1 Timothy 5 13

1 Timothy 5:13 kjv

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

1 Timothy 5:13 nkjv

And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

1 Timothy 5:13 niv

Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.

1 Timothy 5:13 esv

Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.

1 Timothy 5:13 nlt

And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people's business and talking about things they shouldn't.

1 Timothy 5 verses

1 Timothy 5 13 meaning

This verse highlights the negative consequences that can arise when younger widows, particularly those who have become dependent on the church's support, fail to maintain productive lives. Instead of dedicating themselves to good works or household management as expected, they often develop a pattern of idleness. This idleness then leads them to roam from house to house, engaging in idle talk, gossiping about others' affairs, and becoming intrusive busybodies who speak of things that do not concern them and should remain private. It serves as a warning against such behavior and implicitly argues against registering younger widows for permanent church support if they cannot commit to a disciplined and fruitful life.

1 Timothy 5 13 Context

First Timothy chapter 5 addresses various aspects of church leadership and community order, particularly concerning the treatment of elders, widows, and slaves. Verse 13 falls within a section (5:3-16) dedicated to instructions regarding widows within the early Christian community. Paul differentiates between genuinely needy older widows, whom the church should honor and support, and younger widows. The primary concern is for widows who are "truly widows" – those who are destitute, without family support, and devoted to prayer (vv. 3-5). Paul then gives criteria for registering widows for official church support, stating that they should be at least sixty years old, have a reputation for good works, and have raised children (vv. 9-10). The present verse, 1 Timothy 5:13, is part of Paul's rationale against including younger widows on the church's official roster for financial support, as he fears they will fall into idleness and its associated moral and social pitfalls, bringing potential discredit to the church. He strongly advises younger widows to remarry and bear children instead (v. 14).

1 Timothy 5 13 Word analysis

• And (δὲ - de): A conjunction introducing a natural consequence or further explanation of the previous statement (the warning against younger widows joining the register).
• besides (ἅμα - hama): Meaning "at the same time" or "concurrently." It suggests that the idleness and the roaming behavior occur in parallel. This signifies that their idle state immediately leads to their undesirable activities.
• that (καὶ - kai): Here used for emphasis or simply "also."
• they learn (μανθάνουσιν - manthanousin): From manthano, meaning "to learn," "to discover," "to be instructed." Here it implies a progression or habit formation, they are not born this way but acquire this negative pattern of behavior. It's a "learned" behavior due to lack of purpose or discipline.
• to be idle (ἀργαὶ - argai): Feminine plural of argos, which is formed from "a" (not) + "ergon" (work). Literally "without work," "inactive," "unoccupied." In this context, it implies more than just being physically inactive; it suggests an absence of purposeful, productive activity, leading to slothfulness and a vulnerability to temptation. In ancient societies, active engagement, especially in household or social duties, was expected.
• wandering about (περιερχόμεναι - perierchomenai): Feminine plural present participle of perierchomai, "to go around," "to go about from place to place." It describes a habit of aimless roaming or frequent visitation of houses, often with an implication of seeking out news or mischief. This contrasts sharply with women staying within their domestic sphere, traditionally seen as managing their own households responsibly (Titus 2:5).
• from (εἰς - eis): Can mean "to" or "into," but with perierchomenai it often suggests moving from one place to another.
• house (οἰκίας - oikias): Homes or households. Emphasizes the private sphere where these activities are being done.
• to house (οἰκίας - oikias): Repetition for emphasis, indicating habitual, pervasive wandering.
• and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction.
• not (οὐ - ou): Simple negation.
• only (μόνον - monon): "Only" or "alone."
• idle (ἀργαὶ - argai): Reiteration of the initial word "idle," linking the outcome directly back to the root cause. This confirms their behavior as rooted in purposelessness.
• but (ἀλλὰ - alla): "But rather," introducing a stronger, more damaging consequence.
• also (καὶ - kai): "Also."
• gossips (φλύαροι - phlyaroi): Feminine plural of phlyaros, meaning "babbling," "talkative," "tattling," "idle talker." It refers to those who speak thoughtlessly, frivolously, or disseminate private or scandalous information. Such speech can erode trust and damage reputations within a community.
• and (καὶ - kai): Conjunction.
• busybodies (περίεργοι - periergoi): Feminine plural of periergos, meaning "over-busy," "prying," "curious about what does not concern them," "meddling." This word specifically describes those who intrude into the affairs of others, not for help, but out of idle curiosity or a desire to interfere, often with negative intent. It suggests going beyond one's own sphere of legitimate concern. This word had a strong pejorative connotation, also linking to "magic" or "forbidden arts" in other contexts, but here it's about meddling in social affairs.
• saying (λαλοῦσαι - lalousai): Feminine plural present participle of laleo, "to speak," "to talk." It highlights their active speech.
• things (τὰ - ta): Definite article, indicating specific things.
• which (μὴ - mē): Particle of negation.
• they ought (δεῖ - dei): Impersonal verb, meaning "it is necessary," "it is proper," "it is fitting." Denotes what is morally or divinely required.
• not (μή - mē): Negation.
• to mention (ἃ οὐ - ha ou): Or literally, "not the things which." This whole phrase (τὰ μὴ δεῖ λαλοῦσαι) translates to "speaking what they ought not to speak." It points to speech that is inappropriate, divulges secrets, spreads rumors, or discusses matters that should remain private, thus causing disorder or harm.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And besides that they learn to be idle: This phrase sets up the primary cause of the problematic behavior. Idleness isn't just a state; it's something learned or cultivated, suggesting a lapse in discipline and purpose. It underscores the danger of having too much time on one's hands without constructive engagement.
• wandering about from house to house: This describes the manifestation of their idleness. It's a spatial movement from the expected private sphere into an aimless, often intrusive, public activity among private residences, implying a lack of commitment to their own domestic responsibilities or place. This literal movement becomes a metaphor for their lack of internal discipline.
• and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies: Paul emphasizes that idleness is not benign; it is a gateway. He clarifies that their idleness doesn't merely result in unproductive silence, but actively destructive and intrusive speech. "Not only... but also" serves as an escalation, showing a progression from a state of being (idle) to active, negative behaviors (gossip, meddling). This escalation underscores the severity of the problem Paul seeks to prevent.
• saying things which they ought not to mention: This directly defines and condemns the specific nature of their harmful speech. It's not just "talkativeness" but talking about inappropriate or confidential matters, undermining privacy, trust, and the orderly conduct of community life. This detail clarifies the boundary of acceptable vs. unacceptable speech within the church.

1 Timothy 5 13 Bonus section

The concept of periergos (busybody) carried a particularly negative connotation in Greco-Roman society, often associated with meddling in forbidden arts like magic, or with excessively intrusive behavior in public and private life, considered a social vice. Paul's use of this term here, alongside phlyaros (gossip), emphasizes the profound negative social impact these behaviors had, reflecting poorly on the individual and the Christian community. In the ancient world, women's honor and reputation were often closely tied to their domestic conduct and modesty; widespread roaming and loose talk would seriously undermine this. Paul is, therefore, addressing not only individual morality but also the collective witness and honor of the nascent Christian church in its cultural context. This also explains why Paul advocated for younger widows to remarry: to re-establish them within the protective and purposeful structure of a household, mitigating the risk of idleness and the associated social vices, which could attract reproach to the name of Christ.

1 Timothy 5 13 Commentary

1 Timothy 5:13 reveals the practical and spiritual dangers of idleness within the church, particularly for those receiving support. Paul's instruction is deeply rooted in the understanding that an unoccupied mind and hands quickly become fertile ground for mischief. Idleness (ἀργαὶ), understood not merely as lack of paid work but as lack of purposeful engagement, leads to aimless wandering (περιερχόμεναι). This physical meandering between households naturally translates into social intrusiveness, resulting in gossip (φλύαροι) and meddling (περίεργοι). These are not isolated faults but interconnected outcomes of a life lacking discipline and a clear sense of purpose. Gossip tears down trust and reputation, while being a busybody invades the private affairs of others, disrupting harmony and sowing discord. Paul's counsel here is preventative: it's a pastoral concern to protect younger widows from these destructive paths, ensure the church's reputation, and foster an environment of productivity and edifying speech.

Examples:

• A younger widow on church support frequently visiting neighbors, discussing personal family struggles of others, or speculating about an elder's decision.
• An individual with abundant free time spending it not on service or personal development, but on observing and then critiquing the lifestyles and choices of other church members.