### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word χλιαρός (chliarós), Strong's number `{{G5513}}`, is an adjective derived from the verb χλιαίνω (chliainō), meaning "to warm" or "to make warm." Its primary and literal meaning is "tepid" or "lukewarm," describing a temperature that is neither distinctly hot nor cold. Semantically, it conveys a state of being in-between, lacking definitive character or extreme. In a metaphorical sense, particularly in its biblical usage, it signifies spiritual indifference, apathy, or a lack of zealous commitment. It stands in direct contrast to states of fervent passion (hot) or outright opposition (cold).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term χλιαρός (chliarós) appears exclusively once in the New Testament, within the book of Revelation.
* [[Revelation 3:16]]: "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
This verse is part of the Lord's message to the church in Laodicea, one of the seven churches of Asia Minor. The context is crucial for understanding the metaphorical weight of "lukewarm." Laodicea was a wealthy city, known for its banking, textile industry, and a famous eye salve. However, unlike nearby Hierapolis (known for hot springs) and Colossae (known for cold, refreshing water), Laodicea suffered from a poor water supply. Water was often piped in from distant hot springs, arriving in the city lukewarm and often laden with mineral deposits, making it unpalatable and emetic. This physical reality provided a vivid and easily understood metaphor for the spiritual condition of the Laodicean church. They were neither passionately devoted to Christ ("hot") nor overtly hostile or unbelieving ("cold"). Instead, they were characterized by spiritual complacency, self-sufficiency, and a lack of fervent commitment, which was repulsive to Christ. The consequence of this state is severe: "I am about to spit you out of my mouth," indicating divine rejection and expulsion.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully grasp the meaning of χλιαρός (chliarós), it is helpful to consider its antonyms and related concepts in the biblical text:
* **Antonyms:**
* θερμός (thermós - hot, fervent): This word also appears in [[Revelation 3:15]], where Christ expresses His desire for the Laodiceans to be either "hot" or "cold." It signifies spiritual zeal, passionate devotion, and active service, as seen in [[Romans 12:11]] ("fervent in spirit").
* ψυχρός (psychrós - cold): Also found in [[Revelation 3:15]], referring to spiritual indifference or even outright opposition. While undesirable, being "cold" at least represents a clear, definable state that could potentially lead to repentance, unlike the ambiguous state of lukewarmness.
* **Related Concepts:**
* Spiritual apathy and indifference: The core of what χλιαρός represents.
* Self-sufficiency: The Laodiceans believed they were "rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing" ([[Revelation 3:17]]), which directly contributed to their lukewarmness, blinding them to their true spiritual poverty.
* Compromise: While not a direct synonym, lukewarmness can arise from a desire to straddle the line between worldly values and Christian commitment, leading to a diluted faith.
* Lack of fruitfulness: Just as lukewarm water is useless for drinking or bathing, a lukewarm faith is unproductive in God's kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χλιαρός (chliarós) is profound and serves as a critical warning to believers. It highlights God's demand for wholehearted commitment and fervent devotion rather than spiritual mediocrity or indifference.
1. **Divine Expectation of Zeal:** God desires an unambiguous and passionate relationship with His people. The "hot" state represents active love, zeal, and commitment to Christ and His kingdom. Even the "cold" state, while undesirable, is preferable to lukewarmness because it is a clear position from which one might be called to repentance. Lukewarmness, however, is offensive precisely because it lacks conviction and renders one spiritually useless.
2. **Danger of Spiritual Complacency:** The Laodicean church's lukewarmness stemmed from their self-perceived wealth and sufficiency, leading to a spiritual blindness to their true poverty, nakedness, and blindness before God ([[Revelation 3:17]]). This illustrates the danger of spiritual complacency, where material prosperity or perceived spiritual attainment can lull believers into a state of indifference to their desperate need for Christ.
3. **Consequence of Rejection:** The vivid imagery of Christ "spitting out" the lukewarm church underscores the severity of this condition. It signifies divine rejection and separation, a sobering warning that those who remain in a state of spiritual apathy will not ultimately be recognized as His own. This is a call to urgent repentance and renewed zeal.
4. **Call to Repentance and Fervor:** The message to Laodicea, and by extension to all believers, is a powerful call to repent from lukewarmness and to embrace a fervent, passionate faith that is fully engaged with Christ and His mission.
### Summary
The Greek word χλιαρός (chliarós), Strong's number `{{G5513}}`, meaning "tepid" or "lukewarm," appears exclusively in [[Revelation 3:16]] in the New Testament. It is used metaphorically by Christ to describe the spiritually apathetic and complacent church in Laodicea. Unlike the desirable "hot" state of fervent devotion or even the "cold" state of clear opposition, χλιαρός signifies a repulsive spiritual indifference born of self-sufficiency and a lack of genuine commitment. The theological significance of this term lies in its stark warning against spiritual mediocrity, emphasizing God's demand for wholehearted zeal and devotion. The consequence of remaining χλιαρός is severe divine rejection, serving as a powerful and enduring call for believers to repent and pursue a fervent, passionate relationship with Jesus Christ.
TRV