[Greek] γυμνιτεύω (gymniteuō), [Latin] nudare: to be naked, to be in ragged clothing, to be poorly clothed; 1Cor.4:11
Two lightly armed combatants (veles) wearing animal skins.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: Interestingly, this term means to be lightly armed. Heavily and lightly armed combatants both competed in warfare. The poorest citizens (velites) were lightly armed, wearing slings, arrows and swords. These velites, given the opportunity to prove themselves, often wore animal skins. These citizens were often called up during times of manpower shortages. Homer and Aristotle both make mention of the contributions and successes of these combatants. Polybius states “These are not given to a soldier if in the formed way, who have voluntarily and by choice placed themselves in danger.” Dio Chrysostom 25.3 states “For at his command even now the Spartans are scourged and sleep in the open and go, lightly clad and endure many other things that would seem as hardships to other people. Plutarch’s Amemilius Paulus 16 states “And while Milo was flying most disgracefully with his armor or his cloak, he followed after them without danger.” Dio Cassius 47.34.2 states “Indeed his forces would have been utterly destroyed had they not pushed their way through the very fire and unexpectedly attacked their assailants who were lightly armed.”
New Testament: This term means poorly clothed. Paul contrasts his and other Christians’ suffering with the Corinthians’ self-delusion of their spiritual state. Paul’s language echoes the beatitudinal promises of a future reversal of the Christians’ fate. The Christians are also seen as spectacles, foolish, weak, hungry, thirsty, naked and homeless.
Scripture:
“To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clad and roughly treated, we wonder about homeless.” 1Cor.4:11
Paul presents himself and the Christians as vulnerable, but yet receiving the promises of salvation. Paul contrasts himself with the Corinthians’ self-deception and deceit.
Etymology: The Greek adjective gymnos means naked. The gymnastai were the teachers, coaches, and trainers of the athletes.
Conclusion:
Gym, gymnastic, gymnastic, nude
It was interesting to discover that this term is found in the context of being lightly armed for battle. The gymnasium was a place for physical exercise and intellectual education. These athletes actually trained in the nude. The gymnasium also held lectures on philosophy, literature, and music.
Paul presents Christians oftentimes struggling and vulnerable in the world. Christians often are in need of mercy, clothing, and shelter. Paul’s message still holds true today.
This is the absolute naked truth about this term. I have nothing to hide!