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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses Timothy concerning the younger widows in the Ephesian congregation, warning against their potential drift from committed service and contrasting their conduct with the practical instructions for remarriage.

The words — The Greek text highlights ἀργαὶ (argai), meaning idle, and περιερχομένης (perierchomenēs), meaning going about or visiting from house to house.

The thread — This warning against idle gossip parallels the prohibition of revealing secrets in Proverbs 20:19, the command to avoid undisciplined conduct in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, and the praise for diligent household management in Proverbs 31:27.

Why it lands — The passage requires readers to examine whether their daily routines foster productive stewardship or enable unprofitable talk, directly challenging any habit that provides grounds for criticism.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Proverbs 20:19 He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
Proverbs 31:27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
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.
Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
Acts 20:20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house,
Acts 20:30 Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
Titus 1:11 who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
1 Peter 4:15 Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.