New Testament

Revelation 3:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, criticizing their spiritual state.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, criticizing their spiritual state. Being 'lukewarm' means they are indifferent and lack passion for their faith. They are not fully committed to God, nor are they openly rejecting Him. This half-heartedness is unacceptable to Jesus, who prefers a clear stance—either being fervent in faith ('hot') or completely rejecting it ('cold'). The imagery of being 'spit out' emphasizes the seriousness of their condition; it suggests that their lack of zeal is repulsive to Him. This warning serves as a call to self-examination and a reminder that a genuine relationship with God requires commitment and fervor. The church's complacency reflects a broader issue of spiritual apathy that can affect any believer. Jesus desires a vibrant faith that actively engages with Him and His mission, rather than a passive or indifferent attitude.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 3:16 to your life

To avoid being lukewarm in our faith, we should regularly assess our spiritual lives. Engage in prayer, study scripture, and participate in community worship. Seek to deepen your relationship with God and actively live out your faith in daily actions, showing commitment and passion.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 3:16 mean?

Revelation 3:16 means that Jesus is criticizing the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm in their faith. He prefers that they be either fully committed ('hot') or completely reject Him ('cold'), as their indifference is unacceptable.

What is the meaning of lukewarm in Revelation 3:16?

In Revelation 3:16, 'lukewarm' refers to a state of spiritual indifference where a person is neither passionate about their faith nor openly rejecting it. This lack of commitment is seen as repulsive to Jesus.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

Premium

Unlock the full Revelation summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Revelation — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 22 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Revelation summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

← Verse 15 Verse 17 →