What does Revelation 3:15-16 mean?

Question

In the KJV it reads:

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
"16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

A friend of mine and I disagreed as to what this meant; for he said that either was better than "lukewarm", but "hot" was still better than "cold". I said that it was better to be one or the other: "Stand for something or you'll fall for anything."

Any takers?

Answer 1

● At Revelation 3:15, 16 hot and cold are mentioned. Yet, Christ indicated that he would vomit out only the persons who were lukewarm. Why?

Jesus Christ was expressing dissatisfaction when to “the angel of the congregation in Laodicea” he said: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or else hot. So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:14-16) Members of the Christian congregation in Laodicea were not refreshingly spiritual in attitude. They were lukewarm, indifferent or apathetic. They thought they were rich spiritually and needed nothing. However, in the Lord’s estimation they were “miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked.” Fittingly, then, he urged them to repentance.—Rev. 3:17-19.

At first one might assume that the hot condition mentioned at Revelation 3:15, 16 refers to being hot with zeal or love, whereas the cold state refers to a lack of such qualities, indicating that they had grown cold. But Christ said: “Because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.” Neither the cold nor the hot would be spewed out. If the cold mentioned had reference to coldness in love or zeal, surely such would have been vomited out. To the Lord, the cold was just as acceptable as the hot; he would vomit out only what was lukewarm. So, at Revelation 3:15, 16 “cold” does not stand in opposition to “hot.”

Apparently in this case a figure of speech was selected that was intended to strike a blow at the indifference manifested by the Laodiceans. And they surely could comprehend the statement of “the faithful and true witness.” Near Laodicea there were hot and cold springs. Also, it was customary to serve cold and hot drinks at feasts, not beverages that were lukewarm.

On a cold day a hot liquid, such as hot soup, is welcome and stimulating. When temperatures soar, a cold beverage, such as cold lemonade, is refreshing. A lukewarm liquid would not be very pleasing in either case.

Quite apparently, by his words recorded at Revelation 3:14-19, the Lord Jesus Christ was indicating that the lukewarm spiritual state of the Christians in Laodicea was grossly unacceptable to him. They needed to take positive steps, acting to dispel apathy and increase their spirituality.

Answer 2

The works neither cold nor hot, wishing they were either cold or hot because at a Lukewarm stage, they are to comfortable. Hot being a fiery thirst for God, or wanting God very much and obeying. Cold being, knowing nothing or very very little, which then there is hope for them to become hot. The Lukewarm are "SET IN THEIR WAYS" so to speak, not interested and are much harder to reach with the truth.

Answer 3

Those are there twisted and misunderstood interpretations of those bible verses with all of them using the most erroneous translations in a bible the King James Version. As for quoting all the early Catholics they were only if the fundies bothered to CK were already enforcing the books they deemed not gnostic as there were many gnostic Gospels and false letters already circulating so they were reminding who ever was reading there letters that these were the Gospels and epistles the Church already had accepted and in 390 the council was held so that all the Bishops of the then known world were gathered to have agreement of what they knew was true. Once a unanimous decision was made it was then agreed upon but the official stamp of bible books approval was not until 1200 yrs later. There are some eastern Churches such as the Coptic's that have even to this day different books or what we might call incomplete versions.

Answer 4

The people being addressed would have known exactly what was being compared. Hierpolis was known for its hot springs, Colosse for it's cold mountain stream, and Laodicea for it's dirty, lukewarm water, which someone drinking it for the first time would spit out in disgust.

The hot water represents those people "on fire" for the Lord (true believers).
The cold water represents those who outright reject the Lord.
The tepid water represents people who confess that they "know" Christ with their mouth, but their heart is far from Him. They are false-converts and "Christian in name only."

There is no in-between. You either believe in Christ and all that He claimed or you don't. Whether hot or cold everyone will have made a choice and will be judged accordingly. There isn't a "lukewarm" middle ground.

Answer 5

It was written to a church telling them to overcome their do-nothing ways and go forth as they were instructed . Christ also said that He would preferred them to been (Hot) fiery with zeal not (Cold) worldly, but they should stand for something because by doing nothing they making the wrong choice and they could be led down the wrong path by members did not have the church's best interest at heart.

By being lukewarm, they were practicing apathy and needed to overcome that in order to do His will because as they were, they left a foul taste in His mouth.

Answer 6

aren't you both saying basically the same thing? i think the point is that God can't stand someone who says they love Him but doesn't really want to have much to do with Him - their soul is lukewarm. They tend to be self-satisfied and don't want more than they have. Those who are "hot" are fired up for God and can't get enough of His presence. Those who are "cold" can possibly be reached with the Truth. God's word is true on many levels. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

What message does Jesus have for the Laodiceans? He has no word of commendation. Frankly, he tells them: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or else hot. So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15, 16) How would you respond to such a message from the Lord Jesus Christ? Would you not awaken and examine yourself? Surely, those Laodiceans need to bestir themselves, for they have become spiritually indolent, apparently taking too much for granted. (Compare 2 Corinthians 6:1.) Jesus, whom they as Christians should have imitated, always displays a fiery zeal for Jehovah and his service. (John 2:17) Further, meek ones have found him to be always gentle and mild, as refreshing as a cup of cold water on a swelteringly hot day. (Matthew 11:28, 29) But the Christians in Laodicea are neither hot nor cold. Like the waters that flow down into their city, they have become tepid, lukewarm. They are liable to be completely rejected by Jesus, ‘vomited out of his mouth’! May we for our part always strive zealously, as did Jesus, to provide spiritual refreshment for others.—Matthew 9:35-38.

Answer 8

This scripture is referring to churches....Some churches are
"hot"...they preach the word...support missions...and most
of the members personally talk to people about becoming a Christian. They also tithe..give at least 10% of their income
to God.
"Cold" churches...preach "social gospel"..don't support missions
don't tithe or do personal evangelizing.

"Lukewarm" churches do what is socially excepted. They don't
stand-up for anything. They don't want to offend anyone. They
want to be like everyone else.
Jesus wants us to stand for the right..whether it's the popular
thing to do our not.
Check out Matthew 25:31-40...this is one place that tell you
what you need to do to become a "hot" Christian.
God bless you...I hope you make the right choice...your
eternity is at stake.

Answer 9

Hot and Cold in this passage are considered equally acceptable or "good" it gives no indication that one is better than the other. But we like to assume that "cold" isnt as good as "hot" but there really is no reason to believe such a thing. Hot and cold in this passage obviously has nothing to do with our concept of the words.

Answer 10

I agree with your friend but hot is definatly the best. The other two are bad but lukewarm is worse