1 Timothy 5:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: 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.

NASB: 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.

CSB: 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.

NLT: 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.

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.

NKJV: 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.

Three additional problems with providing for the needs of younger widows are mentioned in this verse. First is that giving charity to those who are capable of providing for themselves breeds apathy and laziness. An "idler," as used here, is someone who is unproductive or does not work. Paul did not want young widows to become unmotivated to work hard and become dependent upon church resources.

The second warning Paul gives is a natural consequence of the first. Young widows supported by the church, rather than being occupied with constructive work, have time and temptation to become "gossips." The Bible is very clear and consistent that gossip is a trait associated with unbelievers, and unfit for those who follow Christ (Romans 1:29; 2 Corinthians 12:20). The Greek term here is phylaroi, referring to those who are babbling, silly, or foolish.

Third, and very similar to gossip, is the risk of young widows becoming "busybodies." The Greek term is periergoi, which is related to the term for "gossip" in that it implies focusing on trivial matters. This word, however, more specifically refers to being overly concerned with the business of others. This means becoming nosy, intrusive, or meddling. This trait is also called out in 2 Thessalonians 3:11: "For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies." The term is a catch-all for those preoccupied with activities which are not productive or are not considered work.

First Timothy 5:3–16 gives Paul's instructions regarding priority in the care of widows. Since church resources are finite, it is important to focus attention on those who are most needy. In this case, Paul refers to such women as ''true widows.'' Those who are younger or more capable should not be given an excuse for laziness or gossip. And, family members have the first and foremost responsibility for caring for each other. The guidelines given here focus attention on the most vulnerable women and avoid enabling immodest behaviors.

First Timothy chapter 5 focuses on Timothy's supervision of those within the church. This includes a respectful attitude towards both men and women, young and old. A large portion of the chapter deals with how to care for widows. The theme of Paul's instruction is prioritizing those who are truly in need, and not enabling those who are merely lazy. Timothy is also instructed on how to screen out baseless accusations against an elder, and how to properly discipline them if they are found in sin. With that in mind, Timothy is also warned not to be reckless in who he appoints as an elder.

Prior passages explained the burden placed on Timothy and other church leaders. In this chapter, the emphasis is on how Timothy is to treat others in the congregation. A large portion of this refers to prioritizing charity for widows. This passage will more or less complete Paul's specific instructions to Timothy in this letter. The next (final) chapter will build on all of these themes with a command for Timothy to make the most of his spiritual service.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.