γυμνητεύω (G1130) — Greek Lexicon

γυμνητεύω

gymnēteúō

G1130 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To wear little or no clothing, to be scantily clad or naked; reflexively, to go about in a partially or wholly unclad state. The term emphasizes a state of lacking appropriate or customary attire, ranging from literal nudity to a figurative sense of poverty or humility by lack of outer garments.

Semantic Range

to be naked, to go without adequate clothing, to be scantily clad, to endure poverty lacking sufficient garments, to be unclothed reflexively

Root / Etymology

γυμνητεύω is formed from the adjective γυμνός ('naked, unclad, lacking outer garments') with the verb-forming suffix -εύω, indicating the act or process of being in a γυμνός state. Cognate with other derivatives like γυμνόω (to make naked).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Koine Greek, and specifically in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 4:11), γυμνητεύω denotes not only complete nudity but also being poorly clothed or insufficiently clad, especially due to poverty or hardship. In classical Greek, the root γυμν- is used for both literal nakedness (such as athletic nudity in the gymnasium) and metaphorically for vulnerability or destitution. The verb γυμνητεύω is rare; its primary usage is in the context of hardship, not of deliberate nudity. Standard English translations often render the term as 'to be naked' or 'to be poorly clothed,' but the English word 'naked' may overstate the case, as the term frequently refers to lacking adequate clothing rather than complete nudity. The ancient social context considered insufficient clothing as a sign of poverty or disgrace.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of γυμνός; to strip, i.e. (reflexively) go poorly clad:--be naked.

Root Family

γυμνητεύω (gymnēteuō) — to be naked, to be poorly clothed, to go unclothed

Root γυμν- to be naked, to be poorly clothed

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1130-01`	γυμνιτεύομεν	gumniteuomen	`V PRS ACT IND 1P PL`	are poorly clothed	we go unclothed	we go unclothed	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1130-01`	1 Corinthians 4:11	γυμνιτεύομεν	gumniteuomen	`V PRS ACT IND 1P PL`	are poorly clothed	we go unclothed	we go unclothed

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