γυμνὸς, ἠσθένησα, ἐν φυλακῇ : deeper degrees of misery demanding higher degrees of charity; naked = ill clad, relief more costly than in case of hunger or thirsty sick, calling for sympathy prompting to visits of succour or consolation; in prison, a situation at once discreditable and repulsive, demanding the highest measure of love in one who visits the prisoner, the temptation being strong to be ashamed of one viewed as a criminal, and to shrink from his cell, too often dark and loathsome. ἐπεσκέψασθέ με, this verb is often used in the O. T. and N. T. in the sense of gracious visitation on the part of God (for פָּקַד in Sept [136]) (vide Luke 1:78, and the noun ἐπισκοπή in Luke 19:44).

[136] Septuagint.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament