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γυμνάζω

gymnázō

G1128 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To train or exercise (originally in physical training contexts, specifically athletic preparation); by extension, to subject oneself to disciplined practice or self-control, especially for a purpose such as moral or spiritual formation. While its core meaning is bodily exercise, it can also refer metaphorically to intensive training of the character or the mind.

Semantic Range

to exercise (the body), to train (for athletic contests), to practice (an art or discipline), to subject oneself to disciplined training, to cultivate or develop (qualities or skills), to train morally or spiritually

Root / Etymology

From γυμνός ('naked'), reflecting the custom of training unclothed in Greek gymnasia; γυμνάζω thus literally means 'to practice/train naked', and then, by extension, 'to exercise, to train'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, γυμνάζω primarily referred to physical training or preparation for athletic contests, which were performed nude in the gymnasium, a setting central to Greek culture. By the Hellenistic period, the word began to be employed metaphorically: writers such as Philo and authors of NT/Second Temple texts use it in the sense of mental, moral, or spiritual training (e.g., training oneself in piety or endurance). In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 5:14; 12:11), γυμνάζω often appears in such metaphorical usages—self-disciplined practice in godliness or virtue rather than solely corporeal training. English translations often equate it with 'exercise' or 'train', but these can obscure the nuance of disciplined, deliberate formation, rooted in the well-known Greek practice and ideal of the gymnasium.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from γυμνός; to practise naked (in the games), i.e. train (figuratively):--exercise.

Root Family

γυμν- (gymnázō) — to exercise, to train, to practice

Root γυμν- to exercise, to train, to practice
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1129 γυμνασία disciplinary training
G1130 γυμνητεύω we go unclothed
G1131 γυμνός naked ones
G1132 γυμνότης nakedness

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1128-01 γεγυμνασμένα gegumnasmena V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N PL trained having been trained having been trained 1
G1128-02 γεγυμνασμένην gegumnasmenen V PRF PASS PTCP ACC F SG having been trained having been trained having been trained 1
G1128-03 γεγυμνασμένοις gegumnasmenois V PRF PASS PTCP DAT M PL who have been trained to those having been trained to those having been trained 1
G1128-04 γύμναζε gumnaze V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG train train yourself train 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1128-04 1 Timothy 4:7 γύμναζε gumnaze V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG train train yourself train
G1128-01 Hebrews 5:14 γεγυμνασμένα gegumnasmena V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N PL trained having been trained having been trained
G1128-03 Hebrews 12:11 γεγυμνασμένοις gegumnasmenois V PRF PASS PTCP DAT M PL who have been trained to those having been trained to those having been trained
G1128-02 2 Peter 2:14 γεγυμνασμένην gegumnasmenen V PRF PASS PTCP ACC F SG having been trained having been trained having been trained
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