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

REVELATION 3:16KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“hot” Greek G2200 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

“cold” Greek G5593 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

“neither” Greek G3777 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.