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I wish you were either one or the other! <a href="/nlt/revelation/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! <a href="/esv/revelation/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! <a href="/bsb/revelation/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! <a href="/blb/revelation/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you would be cold or hot. <a href="/kjv/revelation/3.htm">King James Bible</a> I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/3.htm">New King James Version</a> “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. <a href="/nasb/revelation/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8216I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. <a href="/lsb/revelation/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. <a href="/amp/revelation/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold (invigorating, refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were cold or hot. <a href="/csb/revelation/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. <a href="/asv/revelation/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. <a href="/cev/revelation/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I know everything you have done, and you are not cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other. <a href="/erv/revelation/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. <a href="/gwt/revelation/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I know what you have done, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. <a href="/gnt/revelation/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> I know what you have done; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were either one or the other! <a href="/isv/revelation/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> I know your actions, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. <a href="/msb/revelation/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! <a href="/net/revelation/3.htm">NET Bible</a> I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! <a href="/nheb/revelation/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. <a href="/wbt/revelation/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. <a href="/wey/revelation/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I know your doings--you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot! <a href="/web/revelation/3.htm">World English Bible</a> “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I have known your works, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish you were cold or hot. <a href="/blb/revelation/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you would be cold or hot. <a href="/ylt/revelation/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I have known thy works, that neither cold art thou nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. <a href="/slt/revelation/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor boiling: I would thou shouldest be cold or boiling.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I know thy works, that thou art neither cold, nor hot. I would thou wert cold, or hot. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I know your works: that you are neither cold, nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. <a href="/nabre/revelation/3.htm">New American Bible</a> “I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot; it is better to be either cold or hot. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot; because it is necessary that you be cold or hot,”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I know your works, that you are neither cold, nor hot: I wish that you were cold, or hot. <a href="/godbey/revelation/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were either cold or hot.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/revelation/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: <a href="/mace/revelation/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. <a href="/wey/revelation/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I know your doings--you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot! <a href="/worrell/revelation/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would you were cold or hot.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/revelation/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>I wish thou wert cold or hot.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/revelation/3-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=779" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/3.htm">To the Church in Laodicea</a> 14To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation. 15<a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: Oida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I know</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: erga (N-ANP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">deeds;</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ei (V-PIA-2S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">you are</a> <a href="/greek/3777.htm" title="3777: oute (Conj) -- And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.">neither</a> <a href="/greek/5593.htm" title="5593: psychros (Adj-NMS) -- Cool, cold; fig: cold-hearted. From psuchos; chilly.">cold</a> <a href="/greek/3777.htm" title="3777: oute (Conj) -- And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even.">nor</a> <a href="/greek/2200.htm" title="2200: zestos (Adj-NMS) -- Boiling hot; met: fervent. From zeo; boiled, i.e. calid.">hot.</a> <a href="/greek/3785.htm" title="3785: ophelon (I) -- First person singular of a past tense of opheilo; I ought, i.e. oh that!">How I wish</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēs (V-IIA-2S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">you were</a> <a href="/greek/5593.htm" title="5593: psychros (Adj-NMS) -- Cool, cold; fig: cold-hearted. From psuchos; chilly.">one</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/2200.htm" title="2200: zestos (Adj-NMS) -- Boiling hot; met: fervent. From zeo; boiled, i.e. calid.">the other!</a> 16So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a> Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ <a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22-25</a> Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ... <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Matthew 5:13</a> You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a> Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. <a href="/2_timothy/3-5.htm">2 Timothy 3:5</a> having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a> Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. <a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31-32</a> So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. / Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice. <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. <a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46</a> Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20-22</a> If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. / It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. / Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” <a href="/jeremiah/12-2.htm">Jeremiah 12:2</a> You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. <a href="/hosea/6-4.htm">Hosea 6:4</a> What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes. <a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">Isaiah 48:1-2</a> “Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel—but not in truth or righteousness— / who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name. <a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Titus 1:16</a> They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. <a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Amos 5:21-24</a> “I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot.I know.<a href="/revelation/3-1.htm">Revelation 3:1</a> And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.<a href="/revelation/2-2.htm">Revelation 2:2</a> I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:that.<a href="/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4</a> Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.<a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12</a> And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.<a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9</a> And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;I would.<a href="/deuteronomy/5-29.htm">Deuteronomy 5:29</a> O that there were such an 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!<a href="/psalms/81-11.htm">Psalm 81:11-13</a> But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me… <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a> For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:thou.<a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15-24</a> And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD… <a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a> And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.<a href="/proverbs/23-26.htm">Proverbs 23:26</a> My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">Cold</a> <a href="/revelation/3-2.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/revelation/3-8.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Either</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-2.htm">Hot</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">Warm</a> <a href="/romans/11-24.htm">Wert</a> <a href="/3_john/1-13.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/revelation/3-8.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/29-19.htm">Better</a> <a href="/revelation/3-16.htm">Cold</a> <a href="/revelation/15-3.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/revelation/18-6.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/revelation/13-17.htm">Either</a> <a href="/revelation/3-16.htm">Hot</a> <a href="/exodus/16-21.htm">Warm</a> <a href="/job/8-6.htm">Wert</a> <a href="/genesis/23-8.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/revelation/9-20.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 3</div>1. <a href="/revelation/3-1.htm">The angel of the church of Sardis is reproved and exhorted to repent.</a> 37. <a href="/revelation/3-7.htm">The angel of the church of Philadelphia is approved for his diligence and patience;</a> 14. <a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">the angel of Laodicea rebuked for being neither hot nor cold.</a> 20. <a href="/revelation/3-20.htm">Christ stands at the door and knocks.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I know your deeds; This phrase indicates the omniscience of Christ, who is aware of the actions and spiritual state of the church in Laodicea. In biblical context, deeds often reflect the faith and commitment of believers (<a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-26</a>). The reference to deeds suggests that the church's actions are under divine scrutiny, aligning with the broader biblical theme that God examines the hearts and actions of His people (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).you are neither cold nor hot. The geographical context of Laodicea is significant here. The city was located near Hierapolis, known for its hot springs, and Colossae, known for its cold, refreshing waters. The metaphor of being neither cold nor hot suggests a spiritual lukewarmness, lacking the fervor and zeal expected of believers. This condition is often interpreted as spiritual complacency or indifference, which is condemned throughout Scripture (<a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12</a>, <a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Romans 12:11</a>).How I wish you were one or the other! This expression of desire indicates that a definitive spiritual state, whether cold or hot, is preferable to lukewarmness. Being "hot" could symbolize spiritual fervor and zeal, while "cold" might represent a state of being in need of spiritual awakening. The call for a decisive stance echoes the biblical theme of wholehearted devotion to God (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a>, <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37</a>). The wish for a clear spiritual condition underscores the importance of commitment and the dangers of spiritual apathy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker in this passage, addressing the church with authority and divine insight. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_laodicea.htm">The Church in Laodicea</a> The specific audience of this message, known for its wealth and self-sufficiency but criticized for spiritual lukewarmness. 3. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Revelation, who received this vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. 4. <a href="/topical/l/laodicea.htm">Laodicea</a> A city in Asia Minor, known for its wealth, banking, and medical advancements, but lacking a natural water supply, which is metaphorically significant in this passage. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_vision_of_revelation.htm">The Vision of Revelation</a> The broader context in which this message is delivered, a series of visions given to John concerning the end times and the state of the churches.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_temperature_check.htm">Spiritual Temperature Check</a> Evaluate your spiritual fervor. Are you passionate and committed in your faith, or have you become complacent? <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_lukewarmness.htm">The Danger of Lukewarmness</a> Understand that being lukewarm is displeasing to God. It reflects a lack of commitment and can lead to spiritual stagnation. <a href="/topical/c/call_to_repentance.htm">Call to Repentance</a> Recognize the need for repentance and renewal. Jesus desires a wholehearted commitment, not half-hearted devotion. <a href="/topical/a/authentic_faith_and_works.htm">Authentic Faith and Works</a> Ensure that your deeds reflect your faith. Genuine faith will naturally produce good works and spiritual fruit. <a href="/topical/s/self-sufficiency_vs._dependence_on_god.htm">Self-Sufficiency vs. Dependence on God</a> Beware of relying on material wealth or self-sufficiency. True spiritual wealth comes from dependence on God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 3</a> <a href="/q/lukewarm_in_faith_and_actions.htm">Are you lukewarm in your faith and actions?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_apatheism_mean.htm">What does apatheism mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_laodicean_church_lukewarm.htm">Why is the Laodicean church criticized for being lukewarm?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'lukewarm'.htm">What did Jesus mean by condemning lukewarm faith?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15, 16) Neither cold nor hot.--The "heat" here is the glowing, fervent zeal and devotion which is commended and commanded elsewhere (<a href="/romans/12-11.htm" title="Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;">Romans 12:11</a>). It is not, however, the self-conscious, galvanised earnestness which, in days of senile pietism, passes for zeal. It is an earnestness which does not know itself earnest, being all too absorbed in its work. It is self-forgetful, and so self-sacrificing, rather than ambitious of self-sacrifice. It is, in short, kindled of God, and sustained byconverse with the Divine One (<a href="/luke/24-32.htm" title="And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?">Luke 24:32</a>), and restored by intercourse with Him (see <a href="/revelation/3-20.htm" title="Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.">Revelation 3:20</a>; comp. <a href="/context/1_john/4-15.htm" title="Whoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God.">1John 4:15-20</a>). The "cold" describes the state of those who are as yet untouched by the Gospel of Love. An intermediate state between these is the "lukewarm"; such are neither earnest for God nor utterly indifferent to religion. They are, perhaps, best described as those who take an interest in religion, but whose worship of their idol of good taste, or good form, leads them to regard enthusiasm as ill-bred, and disturbing; and who have never put themselves to any inconvenience, braved any reproach, or abandoned any comfort for Christ's sake, but hoped to keep well with the world, while they flattered themselves that they stood well with God; who were in danger of betraying their Master, Judas-like, with a kiss. With the denunciation of "lukewarmness" here we may compare the exhortation to greater ministerial earnestness addressed to Archippus (<a href="/colossians/4-17.htm" title=" And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.">Colossians 4:17</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - I know thy works; and because they are not what they should be (vers. 16, 17), I give thee this admonition, which is nevertheless a warning and a token of my love (ver. 19). That thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. The lukewarmness of which the Epistle complains was produced by a fallacious sense of security, begotten of ease and prosperity. In truth those "secure," without care, had become the careless ones. Active opposition may well be a less deadly evil than careless ease. The persecution of a St. Paul may be diverted into the zeal of an apostle; but how can any active good be got from that which is utterly stagnant and without motive power? The man who, by wilful action, increases a disease, may repent of his deed, and try to recover from the danger to which he has exposed himself; but he who lives on in careless ignorance of the existence of the malady can never improve himself until he has awoke to a full knowledge of his own state. Some understand "cold" to mean "untouched by the power of grace," and "lukewarm" to denote those who, having received the grace of God, had not allowed it full scope in bringing forth works meet for repentance (<a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8</a>). And just as there was more hope of the real conversion of the "cold" publicans and harlots, who "went into heaven" (<a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31</a>) before the self-satisfied, "lukewarm" Pharisees, so there is more hope of an unconverted sinner than of him who, having once been roused to a sense of God's will, has relapsed into a state of self satisfied indolence and carelessness. The sentence is not a wish that the Laodiceans should become hot or cold; it is a regret that they had not been one or the other. Our Lord is not wishing that any of them may become cold, but regretting that, when he comes to review their conduct and to pronounce judgment, many of them cannot even plead that they "knew not the way of righteousness," but belong to that worse class, "which after they had known it, turned from the holy commandment delivered unto them (<a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21</a>; see also <a href="/john/9-41.htm">John 9:41</a>). <a href="/commentaries/revelation/3-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I know Οἶδά (Oida) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. deeds; ἔργα (erga) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. you are εἶ (ei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. neither οὔτε (oute) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3777.htm">Strong's 3777: </a> And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even. cold ψυχρὸς (psychros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5593.htm">Strong's 5593: </a> Cool, cold; fig: cold-hearted. From psuchos; chilly. nor οὔτε (oute) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3777.htm">Strong's 3777: </a> And not, neither, nor. From ou and te; not too, i.e. Neither or nor; by analogy, not even. hot. ζεστός (zestos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2200.htm">Strong's 2200: </a> Boiling hot; met: fervent. From zeo; boiled, i.e. calid. [How] I wish ὄφελον (ophelon) Interjection <a href="/greek/strongs_3785.htm">Strong's 3785: </a> First person singular of a past tense of opheilo; I ought, i.e. oh that! you were ἦς (ēs) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [one] ψυχρὸς (psychros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5593.htm">Strong's 5593: </a> Cool, cold; fig: cold-hearted. From psuchos; chilly. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. [the other]! ζεστός (zestos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2200.htm">Strong's 2200: </a> Boiling hot; met: fervent. From zeo; boiled, i.e. calid. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/3-15.htm">Revelation 3:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/3-15.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 3:15 I know your works that you (Rev. 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