### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5903}}` (ʻêyrôm) is a noun derived from the verbal root `{{H6191}}` (ʻâram), which means "to be naked," "to be bare," or "to expose." As a noun, `{{H5903}}` specifically denotes the state of "nakedness" or "nudity." Its semantic range encompasses the literal absence of clothing, but it often extends to figurative meanings of vulnerability, exposure, destitution, or shame. It can describe a complete lack of covering, or a state of being insufficiently clothed, thereby implying poverty or humiliation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H5903}}` in the Hebrew Bible are highly significant, often carrying profound theological or social implications.
* Its foundational use is found in the Garden of Eden narrative, where Adam and Eve, after their disobedience, become aware of their `{{H5903}}` ([[Genesis 3:7]]) and hide from God, stating, "I was afraid because I was naked" ([[Genesis 3:10-11]]). Here, nakedness transitions from a state of innocent transparency ([[Genesis 2:25]]) to a source of shame and a symbol of their severed relationship with God.
* In [[Exodus 32:25]], `{{H5903}}` describes the Israelites being "naked" or "unrestrained" after their idolatry with the golden calf. This signifies a state of moral and spiritual exposure, a lack of divine covering or protection, leading to shame before their enemies.
* Prophetic literature frequently employs `{{H5903}}` to symbolize judgment, humiliation, and the stripping away of pride or protection. For instance, [[Ezekiel 16:7]] and [[Ezekiel 16:22]] describe Jerusalem's spiritual nakedness, emphasizing her exposed and vulnerable state due to unfaithfulness and idolatry.
* [[Isaiah 20:2-4]] portrays the prophet Isaiah walking "naked and barefoot" as a prophetic sign, illustrating the future humiliation, defeat, and captivity of Egypt and Cush. Here, physical nakedness serves as a powerful visual metaphor for national disgrace and loss of sovereignty.
* In the wisdom literature, particularly Job, `{{H5903}}` is used to depict the plight of the poor and oppressed. [[Job 22:6]] condemns those who strip the "naked" of their clothing, highlighting injustice. Similarly, [[Job 24:7]] and [[Job 24:10]] lament the destitution of those who lack clothing, exposed to the elements.
* [[Amos 2:16]] speaks of the "strongest of the warriors" fleeing "naked" on the day of judgment, signifying utter defeat and the loss of all defenses and dignity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H6191}}` (ʻâram):** The verbal root from which `{{H5903}}` is derived, meaning "to be naked," "to uncover," or "to make bare." This connection underscores the fundamental meaning of exposure.
* **`{{H6174}}` (ʻērōm):** A related noun, also meaning "nakedness" or "bareness," often used interchangeably or with subtle contextual nuances.
* **`{{H3830}}` (lābûsh):** "Clothing" or "garment," representing the antithesis of nakedness. The contrast between being clothed and being naked is central to understanding the significance of `{{H5903}}`, particularly in the narratives of creation and the Fall.
* **`{{H955}}` (bûsh):** "To be ashamed" or "to be confounded." This concept is intrinsically linked to nakedness, especially after the Fall, where nakedness became a source of shame rather than innocence.
* **`{{H2864}}` (ḥāsēr):** "Lacking" or "deficient," which can relate to the absence of clothing implied by `{{H5903}}` in contexts of poverty or need (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:48]]).
* **`{{G1131}}` (gymnos):** The Greek equivalent in the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., [[Revelation 3:17]]), carrying similar literal and figurative meanings of being unclothed, exposed, or vulnerable.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5903}}` is profound and multifaceted:
* **Loss of Innocence and the Genesis of Shame:** The primary theological import of `{{H5903}}` is established in the account of the Fall. Prior to sin, Adam and Eve were "naked and were not ashamed" ([[Genesis 2:25]]), signifying their perfect innocence and unhindered communion with God. Post-Fall, their awareness of nakedness becomes a source of shame ([[Genesis 3:7-11]]), symbolizing their broken relationship with God and the loss of original righteousness. This illustrates the pervasive impact of sin on human perception and self-awareness.
* **Vulnerability and Exposure Before God:** Nakedness frequently symbolizes human vulnerability before God and before judgment. It represents a state where all coverings—whether physical, social, or spiritual—are stripped away, revealing one's true condition and utter dependence. This is particularly evident in prophetic judgments, where nations are depicted as being "naked" before their enemies or before divine wrath, signifying their defenselessness and disgrace.
* **Divine Provision and Covering:** The merciful act of God clothing Adam and Eve with garments of skin after their sin ([[Genesis 3:21]]) is a pivotal theological statement. It signifies God's compassionate provision and covering for humanity's shame and vulnerability, foreshadowing the ultimate covering provided through Christ's atonement, which addresses the deeper spiritual nakedness of sin.
* **Spiritual Destitution and Righteousness:** In a broader sense, nakedness can symbolize spiritual destitution or a lack of true righteousness. While `{{H5903}}` does not appear in the New Testament, the concept is echoed in passages like [[Revelation 3:17]] (using `{{G1131}}`), where the church in Laodicea is described as "naked," signifying their spiritual poverty despite their perceived wealth, emphasizing their urgent need for true spiritual clothing from Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H5903}}` (ʻêyrôm) denotes "nakedness" or "nudity," derived from the root `{{H6191}}` meaning "to be bare." Its usage in the Old Testament transcends mere physical description, carrying deep theological and metaphorical weight. Fundamentally, it marks the profound shift from innocent transparency to the shame and vulnerability that followed the Fall ([[Genesis 3:7]]). In various contexts, `{{H5903}}` illustrates human exposure, destitution, and powerlessness, whether physical due to poverty ([[Job 24:7]]) or spiritual due to sin and impending judgment ([[Exodus 32:25]], [[Ezekiel 16:7]]). The concept of nakedness often stands in stark contrast to divine covering and provision, underscoring humanity's inherent need for God's grace and the righteousness He alone can provide. The study of `{{H5903}}` thus illuminates core biblical themes of sin, shame, judgment, and God's merciful response to human brokenness.
TRV