1130. gumniteuó

Lexical Summary

gumniteuó: To be naked, to be lightly clothed

Original Word: γυμνιτεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: gumniteuó
Pronunciation: goom-nee-TEH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (goom-nayt-yoo'-o)
KJV: be naked
NASB: poorly clothed
Word Origin: [from a derivative of G1131 (γυμνός - naked)]

1. to strip
2. (reflexively) go poorly clad

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

be naked.

From a derivative of gumnos; to strip, i.e. (reflexively) go poorly clad -- be naked.

see GREEK gumnos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from gumnos
Definition
to be naked or poorly clothed
NASB Translation
poorly clothed (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1130: γυμνητεύω

γυμνητεύω (γυμνιτεύω L T Tr WH; (cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 81; Winer's Grammar, 92 (88))); (γυμνήτης); (A. V. literally to be naked, i. e.) to be lightly or poorly clad: 1 Corinthians 4:11. (So in Dio Chrysostom 25, 3 and other later writings; to be a light-armed soldier, Plutarch, Aem. 16; Dio Cassius, 47, 34, 2.)

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 1130 depicts the state of lacking adequate clothing—exposure that speaks of material want, vulnerability to the elements, and social marginalization. Though the verb appears only once in the New Testament, its placement in Paul’s catalogue of apostolic hardships gives it a rich theological and pastoral weight that resonates with wider biblical teaching on suffering, stewardship, and the cost of discipleship.

Biblical Usage

Occurrence: 1 Corinthians 4:11.

Paul writes, “To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless”. The participle translated “poorly clothed” captures not a momentary lapse in wardrobe but an ongoing condition of need. In the literary flow, it stands between hunger/thirst and physical abuse, intensifying the picture of apostles who willingly embrace deprivation for the gospel.

Apostolic Self-Portrait in 1 Corinthians 4

1. Contrast with Corinthian comfort (1 Corinthians 4:8). Paul’s readers considered themselves “filled” and “rich.” By juxtaposing his own destitution, Paul exposes the Corinthian tendency to measure success in worldly terms.
2. Vindication of genuine apostleship (1 Corinthians 4:9–13). Far from disqualifying him, material lack authenticates Paul’s ministry, echoing the Servant Songs where God’s messenger is despised yet effective (Isaiah 52:13–53:12).
3. Invitation to imitation (1 Corinthians 4:16). Paul does not describe hardship merely to solicit pity; he calls believers to follow his example of self-emptying service.

Theological Significance

• Suffering as a mark of true ministry. Paul’s nakedness correlates with the cruciform pattern revealed in Jesus Christ: glory through humility, life through death (Philippians 2:5–11).
• Dependence on divine provision. Lacking adequate clothing places the servant of God in the position of trusting the Father who “knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:32).
• Eschatological reversal. Present exposure anticipates future covering: “For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling” (2 Corinthians 5:2). The verb’s imagery hints at the ultimate clothing with immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53–54).

Historical and Social Background

In the Greco-Roman world, clothing marked status. Philosophers sometimes adopted simple dress to signal detachment, but involuntary raggedness signified poverty and shame. Traveling artisans or day-laborers—occupations Paul himself held (Acts 18:3)—often owned only one outer garment. Exposure left the poor susceptible to cold, illness, and social disdain. By referencing this condition, Paul aligns with the lowest rung of society, highlighting the upside-down values of the kingdom.

Old Testament Echoes

• Job’s lament: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb” (Job 1:21) frames nakedness as a return to creaturely dependence.
• Prophetic sign-acts: Isaiah walked “stripped and barefoot” three years (Isaiah 20:2–4) to portray impending exile. Paul’s word choice subtly recalls such prophetic symbolism, validating his calling as a spokesman whose very body preaches.
• Covenant obligation to clothe the poor (Exodus 22:26–27). The apostles’ condition serves as a living appeal for the churches to practice covenant mercy.

Related New Testament Passages

Although Strong’s 1130 is unique to 1 Corinthians 4:11, cognate ideas recur:

– Romans 8:35 lists “nakedness” among threats unable to separate believers from Christ’s love.

– James 2:15 rebukes a faith that refuses garments to the destitute.

– Revelation 3:17–18 warns the complacent Laodiceans, “you do not realize that you are... naked,” urging them to “buy from Me white garments.” These passages reinforce that physical or spiritual nakedness demands the church’s compassionate response.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

1. Evaluating ministry success. Modern servants of Christ must beware equating prosperity with divine favor. Authentic ministry may include seasons of material lack, yet remain deeply blessed.
2. Mobilizing generosity. Congregations mindful of Paul’s example will view benevolence not as an optional add-on but as partnership in gospel advance (Philippians 4:15–17).
3. Encouraging the suffering believer. Those who experience want can identify with the apostles and with Christ Himself, finding comfort that God works through weakness.

Doctrinal Implications

• Stewardship: Scripture never condemns possessions per se, but warns against idolizing them. Apostolic poverty underscores the transient nature of earthly goods (1 Timothy 6:7–10).
• Soteriology: The One who was stripped at Calvary (John 19:23–24) clothes believers with righteousness (Galatians 3:27). The pattern of cruciform living secured by Christ’s atonement shapes Christian ethics.
• Ecclesiology: Mutual care within the body supplies what members lack (2 Corinthians 8:13–14). Paul’s frank disclosure of need models transparent interdependence.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 1130, though appearing only once, vividly portrays the tangible cost embraced by Christ’s apostles. Their readiness to be “poorly clothed” exposes a world enthralled by comfort and invites the church to sacrificial solidarity, confident that the God who clothes the lilies will, in His timing, robe His servants in glory.

Forms and Transliterations

γυμνητεύομεν γυμνιτευομεν γυμνιτεύομεν gumniteuomen gymniteuomen gymniteúomen

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 4:11 V-PIA-1P
GRK: διψῶμεν καὶ γυμνιτεύομεν καὶ κολαφιζόμεθα
NAS: and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated,
KJV: and are naked, and
INT: thirst and are naked and are struck

Strong's Greek 1130
1 Occurrence

γυμνιτεύομεν — 1 Occ.