1128. gumnazó

Lexicon

gumnazó: To train, exercise, discipline

Original Word: γυμνάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: gumnazó
Pronunciation: goom-nad'-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (goom-nad'-zo)
Definition: To train, exercise, discipline
Meaning: I train by physical exercise; hence: train, in the widest sense.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

exercise, train

From gumnos; to practise naked (in the games), i.e. Train (figuratively) -- exercise.

see GREEK gumnos

HELPS Word-studies

1128 gymnázō (from 1131 /gymnós, "to train, naked or wearing a loin cloth") – properly, naked or lightly clad, as with an ancient Greek athlete in a sporting event; (figuratively) to train with one's full effort, i.e. with complete physical, emotional force like when working out intensely in a gymnasium.

["Gym" and "gymnasium" come from this same root.]

1128 /gymnázō ("exert intensely, like a pro-athlete") presumes full discipline, necessary to be in "top working condition" (full agility, skill, endurance). This is gained only from constant, rigorous training (exercise). 1128 (gymnázō) conveys acquiring proficiency through practice – regular exercise with graduated resistance (the physical element is also included with the spiritual of being in "God's gymnasium").

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from gumnos
Definition
to exercise naked, to train
NASB Translation
discipline (1), trained (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1128: γυμνάζω

γυμνάζω; (perfect passive participle γεγυμνασμενοσ'; (γυμνός); common in Greek writings from Aeschylus down;

1. properly, to exercise naked (in the palaestra).

2. to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind: ἑαυτόν πρός εὐσέβειαν, of one who strives earnestly to become godly, 1 Timothy 4:7; γεγυμνασμενος exercised, Hebrews 5:14; Hebrews 12:11; καρδίαν γεγυμνασμένην πλεονεξίας (Rec. πλεονεξίαις), a soul that covetousness or the love of gain has trained in its crafty ways, 2 Peter 2:14; cf. Winer's Grammar, § 30, 4.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from γυμνός (gymnos), meaning "naked" or "bare," as athletes in ancient Greece would train without clothing.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to γυμνάζω, the concept of training or discipline can be related to Hebrew terms such as יָסַר (yasar, Strong's 3256), which means to discipline or instruct, and לָמַד (lamad, Strong's 3925), meaning to learn or teach. These terms similarly convey the idea of instruction and correction in the pursuit of righteousness.

Usage: The term γυμνάζω is used in the New Testament to describe the process of training or disciplining oneself, often in a spiritual or moral context. It conveys the idea of rigorous practice or preparation, akin to the training of an athlete.

Context: The Greek verb γυμνάζω appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the importance of spiritual discipline and moral training. The term is metaphorically applied to the Christian life, suggesting that just as athletes undergo rigorous physical training to compete effectively, believers are called to engage in spiritual exercises to grow in godliness and righteousness.

In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul instructs Timothy, "But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." Here, γυμνάζω is used to contrast the temporary benefits of physical training with the eternal benefits of spiritual discipline.

Similarly, in Hebrews 5:14, the author writes, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." This passage highlights the necessity of continual practice and discernment in the Christian walk, using γυμνάζω to describe the process of developing spiritual maturity.

The concept of γυμνάζω underscores the active and intentional effort required in the pursuit of holiness. It implies a disciplined lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual growth and moral integrity, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Forms and Transliterations

γεγυμνασμενα γεγυμνασμένα γεγυμνασμενην γεγυμνασμένην γεγυμνασμενοις γεγυμνασμένοις γυμναζε γύμναζε gegumnasmena gegumnasmenen gegumnasmenēn gegumnasmenois gegymnasmena gegymnasména gegymnasmenen gegymnasmenēn gegymnasménen gegymnasménēn gegymnasmenois gegymnasménois gumnaze gymnaze gýmnaze

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 4:7 V-PMA-2S
GRK: μύθους παραιτοῦ γύμναζε δὲ σεαυτὸν
NAS: hand, discipline yourself
KJV: and exercise thyself
INT: fables refuse train moreover yourself

Hebrews 5:14 V-RPM/P-ANP
GRK: τὰ αἰσθητήρια γεγυμνασμένα ἐχόντων πρὸς
NAS: their senses trained to discern
KJV: have their senses exercised to discern
INT: the senses exercised have for

Hebrews 12:11 V-RPM/P-DMP
GRK: δι' αὐτῆς γεγυμνασμένοις ἀποδίδωσιν δικαιοσύνης
NAS: to those who have been trained by it, afterwards
KJV: of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
INT: by it having been exercised renders of righteousness

2 Peter 2:14 V-RPM/P-AFS
GRK: ἀστηρίκτους καρδίαν γεγυμνασμένην πλεονεξίας ἔχοντες
NAS: a heart trained in greed,
KJV: they have exercised with covetous practices;
INT: unestablished a heart exercised in craving having

Strong's Greek 1128
4 Occurrences

γεγυμνασμένα — 1 Occ.
γεγυμνασμένην — 1 Occ.
γεγυμνασμένοις — 1 Occ.
γύμναζε — 1 Occ.