[Greek] γυμνός (gymnos), [Latin] nudus: naked, poorly clothed, bare, without clothing; Mt.25:44, Mk.14:52, 1Cor.15:37,Jas.2:15, 2 Cor. 5:3, Heb.4:13, Jn.21:7, Rev. 17:16
The gymnasium in Pompeii
Background Information:
Greek culture: The gymnasium in ancient Greece functioned as a training ground or facility for competitors in public games. Physical training and the maintenance of health and strength were the chief parts of children’s education. It was also a place for socializing and intellectual pursuits. Athletes competed nude, a practice which was said to encourage aesthetic appreciation of the male body. The Greek verb gymnazo means to train naked. The Greek adjective gymnastikos means skilled in bodily exercise. The word gymnast was first used in 1594.
Scripture:
“Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill in prison, and not minister to your needs?’” Mt.25:44
In this context naked means wearing shoddy clothing or wearing only undergarments. It was a scandal to be completely naked.
“No creature is concealed from Him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account.” Heb. 4:13
Naked means easily known. Nothing is hidden from God.
“If indeed, when we have taken it off, we shall not be found naked.” 2 Cor. 5:3
To be naked means to be without our resurrection body.
Conclusion:
Gym, gymnasium, gymnastic, gymnosperm, nude.
A gymnosperm is a plant which produces naked seeds. Even today the gymnasium is a place for athletic and social events. Still to this day, many people would have never known that this term means naked. And that is the naked truth.