Revelation 3:15 kjv

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

Revelation 3:15 nkjv

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.

Revelation 3:15 niv

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

Revelation 3:15 esv

"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!

Revelation 3:15 nlt

"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!

Revelation 3 verses

Revelation 3 15 Meaning

This verse states that Jesus knows the works of the Laodicean church, and He finds them to be spiritually apathetic and indifferent, neither passionately committed ("hot") nor clearly against Him ("cold"). He strongly wishes they were one or the other, implying that their lukewarm state is entirely unpleasing and spiritually useless.

Revelation 3 15 Context

The letter to the church in Laodicea is the last of the seven letters in Revelation chapter 3. Laodicea was a highly prosperous city, renowned for its banking, its wealthy textile industry (especially black wool), and a famous medical school that produced an eye salve. Ironically, despite their material abundance and self-perception of being "rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing" (Rev 3:17), spiritually they were "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Rev 3:17). The verse's analogy about water directly relates to Laodicea's unique and problematic water supply. Their water came via aqueduct from distant springs: some from the hot therapeutic springs of Hierapolis, which would become lukewarm and stomach-churning by the time it reached Laodicea, and some from the cold, pure springs of Colossae, which could also become stale or stagnant by the time it arrived. Thus, the local experience of water turning tepid and unpleasant was a powerful and readily understood metaphor for their spiritual state.

Revelation 3 15 Word Analysis

• I know: (Greek: oida - οἶδα) Signifies an intuitive and experiential knowledge, a deep, comprehensive understanding derived from personal observation and not mere hearsay. It emphasizes Christ's omniscient insight into the church's true condition, beyond outward appearances.
• thy works: (Greek: erga - ἔργα) Refers to deeds, actions, or practical labor. Christ is assessing not just their beliefs or professions of faith, but the tangible results and manifestation of their spiritual state in their daily lives and church activities.
• that thou art neither cold nor hot: This phrase points to a spiritual neutrality or indifference.
  • cold: (Greek: psychros - ψυχρός) In the Laodicean context, "cold" water from sources like Colossae was considered refreshing, useful for drinking. Spiritually, this could represent either a definitive state of spiritual deadness, where a radical transformation is needed, or perhaps a clear, refreshing contrast. The key is its utility.
  • hot: (Greek: zestos - ζεστός) Literally "boiling," referring to hot, therapeutic water like that from Hierapolis. Spiritually, it symbolizes zeal, fervency, passion, and spiritual vitality, beneficial and life-giving.
  • neither cold nor hot: This implies lukewarm (Greek: chliaros - χλιαρός), which is specifically mentioned in the next verse (Rev 3:16). This state is unproductive, unpleasant, and lacks any redeeming quality for spiritual use.
• I would thou wert: (Greek: ophelon - ὤφελον) Expresses a strong wish, almost a regret, a deep desire. It's a forceful declaration of what Christ wishes their spiritual state to be, highlighting the utter undesirability of their current condition. It prefers even a clear, defined opposition over hypocritical indifference.
• cold or hot: Reiteration of the desired binary states. Both hot and cold water had distinct and valuable uses in the ancient world (healing, refreshing). The critical problem is the lukewarm state, which had no beneficial use and was, in fact, sickening. Spiritually, this signifies a definitive commitment, either passionately for Christ (hot) or definitively against Him (cold, leading to the possibility of recognizing one's need for repentance).

Revelation 3 15 Bonus Section

The implied judgment for this lukewarmness is found in the following verse, Revelation 3:16, where Christ declares, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spue thee out of my mouth." This vividly depicts the repulsive and sickening nature of their spiritual state, using the visceral image of vomiting. This act of being "vomited out" signifies rejection and utter dismissal, reinforcing the point that a nominal, indifferent faith is detestable to God and offers no true benefit. This choice also sets up the offer of repentance and intimacy in the subsequent verses (Rev 3:19-20), highlighting that while their state is offensive, the door to restoration remains open if they repent and become zealous.

Revelation 3 15 Commentary

Revelation 3:15 presents Christ's stark condemnation of the Laodicean church's spiritual indifference, revealing His intimate knowledge of their deeds. The imagery of "cold" or "hot" water is directly drawn from the city's problematic water supply. "Hot" water represented passionate devotion, spiritual fervor, and zealous commitment, actively beneficial to God's purpose. "Cold" water, though sometimes associated with indifference, in the local context meant refreshing and life-giving, suggesting a clear state that might be unaligned but has a distinct nature. The real problem is "lukewarm" – a nauseating, useless state in between, neither beneficial nor refreshing.

This lukewarmness in Laodicea wasn't open rebellion or outright denial of Christ, but a subtle spiritual apathy and self-satisfaction rooted in their material wealth. They felt self-sufficient, oblivious to their spiritual poverty and need for Christ's intervention (Rev 3:17). This spiritual complacency made them ineffective, unappealing, and repugnant to God. Christ prefers a clear stand—even if it's outwardly against Him (like "cold" water might suggest absolute indifference), for such a state could potentially lead to a crisis point and true repentance. But indifference, lacking any zeal or a clear position, is seen as abhorrent. It's worse than outright opposition because it's a deceptive pretense of faith that produces no fruit. The absence of a strong spiritual identity makes them spiritually useless, prompting Christ's wish for them to be either decisively for Him or openly against Him, forcing a choice and removing their self-deception.

• Example: A believer who attends church, speaks Christian language, but actively pursues worldly ambitions with no fervent desire to serve Christ or deepen their faith.
• Example: A community of believers outwardly engaging in religious rituals but lacking genuine love, sacrificial service, or zeal for God's Kingdom.