Brief Overview of Γυμνός (G1131: Gymnos)

Gymnos (pronounced ghoom-NOS, γυμνός) is a Greek adjective found under Strong’s Concordance number G1131. The term Gymnos is derived from the root γυμνός (gymnos), which means “naked” or “bare.” The word primarily refers to being unclothed or lacking the usual covering, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone as being exposed, defenseless, or vulnerable. In the New Testament, Gymnos is often used both in a literal sense, referring to physical nakedness, and in a figurative sense, implying a lack of spiritual or moral covering, thus exposing one to danger or shame.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Gymnos is defined as “naked” or “unclothed,” with the primary focus on the physical state of being without clothing. BDAG notes that the term can also be applied metaphorically to indicate a state of being exposed or vulnerable, particularly in spiritual or moral contexts. The lexicon emphasizes the use of Gymnos in the New Testament to describe both physical nakedness and a broader sense of exposure or lack of protection.

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Thayer’s Lexicon supports this interpretation, describing Gymnos as “naked” or “bare,” and highlights its use in both literal and figurative contexts. Thayer’s notes that Gymnos can refer to physical nakedness, as well as to spiritual or moral vulnerability, where the absence of clothing symbolizes the lack of protection or covering that one would typically rely on for security or decency.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon agrees with these definitions, defining Gymnos as “naked” or “bare,” and explains that the term was commonly used in ancient Greek literature to describe both physical nakedness and a state of being exposed or unprotected. LSJ also notes that Gymnos could be used in metaphorical contexts to describe someone who is without resources or defenseless.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Gymnos as “naked,” focusing on its literal meaning but also acknowledging its metaphorical uses. The concordance highlights that Gymnos appears in various New Testament passages, where it is used to convey both physical and spiritual states of nakedness or exposure.

Gymnos is directly mentioned in several New Testament verses, such as Matthew 25:36, where Jesus speaks of the righteous clothing the naked: “I was naked (γυμνός) and you clothed me.” Another significant usage is in Revelation 3:17, where the church in Laodicea is described as “naked” (γυμνός) despite their material wealth, indicating their spiritual poverty and vulnerability.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Gymnos is frequently used to describe physical nakedness, often in contexts related to athletics, where athletes would train or compete without clothing. One example is found in the works of Homer, where Gymnos is used to describe warriors who are without their armor, emphasizing their vulnerability in battle.

Another example is from Herodotus, who uses Gymnos to describe certain peoples who lived in a state of nudity, either due to cultural practices or because they were stripped of their clothing as a sign of defeat or humiliation. This usage highlights the term’s association with exposure and vulnerability.

A third example is from Plato, who in his philosophical dialogues uses Gymnos metaphorically to discuss the concept of being spiritually or intellectually “naked,” meaning lacking in knowledge, wisdom, or moral integrity. Plato’s use of the term underscores its broader application beyond just physical nakedness, extending to the idea of being exposed or unprotected in a moral or intellectual sense.

Summary

Gymnos (pronounced ghoom-NOS, γυμνός) is a Greek adjective meaning “naked” or “bare,” derived from the root γυμνός (gymnos), which denotes being unclothed or without covering. The term is used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament to describe physical nakedness as well as spiritual or moral vulnerability. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ describe Gymnos as encompassing the concepts of being physically exposed and spiritually or morally defenseless. In classical Greek literature, Gymnos is commonly used to depict physical nakedness, especially in athletic contexts, but it is also employed metaphorically to convey a state of exposure or vulnerability. The term’s usage in both biblical and classical contexts highlights its significance as a symbol of both physical and spiritual states of being unprotected or exposed.