Description and usage
The gymnasium was an open area where Greek men did both physical and intellectual training together.
Translation
Transliterating the Greek word gumnasion as “gymnasium” is misleading in English and may be also in other languages. In several modern European languages the word for “gymnasium” means “school,” which reflects the aspect of intellectual training but misses the physical training that also took place there.
2MA 4:9 mentions two institutions together, which are called gumnasion and efebeion in Greek. The second word indicates a special place for youth gatherings. RSV somewhat misses the point by saying “a gymnasium and a body of youth for it.” GNT combines the two words with “a stadium where young men could train.” Other possible models are “a gymnasium and youth centre” (NJB) and “a gymnasium and a youth club for it” (NAB). NAB adds this note: “Youth club: an educational institution in which young men were trained both in Greek intellectual culture and in physical fitness.”