Bible Dictionary
Naked
Naked may describe complete undress, inadequate clothing, or the removal of an outer garment. Scripture also uses the term figuratively for exposure, helplessness, or freedom from restraint.
Definition
Naked may describe complete lack of clothing, inadequate clothing, or the removal of an outer garment while a person remains in an under-robe. Figuratively, it can mean exposed or made manifest. In some passages it denotes release from restraint or a condition of lawlessness rather than literal nakedness.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses the term for absolute nakedness, poverty or poor clothing, and exposure before God. It can also describe laying aside an outer garment and, figuratively, being discovered or breaking loose from religious restraint.
Historical Background
The supplied material notes that the biblical term may refer to a person wearing only a long tunic or under-robe, not necessarily complete undress.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
This word denotes (1) absolute nakedness (Gen. 2:25; Job 1:21; Eccl. 5:15; Micah 1:8; Amos 2:16); (2) being poorly clad (Isa. 58:7; James 2:15). It denotes also (3) the state of one who has laid aside his loose outer garment (Lat. nudus), and appears clothed only in a long tunic or under robe worn next the skin (1 Sam. 19:24; Isa. 47:3; comp. Mark 14:52; John 21:7). It is used figuratively, meaning “being discovered” or “made manifest” (Job 26:6; Heb. 4:13). In Ex. 32:25 the expression “the people were naked” (A.V.) is more correctly rendered in the Revised Version “the people were broken loose”, i.e., had fallen into a state of lawlessness and insubordination. In 2 Chr. 28:19 the words “he made Judah naked” (A.V.), but Revised Version “he had dealt wantonly in Judah,” mean “he had permitted Judah to break loose from all the restraints of religion.”