Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of being "unclothed" in the Bible often carries both literal and metaphorical meanings, reflecting physical nakedness and spiritual vulnerability or exposure. The term is used in various contexts throughout Scripture, each providing insight into the human condition, divine judgment, and the hope of redemption.
Physical NakednessIn the literal sense, being unclothed refers to the state of physical nakedness. This is first seen in the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were naked and felt no shame (
Genesis 2:25). However, after disobeying God, their eyes were opened, and they realized their nakedness, prompting them to sew fig leaves together to cover themselves (
Genesis 3:7). This act of covering themselves signifies the introduction of shame and the loss of innocence due to sin.
The theme of nakedness as a symbol of shame and vulnerability continues throughout the Bible. In the prophetic literature, nakedness often symbolizes judgment and humiliation. For example, the prophet Isaiah was instructed to walk naked and barefoot as a sign against Egypt and Cush, symbolizing their impending defeat and captivity (
Isaiah 20:2-4).
Spiritual NakednessMetaphorically, being unclothed can represent spiritual exposure or the lack of righteousness. In
Revelation 3:17-18, the church of Laodicea is described as "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked." The counsel given to them is to buy white garments to cover their shameful nakedness, symbolizing the need for spiritual renewal and righteousness through Christ.
The Apostle Paul also uses the concept of being unclothed in a spiritual sense. In
2 Corinthians 5:1-4, he contrasts our earthly bodies, which are like tents, with the heavenly dwelling that awaits believers. He expresses a desire not to be found naked but to be clothed with the heavenly body, indicating the hope of resurrection and eternal life. Paul writes, "For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life" (
2 Corinthians 5:4).
Redemption and RestorationThe Bible also presents the hope of being clothed in righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. In
Galatians 3:27, Paul states, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" . This imagery of being clothed with Christ signifies the believer's new identity and the covering of sin through the atoning work of Jesus.
Furthermore, the parable of the wedding banquet in
Matthew 22:1-14 illustrates the necessity of being properly clothed in the righteousness provided by God. The man found without wedding clothes is cast out, underscoring the importance of accepting the garment of salvation offered through Christ.
In summary, the concept of being unclothed in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of human vulnerability, the consequences of sin, and the need for divine covering. Through Christ, believers are offered the garments of salvation, ensuring they are not found naked but are clothed in His righteousness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Divested or stripped of clothing.
2. (a.) Not yet clothed; wanting clothes; naked.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
UNCLOTHEDun-klothd'.
SeeCLOTHED UPON.
Greek
1562. ekduo -- to take off, to put off... Word Origin from ek and the same as duno Definition to take off, to put off
NASB Word Usage stripped (2), took...off (2),
unclothed (1).
...Library
The Eternal Home in Heaven Beautiful Exposition by Tertullian of...
... earthly body we do groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with the vesture
which is from heaven, [5742] if so be, that having beenunclothed, [5743] we...
2 Cor. v. 1
... For a tabernacle indeed is easily taken to pieces; but a house abideth continually.
Ver.3. "If so be that beingunclothed [658] we shall not be found naked."....
The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Expectation of the...
... may be summarized thus:"The Intermediate state into which the souls of the redeemed
pass at death is not the perfect state, it is but an "unclothed" (2:Cor.5...
Marvellous History of the Death of a Gentleman who Died of Love on...
... From Bethlehem he went to Bethabara, and passed as far as the little place of Bethania,
when, remembering that Our Lord hadunclothed himself to be baptized...
Death Changes, Without Destroying, Our Mortal Bodies Remains of...
... In like manner, when he inserts the words "If so be that beingunclothed [7564]
we be not found naked," [7565] "referring, of course, to those who shall not...
Whether Death Will be the Term "Wherefrom" of the Resurrection in...
... Now according to the Apostle (2:Cor.5:4) it is a common desire that "we would not
beunclothed but clothed upon." Therefore there will be some who will never...
For whom did Christ Die?
... an infant newly born"an infant deserted by its mother before the necessary offices
of tenderness had been performed; left unwashed,unclothed, unfed, a prey...
Letter xiv. Dress.
... For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would
beunclothed, but clothed upon." "And being found in him, not having mine...
David's Sin, So Admonitory to us Weak Men.
... This same man saw the beauty of a woman"I mean of Bathsheba"when he saw
her as she was cleansing herself and washingunclothed....
For, Like Some Others, You are under the Delusion that Our God is...
... All those hangings of your standards and banners are robes of crosses. I praise
your zeal: you would not consecrate crossesunclothed and unadorned....
Thesaurus
Unclothed (14 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
UNCLOTHED. un-klothd'.
...Unclothed (14 Occurrences). Matthew
27:28 and having
unclothed him, they put around him a crimson cloak, (YLT
...Stripped (62 Occurrences)
... of the Lord came to Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saying, Go, and take off your robe,
and your shoes from your feet; and he did so, walkingunclothed and without...
Unclothe (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Corinthians 5:4 For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened; not
that we desire to beunclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what...
Robe (142 Occurrences)
... (KJV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). 2 Corinthians 5:3 if indeed having really
put on a robe we shall not be found to beunclothed. (WEY)....
Clothed (153 Occurrences)
... klothd, (ependuo, "to put on over" another garment): Used only in 2 Corinthians
5:2, 4. In 5:4 in contrast withunclothed, compare 1 Corinthians 15:53, in...
Clothe (52 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 5:4 For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened; not
that we desire to beunclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what...
Upon (17009 Occurrences)
... klothd, (ependuo, "to put on over" another garment): Used only in 2 Corinthians
5:2, 4. In 5:4 in contrast withunclothed, compare 1 Corinthians 15:53, in...
Uncomely (2 Occurrences)
Death (1610 Occurrences)
... 14). (4.) Being "unclothed" (2 Corinthians 5:3, 4). (5.) "Falling on sleep"
(Psalm 76:5; Jeremiah 51:39; Acts 13:36; 2 Peter 3:9....
Resources
What should be the Christian perspective on nudity in art? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian be a nudist? What does the Bible say about nudity? | GotQuestions.orgWill we be naked in Heaven? | GotQuestions.orgUnclothed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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