The Greek word gymnēteúō, represented by G1130, means to be poorly clad or naked. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its base definition is to strip or, reflexively, to go poorly clad.
The sole use of G1130 is found in a list of hardships endured by the apostles. In 1 Corinthians 4:11, Paul describes a state of constant suffering, writing, "Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace". Here, being naked or poorly clad is presented as a literal, physical affliction alongside other forms of deprivation faced in service to the gospel.
Several related words appear alongside G1130 in its only context, illustrating the scope of apostolic suffering:
- G3983 peináō (to be an hungered): This word for hunger describes a state of famishing. It is used both literally, as when Paul speaks of knowing how "to be hungry" Philippians 4:12, and figuratively.
- G1372 dipsáō (to thirst): This term refers to the state of being thirsty. Jesus uses it to make a spiritual promise, stating that those who come to Him shall never thirst John 6:35.
- G2852 kolaphízō (buffet): Meaning to rap with the fist, this word describes physical persecution. It is used to describe the treatment of Jesus before the crucifixion Mark 14:65 and Paul's own "messenger of Satan to buffet" him 2 Corinthians 12:7.
- G790 astatéō (have no certain dwelling-place): This word means to be non-stationary or homeless. It appears only once, in the same list as G1130, emphasizing the instability and lack of shelter experienced by the apostles 1 Corinthians 4:11.
The theological weight of G1130 is tied directly to its context within apostolic suffering.
- The Cost of Discipleship: The word vividly portrays the physical cost of following Christ. Being poorly clad is not a metaphor but a tangible reality of the apostles' ministry, listed with hunger, thirst, and homelessness 1 Corinthians 4:11.
- A Reversal of Worldly Values: By listing being naked as a condition of his service, Paul contrasts the apostles' sacrificial life with worldly standards of honor, comfort, and provision.
- Identification with Christ: This state of deprivation and persecution connects the apostles' experience to that of Christ, who was also subjected to physical abuse and hardship, including being "buffeted" G2852 Matthew 26:67.
In summary, G1130 is a rare but impactful word. Its single appearance in 1 Corinthians 4:11 provides a stark and concrete image of the physical sacrifices made by the apostles. As part of a list of severe hardships, it defines a key aspect of early Christian ministry, emphasizing a life of deprivation and suffering endured for the sake of the gospel.
TRV