NAKED, NAKEDNESS (עָרﯴם, H6873, עֵירֹם, H6567, עֶרְוָה, H6872, עֶרְיָה, H6880; γυμνός, γυμνότης, bare, exposed, nakedness). The first use of the word “naked” in the Bible gives insight into the meaning in many other contexts: “The man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed” (Gen 2:25). In the unfallen state the exposure of the body would not provoke temptation. The sense of shame at nakedness is illustrated graphically in the account of Noah’s drunkenness, and the reaction of his sons to his consequent exposure (Gen 9:20-23). Leviticus 18 uses this term to describe forbidden degrees of cohabitation.

“Naked” and “nakedness” are used fig. in many ways. “Naked” may mean without full covering (John 21:7), or destitute (Job 22:6), or impoverished (Gen 42:9). Job used the word to indicate the transcience of earthly possessions (Job 1:21). “Nakedness of the land” (Gen 42:9) indicates exposure and helplessness. The spiritual state of the Laodicean church is “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17); a vivid characterization of its utter bankruptcy.