Revelation 3:16 (KJV)

What does Revelation 3:16 mean?

Revelation 3:16 describes Jesus warning the church in Laodicea that, because they are "lukewarm"—neither cold nor hot—he will "spue" (spit or vomit) them out of his mouth. This means their lack of spiritual passion or commitment is unacceptable to him.

Jesus is speaking to Christians in the city of Laodicea, using a vivid image that would have made sense to them. The city was known for its water supply, which was neither refreshingly cold nor therapeutically hot, but unpleasantly tepid. The verse uses this local reality as a metaphor for spiritual indifference, showing that Jesus desires a clear, wholehearted response rather than half-heartedness.

The Greek behind Revelation 3:16

• "Lukewarm" (χλιαρός, chliaros): This word means tepid or moderately warm, and in this context, it refers to a lack of zeal or enthusiasm. The image is of something unappealing and ineffective, not serving its intended purpose.
• "Spue" (ἐμέω, emeō): This Greek word means to vomit or spit out. The choice of such a strong term underlines how distasteful spiritual indifference is to Jesus, not just mild disappointment but outright rejection.
• "Cold" (ψυχρός, psuchros) and "hot" (ζεστός, zestos): These words represent two opposite and distinct states—either refreshingly useful or passionately engaged. The verse does not say being "cold" is good, but rather, both extremes are preferable to being lukewarm.

Why Revelation 3:16 matters

• Many readers assume "lukewarm" simply means morally bad, but the verse is about spiritual indifference rather than outright wrongdoing; it challenges complacency, not just obvious sin.
• The verse connects directly to the local situation in Laodicea, where the water was famously tepid, making the metaphor especially pointed for the original audience.
• This warning is part of a larger message in Revelation 2–3, where Jesus addresses different churches and calls each to self-examination and genuine commitment, not just outward appearance.