The adjective rendered “hot” carries the sense of water brought to a vigorous boil, radiating heat that can be felt and used. While the term is confined to a single New Testament passage, the metaphor it frames—hot versus lukewarm—draws on a wider biblical vocabulary of heat, fire, zeal, and fervor that repeatedly pictures wholehearted devotion (Psalm 39:3; Romans 12:11; James 5:16).

Occurrences in Revelation

The word appears three times within the message to the church in Laodicea: Revelation 3:15, Revelation 3:15 (second clause), and Revelation 3:16. The Lord says,

“I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)

Here “hot” is set opposite “cold,” with “lukewarm” representing an unacceptable middle. The contrast heightens the call to repentant zeal (Revelation 3:19).

Historical Setting of Laodicea

Laodicea lacked a reliable local water source. Archaeological studies show an aqueduct system that piped in mineral-laden water from hot springs near Hierapolis. By the time the water reached the city it had cooled to a tepid, nauseating temperature. To the south, Colossae enjoyed refreshingly cold mountain streams. First-century believers in Laodicea would have known the distaste of lukewarm water and the usefulness of both hot (medicinal) and cold (refreshing) supplies. Jesus employs this familiar backdrop to indict spiritual complacency.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Evaluation. The risen Christ measures congregational life not merely by orthodoxy or activity, but by spiritual temperature—the intensity of love, faith, and obedience that flows from genuine fellowship with Him.
2. Zeal as Covenant Faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, wholeheartedness distinguishes true covenant keepers (Deuteronomy 6:5; 2 Kings 23:25). The Laodicean rebuke aligns with the prophetic pattern that urges radical allegiance over half-hearted ritual (Isaiah 29:13; Malachi 1:10-11).
3. Warning of Rejection. The vivid threat of being “vomited” underscores that lukewarm religiosity provokes divine disgust, contradicting any notion that nominal association with Christ ensures security apart from repentance and faith.

Implications for Christian Discipleship

• Self-Examination: Believers are to assess whether their devotion is inflamed by the Spirit or cooled by worldliness (2 Corinthians 13:5).
• Cultivating Heat: Consistent Scripture intake (Psalm 119:97), persevering prayer (Colossians 4:2), and obedient service (John 14:21) stoke spiritual fire.
• Corporate Responsibility: Churches must prioritize fervent worship and mutual exhortation so that communal life remains “hot” rather than drifting into routine (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Patristic and Reformation Reflections

Early commentators such as Tertullian cited the passage to denounce compromise with pagan culture. Reformers like John Calvin viewed lukewarmness as formalism devoid of heartfelt faith. Across eras the text has supplied corrective energy whenever the church faced spiritual lethargy.

Pastoral and Homiletical Applications

1. Call to Revival: Revelation 3:15-16 serves as a perennial summons for renewal movements, urging believers to forsake apathy.
2. Evangelistic Warning: The imagery warns nominal Christians who assume safety while lacking regenerate zeal.
3. Encouragement of Perseverance: The promise of fellowship with Christ to the repentant (Revelation 3:20) affirms that spiritual heat can be reignited by grace.

Connection with Related Biblical Themes

The metaphor harmonizes with other “heat” motifs: the refining fire that purifies faith (1 Peter 1:7), the burning hearts of disciples who encountered the risen Lord (Luke 24:32), and the Spirit’s Pentecostal flames (Acts 2:3-4). Together these images emphasize that God desires a people set ablaze for His glory.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2200, though limited in occurrence, conveys a powerful call: believers and congregations must embody a fervent, useful, and wholehearted devotion to Christ. Anything less is spiritually nauseating and invites discipline, yet the Savior graciously offers intimacy and victory to those who repent and become “hot” again.