1 Timothy 5:13 At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.

Bible > 1 Timothy > Chapter 5 > Verse 13

◄ 1 Timothy 5:13 ►

New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.

Berean Literal Bible
And at the same time also, going about house to house, they learn to be idle; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things not being proper.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

NASB 1995
At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

NASB 1977
And at the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

Legacy Standard Bible
And at the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house. And not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

Amplified Bible
Now at the same time, they also learn to be idle as they go from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies [meddlers in things that do not concern them], talking about things they should not mention.

Christian Standard Bible
At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say.

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

Contemporary English Version
Besides, they will become lazy and get into the habit of going from house to house. Next, they will start gossiping and become busybodies, talking about things that are none of their business.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At the same time, they learn to go around from house to house since they have nothing else to do. Not only this, but they also gossip and get involved in other people's business, saying things they shouldn't say.

Good News Translation
They also learn to waste their time in going around from house to house; but even worse, they learn to be gossips and busybodies, talking of things they should not.

International Standard Version
At the same time, they also learn how to be lazy while going from house to house. Not only this, but they even become gossips and keep busy by interfering in other people's lives, saying things they should not say.

Majority Standard Bible
At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.

NET Bible
And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.

New Heart English Bible
Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

Webster's Bible Translation
And at the same time they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Weymouth New Testament
And at the same time they also learn to be idle as they go round from house to house; and they are not only idle, but are gossips also and busybodies, speaking of things that ought not to be spoken of.

World English Bible
Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and also at the same time, they learn [to be] idle, going around the houses; and not only idle, but also tattlers and busybodies, speaking things they should not;

Berean Literal Bible
And at the same time also, going about house to house, they learn to be idle; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things not being proper.

Young's Literal Translation
and at the same time also, they learn to be idle, going about the houses; and not only idle, but also tattlers and busybodies, speaking the things they ought not;

Smith's Literal Translation
And at the same time also they learn to be idle, going round about the houses; and not only idle, but also indulging in idle talk, and occupied with unnecessary things, speaking things not becoming.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And withal being idle they learn to go about from house to house: and are not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And being at the same time also idle, they learn to go from house to house, being not only idle, but also talkative and curious, speaking of things which do not concern them.

New American Bible
And furthermore, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers but gossips and busybodies as well, talking about things that ought not to be mentioned.

New Revised Standard Version
Besides that, they learn to be idle, gadding about from house to house; and they are not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say.

Translations from Aramaic

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

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But they learn laziness while going around house to house, and not only laziness, but also to increase talking, to take up vanities and speak that which is inappropriate.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
At the same time, also, they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which are not proper.

Godbey New Testament
and at the same time they learn to be idle, going about houses; and not only idle, but also loquacious even busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Haweis New Testament
And at the same time also they learn to be idle, visiting about in the houses; and not merely idle, but talkative and inquisitive, speaking things they ought not.

Mace New Testament
besides, having nothing to do, they get the habit of rambling from one house to another, and are not only idling, but prattle and intermeddle, and utter what is not decent.

Weymouth New Testament
And at the same time they also learn to be idle as they go round from house to house; and they are not only idle, but are gossips also and busybodies, speaking of things that ought not to be spoken of.

Worrell New Testament
And, at the same time, they learn to be idle, going around from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Worsley New Testament
And withal being idle they learn to go about from house to house: and are not only idle, but tatlers also and busy-bodies, talking of things unbecoming them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Support for Widows
…12and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith. 13 At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention. 14So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 11:13
A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Proverbs 20:19
He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.

2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies.

Titus 1:10-11
For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, / who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.

Titus 2:3
Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good.

James 3:5-10
In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ...

1 Peter 4:15
Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

Leviticus 19:16
You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.

Proverbs 26:20
Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.

Proverbs 26:22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Luke 12:45-46
But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. / The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Romans 1:29-30
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Treasury of Scripture

And with 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.

to be.

Proverbs 31:27
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-11
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us…

wandering.

Leviticus 19:16
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

Proverbs 20:19
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Luke 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

busy-bodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

1 Peter 4:15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

speaking.

Acts 20:30
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Titus 1:11
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

James 3:10
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

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1 Timothy 5

1. Rules to be observed in reproving.
3. Of widows.
17. Of elders.
23. A precept for Timothy's health.
24. Some men's sins go before unto judgment, and some men's follow after.

Berean Study Bible

At the same time
This phrase indicates a simultaneous occurrence with previous instructions given by Paul. In the context of 1 Timothy 5, Paul is addressing the behavior of younger widows. The Greek word used here, "hama," suggests a concurrent action, emphasizing the immediacy and inevitability of the behavior if not properly guided. Historically, the early church was a close-knit community, and the actions of individuals could significantly impact the whole. Paul is urging Timothy to be vigilant in guiding these women to prevent negative behaviors from taking root.

they will also learn
The Greek word "manthanousin" implies a process of acquiring knowledge or habits. In this context, it suggests that idleness is not an inherent trait but something that can be learned or developed over time. This highlights the importance of mentorship and proper guidance within the church community to foster positive behaviors and discourage negative ones.

to be idle
The term "argos" in Greek means inactive or lazy. In the cultural and historical context of the early church, idleness was not just a lack of physical activity but also a spiritual and moral concern. The early Christian community valued industriousness and service, reflecting the teachings of Christ. Idleness was seen as a breeding ground for other sins, such as gossip and meddling, which could disrupt the harmony and mission of the church.

going from house to house
This phrase paints a vivid picture of restlessness and lack of purpose. In the early church, homes were central to community life and worship. The act of moving from one house to another without a constructive purpose suggests a lack of commitment and focus. It reflects a misuse of the hospitality and fellowship that were meant to strengthen the church body.

and gossiping
The Greek word "phluaroi" refers to speaking nonsense or engaging in idle talk. Gossip is portrayed as a destructive force within the community, undermining trust and unity. In a conservative Christian perspective, speech is a powerful tool that should be used to edify and build up others, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:29. Gossip, therefore, is a misuse of this gift and a deviation from Christ-like behavior.

and being busybodies
The term "periergoi" suggests meddling in matters that do not concern oneself. This behavior is contrasted with the biblical call to mind one's own affairs and work diligently (1 Thessalonians 4:11). In the historical context, busybodies could disrupt the peace and order of the community, drawing attention away from the church's mission and causing unnecessary strife.

saying what they should not
This phrase underscores the importance of discretion and wisdom in speech. The Greek "lalein ta mē deonta" implies speaking things that are inappropriate or harmful. In a conservative Christian view, words hold significant power and should align with the truth and love of the Gospel. This admonition serves as a reminder to guard one's tongue and ensure that speech reflects the character of Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(13) And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house.--The first fervour of their devotion and renunciation of self will have cooled, their very occupation will become a snare to them--the going about to the various dwellings for the object of consoling, instructing, assisting, would give them, now that their minds were no longer exclusively turned to religious thoughts, and their hearts were no more alone filled by Jesus, many an opportunity of wasting precious hours, of indulging in frivolous, if not in harmful, conversation; and this the Apostle seems to have feared would be the result of these visits, and the fruit of their work, if the younger sisters were enrolled in the official list, for he speaks of such becoming "not only idle, but tattlers also and busy bodies, speaking things which they ought not."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 13. - Also to be for to be, A.V.; going for wandering, A.V. Also seems unnecessary, as "withal" seems to represent ἅμα καὶ. Learn to be idle (ἀργαὶ μανθάνουσιν). This is a construction which has no similar passage in Greek to support it, except one very doubtful one in Plato, 'Euthudemus' (vol. 4. p. 105, Bekker's edit.). But the other constructions proposed, viz. to construe μανθάνουσι, "they are inquisitive, or, curious," as Grotius and substantially Bengel; or to take περιερχόμεναι after μανθάνουσι, "they learn to go about" (Vulgate, De Wette, etc.), cannot be justified by examples either, as μανθάνειν has always either an accusative ease or an infinitive mood after it, unless it is used in quite a different sense, as in the passage from Herod., 3:1, quoted by Alford: Διαβεβλημένος... οὐ μανθάνεις, "You are slandered without being aware of it." In this difficulty it is best to take the sense given in the A.V. and the R.V., following Chrysostom, etc., and of moderns Winer, Ellicott, Alford, etc., which the general turn and balance of the sentence favors. Going about (περιερχόμεναι); comp. Acts 29:13, where there is the same idea of reproach in the term. It is used in a good sense in Hebrews 11:37. Tattlers (φλύαροι); only here in the New Testament, and once only in the LXX. (4 Macc. 5:10), but common in classical Greek. It means "a trifling silly talker." The verb φλυαρέω occurs in 3 John 1:10. Busybodies (περίεργοι); only here and Acts 19:19 in the New Testament or LXX., but not uncommon in classical Greek, in the sense in which it is used here. The verb περιεργάζεσθαι occurs in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 in the same sense, "meddling with what does not concern you."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

At the same time
ἅμα (hama)
Adverb
Strong's 260: A primary particle; properly, at the 'same' time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association.

they will also learn
μανθάνουσιν (manthanousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3129: Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.

[to be] idle,
ἀργαὶ (argai)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 692: Idle, lazy, thoughtless, unprofitable, injurious. (by implication) lazy, useless.

going from
περιερχόμεναι (perierchomenai)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4022: From peri and erchomai; to come all around, i.e. Stroll, vacillate, veer.

house to house
οἰκίας (oikias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3614: From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.

and {being}
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

only
μόνον (monon)
Adverb
Strong's 3440: Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.

idle,
ἀργαὶ (argai)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 692: Idle, lazy, thoughtless, unprofitable, injurious. (by implication) lazy, useless.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

gossips
φλύαροι (phlyaroi)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5397: Prating, talking foolishly, babbling. From phluo; a garrulous person, i.e. Prater.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

busybodies,
περίεργοι (periergoi)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4021: From peri and ergon; working all around, i.e. Officious.

speaking of
λαλοῦσαι (lalousai)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

things
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

they should
δέοντα (deonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

not [ mention ].
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:13 Besides they also learn to be idle (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)