I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Neither cold - antithesis to "hot" х zestos (G2200) boiling ("fervent," Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11: cf. Song of Solomon 8:6; Luke 24:32), requires that "cold" should mean more than negatively cold; positively, icy cold: never warmed]. The Laodiceans were cold comparatively, not as the world outside, and those who never belonged to the Church. The lukewarm state, if the transitional stage to a warmer, is desirable (for a little religion, if real, is better than none); but fatal when an abiding condition, for it is mistaken for a safe state (Revelation 3:17). Hence, Christ desires that they were cold rather than lukewarm; for there would not be the same 'danger of mixed motive and disregarded principle' (Alford). There is more hope of the cold - i:e., these of the world not yet warmed by the Gospel call; for, when called, they may become fervent Christians: as the once-cold publicans, Zaccheus and Matthew. But the lukewarm has been within reach of the holy fire, without being kindled into fervour; having religion enough to lull the conscience in security, not enough to save the soul: as the halters between two opinions in Israel (1 Kings 18:21: cf. 2 Kings 17:41; Ezekiel 20:39; Matthew 6:24).