1 Timothy 5:13 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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.

Withal - `at the same time, moreover.'

Learn - usually in a good sense. But these women's 'learning' is idleness, trifling, and busybodies' tattle.

Wandering, х perierchomenai (G4022)] - 'going about' ostensibly on church duties.

From house to house - of the church members (2 Timothy 3:6). 'They carry the affairs of this house to that, and of that to this: they tell the affairs of all to all' (Theophylact). Tattlers, х fluaroi (G5397), akin to fluere; fluent] - 'trifling talkers.' In 3 John 1:10, "prating."

Busybodies, х periergoi (G4021), meddlers] - mischievously busy; inconsiderately curious (2 Thessalonians 3:11). Acts 19:19, "curious." Curiosity springs from idleness, the mother of garrulity (Calvin).

Speaking, х lalousai (G2980)] - not merely 'saying.'

Which they ought not - (Titus 1:11.)

1 Timothy 5:13

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.