Lexical Summary emeó: To vomit Original Word: ἐμέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to vomit. Of uncertain affinity; to vomit -- (will) spue. HELPS Word-studies 1692 eméō – properly, vomit (MM); (figuratively) repulsed, showing utter rejection (desiring total separation); "to reject with extreme disgust" (WP, 6, 321). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition to vomit NASB Translation spit (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1692: ἐμέωἐμέω, ἐμῷ ((cf. Sanskritvam, Latinvomere; Curtius, § 452; Vanicek, p. 886f)): 1 aorist infinitive ἐμέσαι; to vomit, vomit forth, throw up, from Homer down: τινα ἐκ τοῦ στόματος, i. e. to reject with extreme disgust, Revelation 3:16. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery The verb translated “vomit” in Revelation 3:16 conveys violent physical expulsion. Scripture adopts this graphic action as a metaphor for God’s intense revulsion toward compromised covenant loyalty. In the one New Testament occurrence, the picture is not mild displeasure but decisive rejection, dramatizing the peril of spiritual mediocrity. Biblical Usage Revelation 3:16: “So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!” Here the risen Christ addresses the church in Laodicea. The single use in the Greek New Testament concentrates all interpretive weight on this scene, where the threat of expulsion underscores the seriousness of half-hearted discipleship. Old Testament parallels strengthen the image: Leviticus 18:25–28; 20:22 describe the land “vomiting” out nations defiled by sin, linking moral impurity with forcible removal. The prophetic tone of Revelation echoes those earlier covenant warnings. Historical and Cultural Context Laodicea lay between hot springs in Hierapolis and the cold, refreshing waters of Colossae. By the time water reached Laodicea through aqueducts, it was tepid and mineral-laden—useful neither for soothing baths nor for drinking. Residents regularly spat it out. Christ employs local experience to expose the church’s condition: outwardly prosperous yet spiritually insipid (Revelation 3:17). Theological Significance 1. Covenant Disgust: Divine “vomiting” symbolizes God’s intolerance of divided allegiance (Exodus 34:14; James 4:4). Related Biblical Themes • Lukewarm Religion: Hosea 6:4; Matthew 15:8. Ministry and Practical Application • Diagnostics for Churches: Measure vitality by Christ’s standard, not by material success. Warnings and Promises Warning: Persistent lukewarmness risks exclusion from Christ’s purifying presence. Promise: Those who “overcome” will share His throne (Revelation 3:21), demonstrating that wholehearted faith receives the highest covenant privilege. Summary Strong’s Greek 1692 captures a vivid expression of divine revulsion aimed at spiritual indifference. The solitary New Testament occurrence, grounded in historical reality and covenant theology, serves as a timeless summons to fervent, undivided devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations εμεσαι ἐμέσαι εμών emesai emésaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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