Devine Scripture

Revelation 3:15

What does Revelation 3:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 3:15 means

Jesus knows their works and finds them neither cold nor hot. Rather than refreshing or healing, they are tepid—indifferent, complacent, undecided. He would prefer a clear posture, even if it meant open opposition, over bland neutrality that dulls the soul and misrepresents him. Lukewarmness suggests a settled comfort that avoids the cost of devotion, while offering no compelling witness. The Lord’s disappointment is not about emotional intensity alone but about sincerity, usefulness, and truthfulness in their walk with him. His words confront a church whose ease has drained spiritual fervor, calling them to recognize that noncommittal religion offends the One who demands whole-hearted allegiance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have knowledge of your works, that you are not cold or warm: it would be better if you were cold or warm.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I have known thy works, that neither cold art thou nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Coming directly after Christ’s authoritative self-presentation (verse 14), this verse delivers the central diagnosis. It sets up the shocking consequence in verse 16 and the deeper cause in verse 17: their self-satisfied wealth masks spiritual emptiness. The sequence is deliberate: authority, condition, judgment, cause, and then gracious counsel. Readers need this frame to understand that the problem is not minor deficiency but a posture that provokes the Lord’s displeasure.

v.14And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:

v.15This passage

v.16So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 2:4

    But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.

  • Psalms 81:11

    But my people hearkened not to my voice; And Israel would none of me.

  • Deuteronomy 5:29

    Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

  • Zephaniah 1:5

    and them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship, that swear to Jehovah and swear by Malcam;

  • Matthew 10:37

    He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

  • Matthew 6:24

    No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

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