A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Timothy 5:13

"And withal they learn also [to be] idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." — 1 Timothy 5:13 (ASV)

And withal (αμα δε κα). See Phm 1:22 for this very phrase, "and at the same time also." Such young enrolled widows have other perils also.

They learn to be idle (αργα μανθανουσιν). There is no εινα (to be) in the Greek. This very idiom without εινα after μανθανω occurs in Plato and Dio Chrysostom, though unusual. Αργα (idle) is old adjective (α privative and εργον, without work). See Mt 20:3; Titus 1:12.

Going about (περιερχομενα). Present middle participle of περιερχομα, old compound verb. See Ac 19:13 of strollers.

From house to house (τας οικιας). Literally "the houses," "wandering around the houses." Vivid picture of idle tattlers and gossipers.

But tattlers also (αλλα κα φλυαρο). Old word from φλυω (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Φλυαρεω in 3 John 1:10 only in N.T.

And busybodies (κα περιεργο). Old word (from περι, εργον), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Ac 19:19. See 2 Thessalonians 3:11 for περιεργαζομα.

Things which they ought not (τα μη δεοντα). "The not necessary things," and, as a result, often harmful. See Tit 1:11 α μη δε (which things are not necessary).