Revelation 3:14-22 RC7 Laodicea

Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. [kjv]

The seven letters to the seven churches of Revelation were written, from Jesus through John, to actual churches in Asia Minor (western Turkey today).

1. Ephesus: Revelation 2:1-7 RC1 Ephesus
2. Smyrna: Revelation 2:8-11 RC2 Smyrna
3. Pergamum/Pergamus: Revelation 2:12-17 RC3 Pergamus
4. Thyatira: Revelation 2:18-29 RC4 Thyatira
5: Sardus: Revelation 3:1-6 RC5 Sardus
6. Philadelphia : Revelation 3:7-13 RC6 Philadelphia
7. Laodicea: Revelation 3:14-22 RC7 Laodicea (this page)

1. City: Ephesus
7. Revelation 3:15-16 Zesty hot and frigid cold

More: Some Greek cities

More: Revelation 1:1-11 Seven Churches in Revelation

1 2 3 4 + - ▶

Interpretations
☐ Literal	☐ Christian living
☐ Figurative	☐ Heresies over time
☐ Historical	☐ Prophetic details

[spread spectrum communication] [self-similar like fractals] [linear combinations]

Note that the time of Roman persecutions was that of the universal church as a collection of small "mustard seeds" while the time of Roman acceptance was that of the universal church as "tree with birds making a home in the branches".

More: Church history and linear combinations

*	Churches	Parables	Beatitudes	Church ages
1	Ephesus	Sower	Poor in Spirit	Jesus and the Good News
2	Smyrna	Weeds	They that mourn	Roman persecutions
3	Pergamus	Mustard	Meek inherit	Roman acceptance
4	Thyatira	Leaven	Hunger and thirst	Catholic Church
5	Sardis	Treasure	Merciful and alms	Protestant Reformation
6	Philadelphia	Pearl	Pure in heart	Great Awakenings
7	Laodicea	Harvest	Peacemakers	Apostate church age

$Time periods$ If you do not like the historical interpretation, as prophecy, just use the model to remember the order of the Churches, Parables and Beatitudes.

[spread spectrum communication] [self-similar like fractals]

More: Church history and linear combinations

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [kjv]

και τω αγγελω της εν λαοδικεια εκκλησιας λαοδικεων γραψον ταδε λεγει ο αμην ο μαρτυς ο πιστος και ο αληθινος η αρχη της κτισεως του θεου [gnt]

Laodicea is the last of the seven churches to receive letters from Jesus through John in Revelation.

... more to be added ...

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [kjv]

και τω αγγελω της εν λαοδικεια εκκλησιας λαοδικεων γραψον ταδε λεγει ο αμην ο μαρτυς ο πιστος και ο αληθινος η αρχη της κτισεως του θεου [gnt]

The KJV (King James Version) omits the Greek definite article "the" before "true". Latin had no definite article.

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [kjv]

και τω αγγελω της εν λαοδικεια εκκλησιας λαοδικεων γραψον ταδε λεγει ο αμην ο μαρτυς ο πιστος και ο αληθινος η αρχη της κτισεως του θεου [gnt]

More: Created creatures of the creation

Revelation 3:14

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KJV: And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Greek: και τω αγγελω της εν λαοδικεια εκκλησιας λαοδικεων γραψον ταδε λεγει ο αμην ο μαρτυς ο πιστος και ο αληθινος η αρχη της κτισεως του θεου

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [kjv]

οιδα σου τα εργα οτι ουτε ψυχρος ει ουτε ζεστος οφελον ψυχρος ειης ης η ζεστος [gnt]

3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [kjv]

ουτως οτι χλιαρος ει και ουτε ψυχρος ουτε ζεστος ουτε ψυχρος μελλω σε εμεσαι εκ του στοματος μου [gnt]

Jesus would prefer that the church be either "hot" or "cold" rather than "lukewarm" (neither "hot" nor "cold", shown as "?"). Are both "hot" and "cold" good? This can be literally true as in hot/cold tea, coffee, etc.

"ζεστός" ≈ "seethed, boiled, hot" and is the source of the English word "zesty".
"ψυχρός" ≈ "cold, frigid, cold-hearted, lifeless, ineffectual"
"χλιαρός" ≈ "lukewarm, tepid" from "χλιαίνω" ≈ "to warm, warm up, grow warm".

Is there a pattern to how "hot" and "cold" are used in the Bible as far as being "good", "bad", etc.?

More: Revelation 3:15-16 Zesty hot and frigid cold

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [kjv]

… werkis… cold… hoot… could… hoot… [wy]

… workes … colde … hot… colde … hotte. [ty]

… Werke… kalt … warm … kalt … warm … [lu]

3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [kjv]

… lew… cold… hoot… [wy]

… bitwene bothe … colde … hot … [ty]

… lau … kalt … warm… Munde. [lu]

Note the variations of "cold" and "hot" in the Wycliffe and Tyndale versions.

Wycliffe: cold, hoot, could, hoot, lew.
Tyndale: colde, hot, cold, hotte, bitwene bothe.

The German words "kalt" ≈ "cold" and "warm" ≈ "hot", "lau" ≈ "lukewarm, tepid", "lauwarm" ≈ "lukewarm, tepid".

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [kjv]

scio opera tua quia neque frigidus es neque calidus utinam frigidus esses aut calidus [v]

3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [kjv]

… tepidus … frigidus … calidus … [v]

The Latin word "fridigus" ≈ "cold" and is the source of the English word "frigid".

The Latin word "calidus" ≈ "warm, hot".

The Latin word "tepidus" ≈ "lukewarm, tepid" and is the source of the English word "tepid".
The modern Greek word "ζεστός" (zeh-STOS) ≈ "hot".

The "hot springs" in Hierapolis (to the north of Laodicea) are alluded to by Jesus in Revelation 3.

This is the literal view which could be a distractor.
Colossae, to the south, had cold springs, from which an aqueduct brought cold water to Laodicea that was then somewhat lukewarm.

"Hot" is often good (coffee, cocoa, etc.).
"Cold" is often good (coffee, cocoa, etc.).
"Lukewarm" is "tepid" and tends to be not good.

Are there exceptions to this rule? Why might this be claimed?

Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [kjv]

ουτως οτι χλιαρος ει και ουτε ψυχρος ουτε ζεστος ουτε ψυχρος μελλω σε εμεσαι εκ του στοματος μου [gnt]

Consider what Jesus said to the Church at Laodicea as far as being "yes" or "no", as in "hot" or "cold". There are (at least) two ways to take what Jesus said.

Impose the current view that "hot" means doing what Jesus wants (as in "on fire" for the Lord) and "cold" means not doing what Jesus wants (as in a "cold shoulder"). That leaves the "lukewarm" meaning somewhat unclear.
Take both being "refreshing" (as were the cold and hot water sources at Laodicea) and "lukewarm", as not refreshing, being what is to be avoided.

Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [kjv]

οιδα σου τα εργα οτι ουτε ψυχρος ει ουτε ζεστος οφελον ψυχρος ειης ης η ζεστος [gnt]

This appears to be an exclusive or since one cannot be literally both "cold" and "hot" at the same time.

Revelation 3:15

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KJV: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Greek: οιδα σου τα εργα οτι ουτε ψυχρος ει ουτε ζεστος οφελον ψυχροςειης ης η ζεστος

Latin: scio opera tua quia neque frigidus es neque calidus utinam frigidus esses aut calidus

Wycliffe: I woot thi werkis, for nether thou art cold, nether thou art hoot; Y wolde that thou were could, ethir hoot;

Tyndale: I knowe thy workes yt thou arte nether colde nor hot: I wolde thou were colde or hotte.

Luther: Ich weiß deine Werke, daß du weder kalt noch warm bist. Ach, daß du kalt oder warm wärest!

Russian: знаю твои дела; ты ни холоден, ни горяч; о, если бы ты был холоден, или горяч!

Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [kjv]

ουτως οτι χλιαρος ει και ουτε ψυχρος ουτε ζεστος ουτε ψυχρος μελλω σε εμεσαι εκ του στοματος μου [gnt]

Revelation 3:16

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

Greek: ουτως οτι χλιαρος ει και ουτε ψυχρος ουτε ζεστος ουτε ψυχρος μελλω σε εμεσαι εκ του στοματος μου

Latin: sed quia tepidus es et nec frigidus nec calidus incipiam te evomere ex ore meo

Wycliffe: but for thou art lew, and nether cold, nether hoot, Y schal bigynne to caste thee out of my mouth.

Tyndale: So then because thou arte bitwene bothe and nether colde ner hot I will spew ye oute of my mouth:

Luther: Weil du aber lau bist und weder kalt noch warm, werde ich dich ausspeien aus meinem Munde.

Russian: Но, как ты тепл, а не горяч и не холоден, то извергну тебя из уст Моих.

Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: [kjv]

οτι λεγεις οτι πλουσιος ειμι και πεπλουτηκα και ουδενος ουδεν χρειαν εχω και ουκ οιδας οτι συ ει ο ταλαιπωρος και ελεεινος και πτωχος και τυφλος και γυμνος [gnt]

Revelation 3:17

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KJV: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Greek: οτι λεγεις οτι πλουσιος ειμι και πεπλουτηκα και ουδενος ουδεν χρειαν εχω και ουκ οιδας οτι συ ει ο ταλαιπωρος και ελεεινος και πτωχος και τυφλος και γυμνος

Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. [kjv]

συμβουλευω σοι αγορασαι παρ εμου χρυσιον πεπυρωμενον εκ πυρος ινα πλουτησης και ιματια λευκα ινα περιβαλη και μη φανερωθη η αισχυνη της γυμνοτητος σου και κολλουριον εγχρισον εγχρισαι τους οφθαλμους σου ινα βλεπης [gnt]

Revelation 3:18

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KJV: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Greek: συμβουλευω σοι αγορασαι παρ εμου χρυσιον πεπυρωμενον εκ πυρος ινα πλουτησης και ιματια λευκα ινα περιβαλη και μη φανερωθη η αισχυνη της γυμνοτητος σου και κολλουριον εγχρισον εγχρισαι τους οφθαλμους σου ινα βλεπης

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [kjv]

εγω οσους εαν φιλω ελεγχω και παιδευω ζηλωσον ζηλευε ουν και μετανοησον [gnt]

In Revelation, to the apostate church at Laodicea, where Jesus has to knock on the door because he is not allowed in, we have the following verse.

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [kjv]

εγω οσους εαν φιλω ελεγχω και παιδευω ζηλωσον ζηλευε ουν και μετανοησον [gnt]

3:20 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. [kjv]

ιδου εστηκα επι την θυραν και κρουω εαν τις ακουση της φωνης μου και ανοιξη την θυραν εισελευσομαι προς αυτον και δειπνησω μετ αυτου και αυτος μετ εμου [gnt]

More: Seeking damages from zealous jealousy

Revelation 3:19

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KJV: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Greek: εγω οσους εαν φιλω ελεγχω και παιδευω ζηλωσον ζηλευε ουν και μετανοησον

Wycliffe: Y repreue, and chastise whom Y loue; therfor sue thou goode men, and do penaunce.

Tyndale: As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Be fervent therfore and repet.

Revelation 3:19

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KJV: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Greek: εγω οσους εαν φιλω ελεγχω και παιδευω ζηλωσον ζηλευε ουν και μετανοησον

Revelation 3:20 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. [kjv]

ιδου εστηκα επι την θυραν και κρουω εαν τις ακουση της φωνης μου και ανοιξη την θυραν εισελευσομαι προς αυτον και δειπνησω μετ αυτου και αυτος μετ εμου [gnt]

Some churches only allow the part of Jesus they like into their church. The church at Laodicia appears to not want Jesus in their church. Jesus is at the church door knocking. [prize for knock-knock jokes]

Have some churches today "separated" or "uprooted" themselves from (the love of) Jesus?
Are some churches today "strangers" to Jesus?
Are some churches today "blind" to the true and complete Jesus?

Might those in this church be too busy "ministering" to others (goats) and not "examining" or "thinking" about the entirety of Jesus (sheep)?

The "hear" in Greek has a connotation of hearing with understanding. The Greek for "voice" is, literally, "light" into the "mind" and can be a play on words with "murders".

[Wesley's Preveniant Grace, Matthew at the foot of the door]

More: Music: Anacrusis and knocking

More: Wesley's front porch analogy of grace

Revelation 3:20

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ιδου εστηκα επι την θυραν και κρουω εαν τις ακουση της φωνης μου και ανοιξη την θυραν εισελευσομαι προς αυτον και δειπνησω μετ αυτου και αυτος μετ εμου

Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. [kjv]

ο νικων δωσω αυτω καθισαι μετ εμου εν τω θρονω μου ως καγω ενικησα και εκαθισα μετα του πατρος μου εν τω θρονω αυτου [gnt]

Revelation 3:21

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KJV: To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Greek: ο νικων δωσω αυτω καθισαι μετ εμου εν τω θρονω μου ως καγω ενικησα και εκαθισα μετα του πατρος μου εν τω θρονω αυτου

Revelation 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. [kjv]

ο εχων ους ακουσατω τι το πνευμα λεγει ταις εκκλησιαις [gnt]

Revelation 3:22

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KJV: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Greek: ο εχων ους ακουσατω τι το πνευμα λεγει ταις εκκλησιαις