γυμνητεύω, γυμνιτεύω (gumnēteuō, gumniteuō)
gumnēteuō, gumniteuō
be naked
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb gumnēteuō describes the state of being naked or scantily clad, specifically implying a lack of outer garments. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Paul’s letters, to depict extreme physical vulnerability and deprivation. It conveys more than simple nudity; it suggests a condition of poverty where one is left with little to no protection from the elements.
Its usage highlights the harsh realities faced by early missionaries. Paul employs this term in 1 Corinthians 4:11 and 2 Corinthians 11:27 to list the hardships he endured, pairing it with hunger and thirst. The word captures a tangible, bodily exposure that serves as evidence of his suffering for the sake of the gospel.
Etymologically, the term derives from the root for nakedness (gumnos), emphasizing a state of being stripped bare. While classical Greek could also refer to soldiers traveling lightly armed, biblical usage focuses entirely on clothing and material lack. Translators typically render it as "naked" or "without clothes," preserving the stark imagery of Paul’s self-description.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Paul uses this rare word to describe a state of total exposure, where one lacks even basic outer garments for protection against the cold or shame. It is not merely about physical nudity but represents a life stripped of security, comfort, and social standing. In his ministry, he endured hunger and thirst alongside this vulnerability, showing that serving the gospel can mean having nothing to hide behind.
For your faith, this reminds us that our worth does not come from what we wear or own. When circumstances leave you feeling exposed or unsupported, remember that Paul counted such hardship as part of his witness. God’s grace is sufficient in these moments, and true security is found in Christ alone, not in material possessions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- are poorly clad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γυμνιτεύομεν1×
Key Verses
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I Corinthians 4:11
Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.
Paul lists this state of nakedness alongside hunger and beatings to demonstrate the extreme physical vulnerability he endured while preaching the gospel.