviction, or active engagement. This state is seen as particularly repulsive to Christ because it lacks the transformative power of true faith and offers no spiritual benefit, much like tepid, mineral-laden water. The letter to the church in Laodicea in [Revelation 3:14-22](/revelation/3-14-22 "Revelation 3:14-22 - The Letter to Laodicea") is a primary example of this condemnation.

**Why is being "lukewarm" worse than being "cold" or "hot"?**

Answer: From Christ's perspective, being "lukewarm" is worse because it signifies a deceptive and useless state. "Hot" faith is desirable because it is fervent, zealous, and brings healing and refreshment. "Cold" faith, while seemingly negative, could paradoxically be preferable because it represents a clear, decisive stance—either a refreshing, life-giving faith or an outright rejection, which at least allows for a clear point of engagement or repentance. Lukewarmness, however, is unpalatable and ineffective; it pretends to be something it is not, lacking any distinct quality or benefit. It implies a lack of integrity and a failure to live up to the calling of Christ, making it spiritually nauseating to Him. This is why Jesus declares, "I will spue thee out of my mouth," indicating utter rejection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 3:16 is a stern warning, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very reason Christ abhors lukewarmness is His own nature: He is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Christ, the Faithful Witness")), embodying perfect zeal and unwavering commitment to God's will. His life was one of absolute devotion, culminating in His fervent obedience even to death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He did not offer a half-hearted sacrifice; His love was "hot" and all-consuming, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, Christ's call to the lukewarm Laodiceans to "buy from me gold refined by fire... and white garments... and eye salve" ([Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - Christ's Counsel to Laodicea")) is an invitation to receive true spiritual riches and healing that only He can provide, freely given through His atoning work. He is the source of genuine spiritual fervor and integrity, and it is by drawing near to Him, through faith and repentance, that believers can be transformed from lukewarmness into a vibrant, Christ-like passion, reflecting the new creation He inaugurates ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Revelation 2:5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Zechariah 11:8

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.

Zechariah 11:9

Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.

Jeremiah 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.

Jeremiah 15:4

And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for [that] which he did in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 14:19

Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and [there is] no healing for us? we looked for peace, and [there is] no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!