The Greek word chliarós, represented by G5513, describes a state of being lukewarm. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term's base definition is "tepid," derived from the idea of being simply warm.
In its sole biblical appearance, G5513 is used metaphorically to describe a spiritual state. The text explicitly defines this condition as being "neither cold nor hot" Revelation 3:16. This is presented as an unacceptable state that leads to the severe warning, "I will spue thee out of my mouth" Revelation 3:16. The word characterizes a state of spiritual indifference that is met with divine rejection.
Several related words provide the context for understanding chliarós by defining the extremes it fails to meet:
- G2200 zestós (boiled, i.e. (by implication) calid (figuratively, fervent):--hot): This term represents a fervent state. It is presented as a desirable alternative to being lukewarm, as in "I would thou wert cold or hot" Revelation 3:15.
- G5593 psychrós (chilly (literally or figuratively):--cold): This word can describe both literal and figurative coldness. It is used literally in giving "a cup of cold water" Matthew 10:42 and figuratively as the opposite of hot Revelation 3:15.
The theological weight of G5513 is concentrated in its single, powerful use. It highlights the spiritual dangers of indifference.
- A State of Unacceptable Neutrality: The term is used to condemn a spiritual condition based on "works" that is neither one thing nor the other. Both cold G5593 and hot G2200 are presented as preferable states to being lukewarm Revelation 3:15.
- Provokes Divine Rejection: The consequence of being lukewarm is not mere disapproval but total rejection, graphically described as being "spued... out of my mouth" Revelation 3:16. This indicates that spiritual complacency is intolerable.
In summary, G5513 chliarós, while appearing only once, offers a stark and memorable warning. It is not merely a term for temperature but a potent metaphor for spiritual complacency. Defined by its position between the extremes of hot and cold, its use in scripture illustrates that a state of indecisive indifference is viewed as profoundly offensive and will be met with outright rejection.
TRV