The Meaning of 1 Timothy 5:13 Explained

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.

YLT: 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;

Darby: And, at the same time, they learn also to be idle, going about to people's houses; and not only idle, but also gossipers and meddlers, speaking things not becoming.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does 1 Timothy 5:13 Mean?

Context Summary

1 Timothy 5:9-16 - Home-Keeping Industry Enjoined
The sphere of the younger woman must be in the home. This is the noblest work of all, and wherever it exists, it has the prior claim; yet even during the years of early motherhood there may still be opportunities of offering hospitality to strangers, ministering to the children of God who need refreshment and comfort, and diligently assisting in good work. These offices lovingly and humbly performed, will serve as a gracious opening for further ministries of the same description in the later period of life.
The Apostle says nothing about remarriage in general, but simply refers to the fact that young women who have become widows are likely to accept the offer of a second marriage, and so abjure that first faith, in which they had pledged themselves to the service of the church. Unless there is great watchfulness, the practice of going from house to house, ostensibly on church business, may degenerate into gossip-mongering. Therefore it was wiser not to put young women on the church service roll. If they did not marry a second time, they might at least work for the maintenance of others, widows like themselves, but less able to help themselves. There must be no idling. [source]

Chapter Summary: 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

Greek Commentary for 1 Timothy 5:13

And withal [αμα δε και]
See note on Philemon 1:22 for this very phrase, “and at the same time also.” Such young enrolled widows have other perils also. [source]
They learn to be idle [αργαι μαντανουσιν]
There is no ειναι — einai (to be) in the Greek. This very idiom without ειναι — einai after μαντανω — manthanō occurs in Plato and Dio Chrysostom, though unusual. Αργαι — Argai (idle) is old adjective See note on Matthew 20:3 and note on Titus 1:12. Going about (περιερχομεναι — perierchomenai). Present middle participle of περιερχομαι — perierchomai old compound verb. See note on Acts 19:13 of strollers. From house to house Literally “the houses,” “wandering around the houses.” Vivid picture of idle tattlers and gossipers. But tattlers also (αλλα και πλυαροι — alla kai phluaroi). Old word from πλυω — phluō (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Πλυαρεω — Phluareō in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T. And busybodies Old word (from περι εργον — periπεριεργαζομαι — ergon), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Acts 19:19. See note on 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for τα μη δεοντα — periergazomai Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ta mē deonta). “The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
Going about [περιερχομεναι]
Present middle participle of περιερχομαι — perierchomai old compound verb. See note on Acts 19:13 of strollers. [source]
From house to house [τας οικιας]
Literally “the houses,” “wandering around the houses.” Vivid picture of idle tattlers and gossipers. But tattlers also (αλλα και πλυαροι — alla kai phluaroi). Old word from πλυω — phluō (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Πλυαρεω — Phluareō in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T. And busybodies Old word (from περι εργον — periπεριεργαζομαι — ergon), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Acts 19:19. See note on 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for τα μη δεοντα — periergazomai Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ta mē deonta). “The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
But tattlers also [αλλα και πλυαροι]
Old word from πλυω — phluō (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Πλυαρεω — Phluareō in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T. [source]
And busybodies [και περιεργοι]
Old word (from περι εργον — periπεριεργαζομαι — ergon), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Acts 19:19. See note on 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for τα μη δεοντα — periergazomai Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ta mē deonta). “The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
Things which they ought not [α μη δει]
“The not necessary things,” and, as a result, often harmful. See note on Titus 1:11 ha mē dei (which things are not necessary). [source]
They learn [μανθάνουσιν]
To be taken absolutely, as 1 Corinthians 14:31; 2 Timothy 3:7. They go about under the influence of an insatiable curiosity, and meet those who “creep into houses and take captive silly women” (2 Timothy 3:7), and learn all manner of nonsense and error. [source]
Going about [περιερχόμεναι]
oP. Comp. Acts 19:13. [source]
Tattlers [φλύαροι]
N.T.oComp. 4Macc. 5:10. The verb φλυαρεῖν toprate, 3 John 1:10. [source]
Busybodies [περίεργοι]
In this sense only here. Comp. τὰ περίεργα curiousarts, Acts 19:19. The participle περιεργαζομένοι busybodies 2 Thessalonians 3:11. See note. Rend. the whole passage: “And withal, being also idle, they learn, gadding about from house to house; and not only (are they) idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 5:13

Acts 19:19 Curious arts [τὰ περίεργα]
The word means, literally, overwrought, elaborate, and hence recondite or curious, as magical practices. Only here and 1 Timothy 5:13, in its original sense of those who busy themselves excessively ( περί ): busybodies. The article indicates the practices referred to in the context. [source]
Acts 19:19 Not a few of them that practised curious arts [ικανοι των τα περιεργα πραχαντων]
Considerable number of the performers or exorcists themselves who knew that they were humbugs were led to renounce their evil practices. The word περιεργα — perierga (curious) is an old word (περι εργα — periκατεκαιον ενωπιον παντων — erga) originally a piddler about trifles, a busybody (1 Timothy 5:13), then impertinent and magical things as here. Only two examples in the N.T. It is a technical term for magic as the papyri and inscriptions show. Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 323) thinks that these books here burned were just like the Magic Papyri now recovered from Egypt. [source]
Acts 19:36 Ye ought [κατεσταλμενους]
It is necessary. Periphrastic present indicative instead of καταστελλω — dei like 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Timothy 5:13. Be quiet (προπετες — katestalmenous). Perfect passive participle of προ — katastellō (see Acts 19:35). Rash Old adjective from pro and petō to fall forward, headlong, precipitate. In the N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 3:4, though common in the Koiné. Better look before you leap. [source]
Acts 28:13 We made a circuit [περιελτοντες]
Second aorist active of περιερχομαι — perierchomai to go around, old verb, already in Acts 19:13. See also Hebrews 11:37; 1 Timothy 5:13. But Westcott and Hort read περιελοντες — perielontes after Aleph B (from περιαιρεω — periaireō) as in Acts 27:40, though here it could only mean casting loose, for which no other authority exists. At any rate the ship had to tack to reach Rhegium and was not able to make a straight course (εντυδρομεω — enthudromeō Acts 16:11). [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:11 Working not at all - busybodies [μηδὲν ἐργαζομένους - περιεργαζομένους]
One of Paul's frequent wordplays. See on reprobate mind, Romans 1:28. Not busy, but busybodies. Περιεργάζεσθαι (N.T.ois to bustle about a thing: here, to be officious in others' affairs. See on τὰ περίεργα curiousarts, Acts 19:19, and see on 1 Timothy 5:13. [source]
2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning []
From any one who will teach them. See on 1 Timothy 5:13. It is a graphic picture of a large class, by no means extinct, who are caught and led by the instructions of itinerant religious quacks. [source]
Titus 2:5 Workers at home [οικουργους]
So the oldest MSS. (from οικοσ εργου — oikosοικουρους — ergou) instead of κοισο ουρος — oikourous keepers at home (from αγατας — koisoυποτασσομαι — ouros keeper). Rare word, found in Soranus, a medical writer, Field says. Cf. 1 Timothy 5:13. “Keepers at home” are usually “workers at home.” [source]
2 Peter 1:8 Barren [ἀργοὺς]
From ἀ , not, and ἔργον , work. Hence, more correctly, as Rev., idle. Compare “idle word” (Matthew 12:36); “standing idle ” (Matthew 20:3, Matthew 20:6); also, 1 Timothy 5:13. The tautology, barren and unfruitful, is thus avoided. [source]
3 John 1:10 Prating [φλυαρῶν]
From φλύω tobubble up or boil over. Hence of talk which is both fluent and empty. Compare the kindred adjective φλύαροι tattlers 1 Timothy 5:13. [source]
3 John 1:10 I will bring to remembrance [υπομνησω]
Future active indicative of υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō old compound (John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:12). The aged apostle is not afraid of Diotrephes and here defies him.Which he doeth (α ποιει — ha poiei). Present active indicative, “which he keeps on doing.”Prating against us Present active participle of old verb (from πλυαρος — phluaros babbling 1 Timothy 5:13), to accuse idly and so falsely, here only in N.T. with accusative ημας — hēmās (us).With wicked words (λογοις πονηροις — logois ponērois). Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words.Not content Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]
3 John 1:10 Prating against us [πλυαρων ημας]
Present active participle of old verb (from πλυαρος — phluaros babbling 1 Timothy 5:13), to accuse idly and so falsely, here only in N.T. with accusative ημας — hēmās (us).With wicked words (λογοις πονηροις — logois ponērois). Instrumental case. Not simply foolish chatter, but malevolent words.Not content Present passive participle of αρκεω — arkeō with usual negative μη — mē For this verb in this sense see 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5, only there επι — epi is absent. John knows that the conduct of Diotrephes will not stand the light. See Paul‘s threats of exposure (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:1-3). And John is the apostle of love all the same.He himself (αυτος — autos). That was bad enough.Them that would “Those willing or wishing or receive the brethren” from John.He forbiddeth (κωλυει — kōluei). “He hinders.” Present active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō and means either actual success in one case (punctiliar use of the present indicative) or repetition in several instances (linear action) or conative action attempted, but not successful as in Matthew 3:14 (this same verb) and John 10:32.Casteth them out of the church Here again εκβαλλει — ekballei can be understood in various ways, like κωλυει — kōluei This verb occurs in John 2:15 for casting out of the temple the profaners of it and for casting the blind man out of the synagogue (John 9:34.). If this ancient “church-boss” did not succeed in expelling John‘s adherents from the church, he certainly tried to do it. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Timothy 5:13 mean?

At the same time then also [to be] idle they learn going about - house to house not only idle but gossips and busybodies speaking things not being proper
ἅμα δὲ καὶ ἀργαὶ μανθάνουσιν περιερχόμεναι τὰς οἰκίας οὐ μόνον ἀργαὶ ἀλλὰ φλύαροι καὶ περίεργοι λαλοῦσαι τὰ μὴ δέοντα

ἅμα  At  the  same  time 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἅμα  
Sense: at the same time, at once, together prep.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
ἀργαὶ  [to  be]  idle 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Plural
Root: ἀργός  
Sense: free from labour, at leisure.
μανθάνουσιν  they  learn 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: μανθάνω  
Sense: to learn, be appraised.
περιερχόμεναι  going  about 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Feminine Plural
Root: περιέρχομαι  
Sense: to go about.
τὰς  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
οἰκίας  house  to  house 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: οἰκία  
Sense: a house.
μόνον  only 
Parse: Adverb
Root: μόνον  
Sense: only, alone, but.
ἀργαὶ  idle 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Plural
Root: ἀργός  
Sense: free from labour, at leisure.
φλύαροι  gossips 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Plural
Root: φλύαρος  
Sense: of persons uttering or doing silly things, garrulous, babbling.
περίεργοι  busybodies 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Plural
Root: περίεργος  
Sense: busy about trifles and neglectful of important matters.
λαλοῦσαι  speaking 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Feminine Plural
Root: ἀπολαλέω 
Sense: to utter a voice or emit a sound.
τὰ  things 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
δέοντα  being  proper 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: δεῖ  
Sense: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper.