### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective gymnós (`{{G1131}}`) primarily denotes a state of being "naked" or "unclothed." Its semantic range extends beyond absolute nudity to encompass various degrees of exposure. This can include being lightly clad, insufficiently clothed, or stripped of outer garments, particularly in contexts where such attire would be expected for modesty or status. Figuratively, gymnós conveys concepts of vulnerability, destitution, openness, and lack of concealment. It can describe a state of being unadorned, exposed to scrutiny, or lacking spiritual covering. The etymological origin is uncertain, but its usage clearly points to a physical or metaphorical lack of covering, protection, or concealment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term gymnós appears in various New Testament contexts, revealing its diverse applications:
* **Literal Nakedness:**
* In the Synoptic Gospels, gymnós describes individuals lacking proper clothing. For instance, in [[Matthew 25:36]], [[Matthew 25:38]], [[Matthew 25:43]], and [[Matthew 25:44]], it refers to those in need of clothing, highlighting a call to practical charity as an expression of faith.
* [[Mark 14:51-52]] depicts a young man fleeing naked, emphasizing the abrupt and desperate nature of his escape.
* [[John 21:7]] describes Peter as "naked" while fishing, likely indicating he was stripped down to his undergarments for work, a common practice for fishermen.
* [[Acts 19:16]] recounts the sons of Sceva being overpowered and fleeing "naked and wounded," underscoring their complete humiliation and vulnerability.
* [[1 Corinthians 4:11]] uses gymnós to describe the apostles' state of extreme deprivation and suffering, lacking adequate clothing as part of their hardships for the Gospel.
* [[James 2:15]] uses gymnós in conjunction with "destitute of daily food," presenting a vivid picture of extreme poverty and the need for tangible aid from the community of faith.
* **Figurative or Spiritual Nakedness:**
* [[2 Corinthians 5:3]] uses gymnós in a theological discussion about the resurrection body, expressing a concern about being found "naked," meaning without a spiritual body or covering at the Lord's return. This refers to the desire not to be disembodied or found wanting in spiritual preparedness.
* Perhaps one of the most profound figurative uses is in [[Hebrews 4:13]]: "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Here, gymnós signifies absolute transparency and exposure before God's all-seeing judgment, where nothing can be concealed.
* In the book of Revelation, gymnós frequently carries a strong spiritual and eschatological weight:
* [[Revelation 3:17]] famously rebukes the church of Laodicea for their spiritual self-deception, declaring them "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." Here, nakedness signifies spiritual destitution, lack of righteousness, and a shameful state before God.
* [[Revelation 16:15]] issues a warning: "Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." This urges spiritual vigilance and preparedness, implying that a lack of "garments" (spiritual righteousness or readiness) leads to shame and judgment.
* [[Revelation 17:16]] describes the beast making the harlot "naked," signifying her exposure, humiliation, and stripping away of her power and splendor.
### Related Words & Concepts
Gymnós stands in stark contrast to words signifying clothing or covering, such as `{{G2440}}` (himation, "garment" or "cloak") and `{{G4749}}` (stolē, "robe"). The concept of being clothed or covered often denotes honor, status, protection, or righteousness, while gymnós implies the opposite.
The Old Testament concept of nakedness, particularly in [[Genesis 3]], where Adam and Eve realize their nakedness after sin, provides a crucial theological backdrop for understanding gymnós in the New Testament. While the Hebrew word used there is `{{H6174}}` ('êrôm), the *idea* of nakedness as a state of shame, vulnerability, and exposure due to sin resonates deeply with the New Testament's figurative uses of gymnós, especially in Revelation.
Related concepts include:
* **Vulnerability:** A state of being unprotected or susceptible to harm.
* **Shame:** The emotional distress associated with exposure or disgrace.
* **Destitution:** Extreme poverty or lack of necessities.
* **Transparency/Exposure:** The state of being fully revealed or laid bare.
* **Righteousness:** Often depicted as a "garment" or "covering" in biblical theology, contrasting with spiritual nakedness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of gymnós is multifaceted, touching upon humanity's fallen state, the demands of Christian charity, and eschatological realities.
1. **Human Vulnerability and the Fall:** The concept of nakedness inherently points to human vulnerability and dependence. The post-Fall awareness of nakedness in Genesis underscores humanity's loss of innocence and the introduction of shame into the human experience. This foundational narrative informs the understanding of spiritual nakedness as a state of being exposed in one's sin and inadequacy before a holy God.
2. **The Call to Compassion:** The literal use of gymnós in passages like [[Matthew 25:36]] and [[James 2:15]] elevates the act of clothing the naked to a fundamental expression of Christian love and justice. It highlights the Church's responsibility to care for the marginalized and destitute, seeing Christ in those who are most vulnerable.
3. **Spiritual Exposure and Judgment:** Gymnós powerfully conveys the idea of ultimate transparency before God. [[Hebrews 4:13]] reminds believers that all aspects of their being are "naked and open" to God's scrutiny, emphasizing His omniscience and the reality of divine judgment. There is no hiding from God.
4. **The Need for Spiritual Covering:** The Revelation passages ([[Revelation 3:17]], [[Revelation 16:15]]) are particularly potent. Spiritual nakedness signifies a lack of true righteousness, a failure to be clothed in the "white garments" provided by Christ's redemption. This underscores the necessity of repentance, faith, and living a life that reflects the righteousness imputed by Christ, lest one be found spiritually unprepared and shameful at His coming. The "garments" represent salvation, purity, and works of righteousness performed in Christ.
5. **Christ's Humiliation:** Though not explicitly stated with gymnós, the implied nakedness of Christ on the cross is a profound theological image. Stripped of His garments, He experienced ultimate humiliation and vulnerability, identifying fully with suffering humanity, and providing the covering for humanity's shame.
### Summary
The Greek word gymnós (`{{G1131}}`) encompasses a rich semantic range from literal nakedness or insufficient clothing to profound figurative states of vulnerability, destitution, and spiritual exposure. In the New Testament, it is used to describe physical poverty and the call to Christian charity, highlighting the Church's obligation to care for the needy. More significantly, gymnós functions as a powerful metaphor for humanity's spiritual condition: our complete transparency before God, our inherent shame due to sin, and the urgent need for a spiritual covering—the righteousness provided through Christ. It serves as a stark reminder of both human fragility and the divine call to spiritual vigilance and preparedness for the Lord's return.
TRV