Nakedness; Naked
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Gen. 2:25)—complete lack of clothing or, in some biblical contexts, the absence of an outer garment. Saul’s being “naked” among the prophets and Isaiah’s symbolic walking “naked and barefoot” need not imply total nudity but conspicuous stripping of ordinary dress (1 Sam. 19:24; Isa. 20:2-4). Figuratively, nakedness can mean poverty, shame, exposure, or defenselessness (Gen. 42:9; Jas. 2:15-16; Rev. 3:17-18). Scripture also regulates mourning practices and forbids ritual cutting for the dead (Lev. 19:28; Deut. 14:1), preserving reverence for the body and distinguishing Israel from surrounding cults.