γυμνός (gumnos)
gumnos
naked
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word gumnos describes a state of being naked or unclothed. In the New Testament, it appears in fifteen verses, most notably in the Gospel of Matthew and the Revelation of John. It refers to the physical condition of having no garments, as seen when Jesus speaks of caring for those who are naked (Matthew 25:36) or when a young man flees leaving his linen cloth behind (Mark 14:51).
Beyond its literal sense, gumnos carries metaphorical weight. It can describe something exposed or bare, such as the soul standing open before God without the covering of a body (Hebrews 4:13). In Revelation, it signifies a lack of spiritual protection, warning that blessing comes to those who keep their garments clean so they do not walk naked and exposed (Revelation 16:15). The term also appears in practical advice about providing clothing for the bare (James 2:15).
Its usage highlights vulnerability. Whether referring to physical poverty or spiritual exposure, gumnos underscores a condition where one is defenseless against the elements or judgment. Translators typically render it simply as "naked," preserving the stark reality of the original text without softening its impact.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gumnos reminds us that vulnerability is a real part of the human experience. In Matthew 25, Jesus identifies Himself with those who are naked and in need. This connection invites us to look beyond our own comfort and notice the basic dignity of others. When we offer clothing or support, we are serving Christ directly.
There is also a deeper spiritual layer to this term. Hebrews 4:13 tells us that all things are naked before God. This means we do not need to hide our struggles or shame from Him. He sees us fully, yet He remains faithful. We can bring our whole selves to prayer without fear of rejection.
Revelation warns against being spiritually exposed, urging believers to keep their garments clean. This is an invitation to live with integrity and hope. Rather than fearing judgment, we can rest in the assurance that God covers our weaknesses with grace. Let this truth encourage you to care for others and trust in God’s complete knowledge of your heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- naked10×
- without clothes1×
- naked,1×
- a bare1×
- [his] naked [body],1×
- [are] uncovered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γυμνὸς4×
- γυμνὸν3×
- γυμνός,2×
- γυμνοὶ2×
- γυμνὴν1×
- γυμνὰ1×
- γυμνοῦ,1×
- γυμνοὺς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 25:36
I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’
Jesus uses this state to define practical mercy as a direct service to Himself.
-
Hebrews 4:13
There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
The term shifts from physical poverty to spiritual transparency before God's judgment.
-
Revelation of John 16:15
“Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he doesn’t walk naked, and they see his shame.”
It serves as a warning against losing spiritual protection and facing shame.
-
Mark 14:52
but he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.
The young man’s nakedness highlights the sudden fear and abandonment in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gumnos mean in the New Testament?
How is gumnos different from other words for nakedness?
Why does Revelation mention being naked?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 4 verses
I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’
Matthew 25:38When did we see you as a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you?
Matthew 25:43I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit…
Matthew 25:44“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick,…