Revelation 3:16
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just saying He's disgusted; He's revealing that the Laodiceans' spiritual indifference is so revolting that it mirrors the physical revulsion of vomiting. This isn't just a casual rejection, but a profound, gut-wrenching expulsion driven by an utter lack of desire for them in that state.
Jesus is addressing the church in Laodicea, a wealthy city known for its textile industry and a controversial medical school that produced eye salve. He declares himself the "Amen," the faithful and true witness, highlighting the stark contrast between his truth and the church's self-deception. This message isn't about outward persecution, but an internal spiritual decay where their comfort and wealth have made them complacent, leading Jesus to warn them of His impending rejection unless they repent.
Imagine water that's neither refreshing nor soothing. That's the picture Jesus paints for the church in Laodicea, and it's a powerful one.
Jesus uses a visceral image to describe His feelings about the Laodiceans' faith: He will 'spit them out.' This isn't about a mild dislike; it's about utter rejection.
Why So Strong?
While the imagery of being 'spit out' is harsh, Jesus doesn't leave this church without hope. There's a crucial nuance in His warning.
The Greek word Jesus uses here (mel-lo) doesn't express an immediate, unavoidable doom. It’s more like 'I am about to,' or 'I am inclined to.' This isn't a flat, final decree; it’s a warning that carries a gracious possibility.
A Conditional Threat
Understand the original words
chliaros · Greek Adjective
An adjective describing a state of spiritual stagnation, lack of zeal, and compromise, where one is not clearly committed to Christ nor openly hostile, resulting in a state God finds repulsive.
The vivid image of Christ threatening to 'spit out' the Laodicean church is deeply rooted in the city's own environment – specifically, its famously tepid water supply, which was the opposite of refreshing.
c. 70-60 BC
Laodicea founded
Laodicea on the Lycus was founded by Antiochus II Theos as part of the Seleucid Empire, named after his wife.
c. 44 BC
Laodicea becomes a major banking center
The city grew prosperous, becoming a significant financial hub and renowned for its textile industry, particularly a soft black wool.
c. AD 17
Laodicea destroyed by earthquake
A devastating earthquake struck the region, heavily damaging Laodicea and other nearby cities.
c. AD 20-50
Laodicea rebuilt with own funds
Remarkably, the citizens of Laodicea rebuilt their city without Roman aid, showcasing their immense wealth and self-sufficiency.
c. AD 60— this verse
This passage describes the land itself 'spewing out' its inhabitants due to their detestable practices, mirroring the strong imagery of rejection used in Revelation.
Jeremiah 6:16God calls for His people to stand in the ways and ask for the ancient paths, contrasting this with their refusal to walk in them, which resonates with the Laodiceans' rejection of genuine spiritual fervor.
Proverbs 9:1-6Wisdom calls out, offering wine and fine flour to those who are simple, contrasting with the 'lukewarm' who reject such a clear invitation and would be rejected by Wisdom's feast.
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, desiring to gather them like a hen gathers her chicks, but they would not come. This shows a similar rejection by Christ when people fail to respond to His call, leading to their ultimate separation.
This passage describes those who have escaped defilements of the world but then become entangled and overcome by them, returning to a worse state, much like the Laodiceans' backsliding from a hotter faith.
wesleyRevelation 3:16: "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
3:16 So because thou art lukewarm - The effect of lukewarm water is well known. I am about to spue thee out of my mouth - I will utterly cast thee from me; that is, unless thou repent.
pulpitRevelation 3:16: "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
Verse 16. - So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. The distaste and nausea produced by lukewarm food, which the stomach naturally rejects with loathing, are used as a figure in which to express the abhorrence of Christ for those who lacked zeal in his service (cf. Leviticus 18:28 and Leviticus 20:22, "That the land spue not you…
Jesus isn't just saying He's disgusted; He's revealing that the Laodiceans' spiritual indifference is so revolting that it mirrors the physical revulsion of vomiting. This isn't just a casual rejection, but a profound, gut-wrenching expulsion driven by an utter lack of desire for them in that state.
Jesus is addressing the church in Laodicea, a wealthy city known for its textile industry and a controversial medical school that produced eye salve. He declares himself the "Amen," the faithful and true witness, highlighting the stark contrast between his truth and the church's self-deception. This message isn't about outward persecution, but an internal spiritual decay where their comfort and wealth have made them complacent, leading Jesus to warn them of His impending rejection unless they repent.
Jesus is addressing the church in Laodicea, a wealthy city known for its textile industry and a controversial medical school that produced eye salve. He declares himself the "Amen," the faithful and true witness, highlighting the stark contrast between his truth and the church's self-deception. This message isn't about outward persecution, but an internal spiritual decay where their comfort and wealth have made them complacent, leading Jesus to warn them of His impending rejection unless they repent.
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Laodicea's water supply issues
The city's water was piped from hot springs miles away, arriving lukewarm and somewhat unpalatable, a stark contrast to cold, refreshing water or hot, soothing water.
c. AD 95
Revelation written
The Book of Revelation, including the letter to the church in Laodicea, is believed to have been written by the apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos.
"So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." — Jesus isn't just saying He's disgusted; He's revealing that the Laodiceans' spiritual indifference is so revolting that it mirrors the physical revulsion of vomiting. This isn't just a casual rejecti…
