What does Genesis 2:25 mean?

With the end of Genesis 2, we see the high point of human innocence in God's newly created world. Adam and Eve existed without any experience of evil, jealousy, deception, or insecurity. They were literally made for each other as husband and wife. All they needed had been fully provided by God. They had no need of clothing or any other restraints. They had no idea of what it meant to be ashamed of anything—the fact that they were naked was irrelevant in their sinless condition. Their lack of shame was not due to ignorance: it was due to innocence.

As chapter 3 will make clear, the shame we feel over being naked is tied to an awareness of one's own sinfulness and rebellion. We cover our nakedness out of a desire to hide our "true selves" from others, and because we fear what others will think about us. We cannot change the nature of this fallen world, so humans should rightfully be clothed. Adam and Eve had no such sin, and they lived in freedom from any impulse to hide any part of themselves from God or each other.

Tragically, all of that is about to change.