← G1130 G1132 →

γυμνός

gymnós

G1131 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Having no covering or clothing on the body; being unclothed. In various contexts, γυμνός describes a person who is completely without clothing, partially clad, or inadequately dressed. By extension, it can also refer metaphorically to vulnerability, lack of means, exposure, or defenselessness. The literal sense of physical nakedness predominates, though contexts may also imply lack of proper outer garments or impoverished condition.

Semantic Range

completely naked, poorly clothed, inadequately dressed, lacking outer garment, exposed, vulnerable, defenseless (figurative)

Root / Etymology

Rooted in Greek γυμν- (gymn-). It is a primary adjective with cognate forms throughout ancient Greek. The ultimate etymology is uncertain, but the word is well-attested from Homeric through Koine Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, γυμνός primarily denoted being fully unclothed, often with additional connotations of naturalness or even shame, depending on the social context (e.g., public nakedness was more acceptable for men, especially in gymnasia or athletic events, than for women). By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, as reflected in the Septuagint and New Testament, γυμνός could also indicate being inadequately clothed or lacking sufficient outer garments—especially among the poor—rather than absolute nakedness. For example, in James 2:15 and Matthew 25:36, context suggests 'poorly clothed' or 'lacking necessary clothing.' The term may also be used metaphorically for exposure, defenselessness, or vulnerability. English translation as 'naked' risks overstating the sense in contexts where insufficient clothing or poverty is intended. In figurative passages (e.g., Hebrews 4:13), it underscores complete exposure or lack of concealment before God. The word contrasts with ἐνδεδυμένος ('clothed'), and differs from terms designating ceremonial or official undress.

Translation Consistency

primary "naked" 12 occurrences

γυμνός primarily denotes literal lack of clothing and vulnerability. "Naked" is the most natural, widely understood English equivalent that covers both literal unclothedness and the common figurative sense (exposed/vulnerable), so it provides the clearest, consistent rendering across contexts.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"unclothed ones" (1x) "bare" (1x) "unclothed" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative):--naked.

Root Family

γυμνός (gymnos) — bare, uncovered, unclothed

Root γυμν- bare, uncovered, unclothed

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1131-05 γυμνὸς gumnos ADJ.S NOM M SG naked unclothed one the naked one 6
G1131-04 γυμνὸν gumnon ADJ.S ACC M SG naked unclothed man naked man 3
G1131-03 γυμνοὶ gumnoi ADJ.P NOM M PL naked unclothed men naked 2
G1131-02 γυμνήν gumnen ADJ.S ACC F SG naked an unclothed woman naked 1
G1131-01 γυμνὰ gumna ADJ.S NOM N PL naked naked ones naked ones 1
G1131-06 γυμνοῦ gumnou ADJ.S GEN N SG his naked body of the naked his naked body 1
G1131-07 γυμνοὺς gumnous ADJ.S ACC M PL naked unclothed ones unclothed ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

15 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1131-05 Matthew 25:36 γυμνὸς gumnos ADJ.S NOM M SG naked unclothed one the naked one
G1131-04 Matthew 25:38 γυμνὸν gumnon ADJ.S ACC M SG naked unclothed man naked man
G1131-05 Matthew 25:43 γυμνὸς gumnos ADJ.S NOM M SG naked unclothed one the naked one
G1131-04 Matthew 25:44 γυμνὸν gumnon ADJ.S ACC M SG naked unclothed man naked man
G1131-06 Mark 14:51 γυμνοῦ gumnou ADJ.S GEN N SG his naked body of the naked his naked body
G1131-05 Mark 14:52 γυμνὸς gumnos ADJ.S NOM M SG naked unclothed one the naked one
G1131-05 John 21:7 γυμνός gumnos ADJ.P NOM M SG naked unclothed one the naked one
G1131-07 Acts 19:16 γυμνοὺς gumnous ADJ.S ACC M PL naked unclothed ones unclothed ones
G1131-04 1 Corinthians 15:37 γυμνὸν gumnon ADJ.A ACC M SG bare unclothed man bare
G1131-03 2 Corinthians 5:3 γυμνοὶ gumnoi ADJ.P NOM M PL naked unclothed men naked
← G1130 Greek Lexicon G1132 →