Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

NAKEDNESS

Unlike contemporary English usage, nakedness in the Bible can refer to a range of undress from total nudity to being inadequately clothed (Job 22:6; Ezek. 18:7; Matt. 25:36; 2 Cor. 11:27). As in contemporary English usage, however, even the more literal uses of the Hebrew and Greek terms are loaded with figurative and symbolic meanings and allusions.

Although total nudity could be associated with the innocence of a newborn child (Job 1:21; cf. Gen. 2:25; Ezek. 16:7), it was most often a euphemism for sexual organs or sexual activity (Lev. 18:1-23; 20:10-21; Ezek. 16:8). This range of euphemistic meaning has complicated attempts to understand the precise nature of Ham’s offense against Noah when he “saw his father’s nakedness” (Gen. 9:22). Commentators have suggested that Ham may have taken the occasion of Noah’s drunkenness to engage in either some form of sexual conduct with his father or an incestuous relationship with Noah’s wife. More likely the phrase is to be understood quite literally in this instance (cf. Gen. 9:21, 23), and the severity of Noah’s response relates to the affront to his dignity and Ham’s disrespect.

Adam and Eve’s own shame at the recognition of their nakedness in the wake of their disobedience (Gen. 3:7) is but one example of the fact that nakedness was associated with a variety of human conditions often considered shameful or humiliating (cf. Isa. 47:3). Nakedness symbolized adulterers (1 Sam. 20:30) and was often the defining characteristic in metaphors depicting those who rejected God as either adulterers or prostitutes (Lam. 1:8; Ezek. 16:36-37; Rev. 17:16). Nakedness in the sense of being inadequately clothed is one of several deprivations used to represent both poverty (Job 24:10; Isa. 58:7; Jas. 2:15) and oppression by one’s enemies (Deut. 28:48; Rom. 8:35). Consequently it was often used as a figure of judgment against either Israel (Ezek. 23:29), the nations (Isa. 20:2-4), or even individuals (Hos. 2:3[MT 5]).

Nakedness was also associated with ecstatic spiritual states, both positively (1 Sam. 19:24; 2 Sam. 6:20-21) and negatively (Luke 8:27). The laws regarding the attire of priests and the construction of altars showed a particular concern that they avoid accidentally exposing themselves during the performance of their duties (Exod. 20:26; 28:42). Whether these laws were a direct reaction against aspects of Canaanite religious practice, as some have suggested, or reflected a more general taboo regarding nakedness is subject to debate.

Timothy B. Cargal

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

NAKEDNESS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)