BOOK OF REVELATION COMMENTARY

Extensive verse by verse commentary on the Book of Revelation with charts, images, and maps while addressing controversial passages. The commentary includes additional side notes which are merely comments inspired by the passage. The scripture for the commentary is the Authorized KJV 1769 Translation, however a few times the various Textus Receptus (Koine Greek source text) is used for deeper insight.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

I KNOW THY WORKS - Yeshua declares, “I know,” meaning He deeply understands the background of the messenger’s activities—his “works” (Matt 5:16; 1 Thess 1:3). Therefore, the messenger cannot hide or try justify himself.

THAT THOU ART NEITHER COLD NOR HOT, I WOULD THOU WERT COLD OR HOT - Yeshua desires what is either cold or hot. If He spits out the lukewarm, it implies that what is cold or hot is received by Him (Rev 3:15-16). Therefore, both are good. In Scripture, “cold” is directly linked with refreshing, thirst-quenching water, something deeply desired (Matt 10:42; LXX Prov 25:25). If cold water refreshes, then hot water comforts (soup, tea, etc.).

Yeshua said that His “meat” is to do the will of Him who sent Him and to finish His work (John 4:34). In the same way, His “drink” relates to that work being carried out, namely the saving of the lost (Luke 19:10), as seen in the Samaritan woman, which resulted in a harvest (John 4:36).

Therefore, what refreshes Yeshua (cold) is the Messenger who is obedient in seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10). What brings Yeshua comfort (hot) is the fruit, the outcome of that obedience (Luke 10:21; John 15:8; Isa 53:11). The Messenger is not actively doing this therefore lukewarm (Rev 3:16).

Side Note: The possible reason Yeshua used this analogy is that the city had no natural hot or cold water source, so water was transported by aqueduct from nearby springs, and by the time it reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm.