King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 5:13 Mean?

1 Timothy 5:13 in the King James Version says “And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodi...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

11

But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

12

Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

13

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.

14

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. to speak: Gr. for their railing

15

For some are already turned aside after Satan.

Read 1 Timothy 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And withal they learn to be idle (ἅμα δὲ καὶ ἀργαὶ μανθάνουσιν, hama de kai argai manthanousin)—'at the same time they learn to be lazy.' Argos means idle, lazy, inactive. Young widows on church support with no household to manage can develop bad habits. Wandering about from house to house (περιερχόμεναι τὰς οἰκίας, perierchomenai tas oikias)—'going around from house to house.'

And not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies (οὐ μόνον δὲ ἀργαὶ ἀλλὰ καὶ φλύαροι καὶ περίεργοι, ou monon de argai alla kai phlyaroi kai periergoi)—'not only idle but also gossips and busybodies.' Phlyaros means gossip, babbler. Periergos means busybody, meddler, one who pries into others' affairs. Speaking things which they ought not (λαλοῦσαι τὰ μὴ δέοντα, lalousai ta mē deonta)—'saying things they should not.'

Idleness breeds mischief. Young widows with time and no responsibility can fall into gossip, meddling, and inappropriate speech—destructive to church unity and their own character. Paul's solution: remarriage and household management (5:14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient households, women's work was constant—spinning, weaving, cooking, childcare, managing servants. Widows on church support but without family responsibilities had unusual leisure. Without purposeful activity, some fell into the sins of gossip and meddling that damage community. Paul's solution is renewed purpose through marriage and family.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does idleness lead to gossip, meddling, and inappropriate speech?
  2. What godly alternatives to idleness should widows (or anyone with free time) pursue?
  3. Why is purposeful work and responsibility important for spiritual health?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἅμα1 of 21

“withal”

G260

properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 21

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀργαὶ4 of 21

“idle”

G692

inactive, i.e., unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless

μανθάνουσιν5 of 21

“they learn”

G3129

to learn (in any way)

περιερχόμεναι6 of 21

“wandering about”

G4022

to come all around, i.e., stroll, vacillate, veer

τὰ7 of 21

“things which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκίας8 of 21

“from house to house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

οὐ9 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μόνον10 of 21

“only”

G3440

merely

δὲ11 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀργαὶ12 of 21

“idle”

G692

inactive, i.e., unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless

ἀλλὰ13 of 21

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καὶ14 of 21

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φλύαροι15 of 21

“tattlers”

G5397

a garrulous person, i.e., prater

καὶ16 of 21

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περίεργοι17 of 21

“busybodies”

G4021

working all around, i.e., officious (meddlesome, neuter plural magic)

λαλοῦσαι18 of 21

“speaking”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

τὰ19 of 21

“things which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ20 of 21

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δέοντα21 of 21

“they ought”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 5:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 20:192 Thessalonians 3:6-11Acts 20:30Proverbs 31:27Titus 1:11Luke 10:7

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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