Lexical Summary chliaros: Lukewarm Original Word: χλιαρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lukewarm. From chlio (to warm); tepid -- lukewarm. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chlió (to become warm) Definition tepid, warm NASB Translation lukewarm (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5513: χιλιαροςχιλιαρος, χιλιαρα, χιλιαρον (χλίω, to become warm, liquefy, melt), tepid, lukewarm: metaphorically, of the condition of a soul wretchedly fluctuating between a torpor and a fervor of love, Revelation 3:16. (Herodotus, Pindar, Diodorus, Plutarch, Athen., Geoponica.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Figurative Connotations The adjective denotes water that has lost both its healing warmth and its refreshing coolness, standing as a vivid metaphor for spiritual indifference. In Revelation 3:16 the risen Christ employs the term to portray a church whose professed faith lacks both fervent love and clear conviction. Biblical Occurrence Revelation 3:16: “So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!” The warning to Laodicea follows Christ’s self-identification as “the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation” (Revelation 3:14), underscoring that the One who evaluates His church does so with perfect authority and insight. Historical and Geographical Setting of Laodicea Situated between Colossae and Hierapolis, Laodicea depended on an aqueduct that carried mineral-laden water several miles. By the time it reached the city the water was neither the hot, therapeutic water of Hierapolis nor the cold, pure springs of Colossae; it was tepid and often nauseating. Christ leverages this local reality to expose the congregation’s complacency. Their proud claim—“I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing” (Revelation 3:17)—mirrored the city’s celebrated banking industry and textile trade, yet their spiritual condition was pitiable. Theological Significance 1. Divine Disgust with Half-Hearted Religion: The image of being “vomited” reveals the Lord’s intense rejection of compromised discipleship (compare Deuteronomy 32:21). Intertextual Connections • Spiritual Fervor: Romans 12:11, “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Pastoral and Devotional Insights • Self-Assessment: Like Laodicea, churches and individuals may misread material prosperity as spiritual health. Serious self-examination in light of Christ’s words is imperative. Reception in Church History Early church writers such as Tertullian cited Laodicea when admonishing nominal believers. The Reformers applied the passage to churches entrenched in ritual yet void of gospel power. Revival preachers, including Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon, frequently invoked the text to awaken congregations to earnest faith. Contemporary Ministry Application • Preaching that unmasks complacency must couple warning with the promise of fellowship (“I will dine with him,” Revelation 3:20). Summary The solitary New Testament appearance of this adjective encapsulates a timeless call: abandon apathetic religiosity and pursue wholehearted allegiance to the Lord who stands ready to commune with all who open to Him. Forms and Transliterations χλιαρος χλιαρός χλιαρὸς χλιδώνα χλιδώνας chliaros chliaròsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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