I Timothy 5:13

withal--"at the same time, moreover." learn--usually in a good sense. But these women's "learning" is idleness, trifling, and busybodies' tattle. wandering--Greek, "going about." from house to house--of the members of the Church (Ti2 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--literally "trifling talkers." In Jo3 1:10, translated "prating." busybodies--mischievously busy; inconsiderately curious (Th2 3:11). Act 19:19, "curious," the same Greek. Curiosity usually springs from idleness, which is itself the mother of garrulity [CALVIN]. speaking--not merely "saying." The subject-matter, as well as the form, is involved in the Greek word [ALFORD]. which they ought not-- (Tit 1:11).

Here the apostle, I. Directs Timothy how to reprove (Ti1 5:1, Ti1 5:2). II. Adverts to widows, both elder and younger (Ti1 5:3-16). III. To elders (Ti1 5:17-19). IV. Treats of public reproof (Ti1 5:20). V. Gives a solemn charge concerning ordination (Ti1 5:21, Ti1 5:22). VI. Refers to his health (Ti1 5:23), and states men's sins to be very different in their effects (Ti1 5:24, Ti1 5:25).

5:13 Too seldom do those who are fully supported by the church invest their lives in remarkable piety (cp. 2:9-10; 5:10). Abusing the church’s support does not help them or the Good News (cp. 5:14). • talking about things they shouldn’t: The wording suggests involvement in the false teaching (5:15; cp. 2 Thes 3:11-13; Titus 1:11).