The Greek word eméō, represented by G1692, means to vomit. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, but its single usage delivers a powerful and visceral image of rejection. The base definition is to "spue," conveying a forceful and complete expulsion.
The sole biblical appearance of G1692 is in the message to the church in Laodicea. In this context, the Lord declares, "because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth" Revelation 3:16. The use of eméō here is not a response to outright hostility, but to a state of spiritual indifference. This act of being spued out is presented as the direct consequence of this unacceptable lukewarmness.
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of this severe reaction:
- G5513 chliarós (lukewarm): This word, meaning "tepid," describes the spiritual condition that provokes the response. It is this state of being neither one thing nor the other that is found to be offensive Revelation 3:16.
- G2200 zestós (hot): Defined as "fervent," this describes a desirable, passionate spiritual state. The Lord expresses a preference for this or even its opposite, G5593 psychrós (cold), over indifference Revelation 3:15.
- G4750 stóma (mouth): The "mouth" is the point of expulsion, used figuratively to represent divine fellowship and communication. Being ejected from the mouth signifies a total rejection from this place of intimacy Revelation 3:16.
The theological weight of G1692 is concentrated in its stark imagery:
- The Judgment of Apathy: The use of eméō illustrates that spiritual indifference is not a neutral position but one that invites a strong, negative judgment. The condition of being lukewarm G5513 is explicitly declared as the reason for the expulsion Revelation 3:16.
- A Visceral Metaphor for Rejection: To spue something out is an involuntary and complete bodily rejection. As a divine action, it symbolizes a final and absolute separation, removing the offensive party from a place of proximity and relationship.
- The Call for a Decisive State: The contrast between hot G2200 and cold G5593 establishes that God desires a decisive spiritual state. The declaration in the preceding verse, "I would thou wert cold or hot," underscores that ambiguity and half-heartedness are intolerable Revelation 3:15.
In summary, G1692 eméō is a singular but potent word in scripture. It functions as a graphic metaphor for the divine consequence of spiritual mediocrity. Its use in Revelation 3:16 serves as an unforgettable warning that a "lukewarm" faith is so repulsive that it will be utterly rejected, spued from the very mouth of God.
TRV