### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gymnótēs**, represented by `{{G1132}}`, denotes **nudity** or **nakedness**, either in an absolute or comparative sense. This term, derived from γυμνός, is rare in scripture, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**. Its usage captures states of both literal, physical destitution and metaphorical, spiritual exposure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical contexts, `{{G1132}}` is used to describe severe hardship. In [[Romans 8:35]], **nakedness** is listed among a series of trials—including **tribulation** `{{G2347}}`, **famine** `{{G3042}}`, and **peril** `{{G2794}}`—that cannot separate believers from the love of Christ. Similarly, Paul lists **nakedness** as one of the physical sufferings he endured for the sake of the gospel, alongside **hunger** `{{G3042}}`, **thirst** `{{G1373}}`, and **cold** `{{G5592}}` [[2 Corinthians 11:27]]. In [[Revelation 3:18]], the term shifts to a spiritual metaphor, where Christ counsels the church to buy **white raiment** `{{G2440}}` so that the **shame** `{{G152}}` of their spiritual **nakedness** will not be revealed.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G1132}}` in its scriptural context:
* `{{G3042}}` **limós** (a scarcity of food:--dearth, famine, hunger): This term appears with **nakedness** in both [[Romans 8:35]] and [[2 Corinthians 11:27]], emphasizing a state of extreme physical privation and suffering.
* `{{G2440}}` **himátion** (a dress (inner or outer):--apparel, cloke, clothes, garment, raiment, robe, vesture): This word serves as the direct solution to **nakedness** in [[Revelation 3:18]], representing a spiritual covering.
* `{{G152}}` **aischýnē** (shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely):--dishonesty, shame): Directly linked with **nakedness** in [[Revelation 3:18]], this term highlights the spiritual disgrace and exposure associated with a lack of true righteousness.
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble): Found in the list in [[Romans 8:35]], this word frames **nakedness** as a form of tribulation and intense pressure endured by believers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1132}}` is twofold, touching on both physical suffering and spiritual condition.
* **Emblem of Earthly Trial:** In the Pauline epistles, **nakedness** is presented as a pinnacle of physical hardship and vulnerability. It is a real-world affliction that tests a believer's endurance, yet is ultimately powerless against the love of Christ [[Romans 8:35]].
* **Metaphor for Spiritual Poverty:** Revelation uses **nakedness** to symbolize a state of spiritual destitution and shame. The Laodicean church, though materially wealthy, is spiritually "naked" and requires the "white **raiment**" `{{G2440}}` that only Christ provides to be covered [[Revelation 3:18]].
* **The Need for Divine Covering:** Whether literal or figurative, **nakedness** illustrates a state of exposure and lack. It points to the human condition of need, which finds its ultimate answer not in earthly provision but in the sufficiency and covering offered by Christ.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1132}}` is a potent term that communicates more than just the absence of clothing. It signifies a state of acute vulnerability. Scripture uses **gymnótēs** to describe both the severe physical trials that believers may endure in a fallen world and the profound spiritual shame of one who lacks the righteousness of Christ. From a test of faith to a symbol of spiritual disgrace, the word consistently portrays a condition that requires a divine remedy.
TRV