This exegetical study of Rev 3:16 εμεω is based on a b-greek discussion from July 29, 2008. The initial query focused on the precise translation of the verb ἐμέω (specifically the aorist infinitive ἐμέσαι) in Revelation 3:16, particularly questioning whether a highly colloquial or vulgar rendering, such as “to puke,” is an accurate or appropriate interpretation, especially in light of standard lexical entries like BDAG, BGDA, and Liddell-Scott-Jones, which offer “to vomit” or “to throw up.”
The main exegetical issue at hand is the semantic range and connotative force of ἐμέω within the context of Revelation 3:16, where Christ threatens to “vomit” the lukewarm church of Laodicea from His mouth. This involves determining the most fitting English equivalent that accurately conveys both the literal action and the implied theological message of divine disgust and absolute rejection. The discussion hinges on whether a more visceral, colloquial, or even vulgar translation is lexically justified and if it enhances or detracts from the passage’s rhetorical impact, especially considering the sacred nature of the text.
οὕτως ὅτι χλιαρὸς εἶ καὶ οὔτε ζεστὸς οὔτε ψυχρός, μέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου. (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant differences in the Greek text of Revelation 3:16 are observed between the Nestle 1904 edition and the SBL Greek New Testament (2010). Both critical editions present the same wording for this verse.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes
A review of the Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28) apparatus for Revelation 3:16 reveals no textual variants pertaining to the phrase μέλλω σε ἐμέσαι, indicating a stable textual tradition for this particular verb and its context.
Lexically, the verb ἐμέω (root of ἐμέσαι) is not extensively discussed in theological dictionaries like Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT), which does not contain a dedicated entry for this term. Therefore, our primary lexical investigation relies on general Greek lexica.
According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature), ἐμέω means “to vomit, throw up.” Its usage in secular Greek literature (e.g., medical texts, Plutarch, Xenophon) consistently refers to the physiological act of expelling contents from the stomach through the mouth. The metaphor in Revelation 3:16 is a vivid and unambiguous expression of revulsion and complete rejection. The imagery chosen by the author is intensely physical and designed to evoke strong emotional and sensory responses from the audience. The “lukewarm” state of the Laodicean church—neither refreshing nor invigorating—is utterly nauseating to Christ, prompting this extreme metaphor of expulsion. The phrase ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου (from my mouth) reinforces the direct, personal, and definitive nature of this rejection.
Translation Variants
The phrase under consideration is μέλλω σε ἐμέσαι ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου (Rev 3:16). Grammatically, μέλλω with the aorist infinitive ἐμέσαι denotes an impending action or a determined intention: “I am about to vomit you,” or “I intend to vomit you.” The pronoun σε is the direct object, referring to the church of Laodicea. The prepositional phrase ἐκ τοῦ στόματός μου specifies the means and origin of the expulsion, emphasizing the personal and visceral nature of Christ’s reaction.
Rhetorically, the choice of ἐμέω is highly significant. It is a graphic and unpleasant term, deliberately employed to convey profound disgust and utter rejection. The context of Revelation often employs striking imagery to communicate its message, and this passage is no exception. While “to vomit” is the standard and formally acceptable translation, the question arises whether a more potent, even colloquial, term might better capture the visceral revulsion implied. The comparison with πτυω (to spit) or ἐκπτύω (to spit out in disgust), as noted in the original discussion, highlights the distinct and more extreme nature of ἐμέω. Spitting implies disgust and rejection, but vomiting signifies a more profound and uncontrollable expulsion due to extreme nausea or revulsion. Thus, the rhetorical impact of ἐμέω is designed to shock and to underscore the severity of Christ’s displeasure with spiritual indifference.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The lexical analysis of ἐμέω confirms its consistent meaning as “to vomit” or “to throw up” across various Greek contexts. While no significant textual variants exist, the semantic range allows for different nuances in English translation. The rhetorical function of this strong verb is to convey divine disgust and absolute rejection of the Laodicean church’s lukewarm spiritual state. The challenge for translators is to select a word that conveys both the literal act and the intense metaphorical revulsion without being overly crude or inappropriately euphemistic.
- “Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of my mouth.”
(This translation is standard, formal, and accurate, preserving the direct meaning while maintaining a dignified tone.) - “Since you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will soon spew you from my mouth.”
(This option uses “spew,” which is slightly more forceful and visceral than “vomit” but still formally acceptable, emphasizing the forceful expulsion.) - “Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am going to retch you out of my mouth.”
(This rendering, using “retch,” highlights the sensation of nausea and forceful expulsion, capturing the visceral nature of the Greek more intensely without resorting to explicitly vulgar colloquialisms like “puke,” thereby balancing impact with decorum.)