Topical Encyclopedia A "busybody" is a term used in the Bible to describe someone who meddles in the affairs of others, often engaging in gossip or unnecessary interference. This behavior is generally viewed negatively in Scripture, as it disrupts community harmony and distracts individuals from their own responsibilities.Biblical References: 1. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 : "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, just as we instructed you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be dependent on anyone." This passage encourages believers to focus on their own lives and responsibilities, avoiding the temptation to meddle in the affairs of others. 2. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 : "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies." Here, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of idleness leading to meddling. Instead of being productive, some individuals were interfering in matters that did not concern them. 3. 1 Timothy 5:13 : "At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they should not." This verse warns against the dangers of idleness, which can lead to gossip and unnecessary involvement in others' lives. 4. 1 Peter 4:15 : "But if you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler." The Apostle Peter includes being a meddler, or busybody, alongside more serious offenses, indicating the severity with which this behavior is viewed. Theological Implications: The concept of a busybody is tied to the broader biblical themes of community, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of a godly life. Scripture consistently encourages believers to focus on their own spiritual growth and responsibilities, rather than becoming entangled in the affairs of others. This focus helps maintain peace and order within the Christian community and reflects a life that honors God. Practical Application: Believers are called to examine their own lives and ensure they are not engaging in behavior that could be considered meddlesome. This involves cultivating a spirit of humility and self-discipline, prioritizing one's own duties, and respecting the privacy and autonomy of others. By doing so, Christians can contribute to a harmonious community and set a positive example for those outside the faith. Cultural Context: In the early Christian communities, as in many societies, the temptation to become a busybody was prevalent. The close-knit nature of these communities could lead to gossip and interference, which the apostles sought to correct through their teachings. The biblical admonitions against being a busybody remain relevant today, as they address the timeless human tendency to become overly involved in the lives of others. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who officiously concerns himself with the affairs of others; a meddling person.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BUSYBODYbiz'-i-bod-i (periergos, allotrioepiskopos): The word is found twice in Paulinic literature.: 1 Timothy 5:13, "not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies," and 2 Thessalonians 3:11, "work not at all, but are busybodies." It is also found in 1 Peter 4:15 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "meddler") "or as a busybody in other men's matters." If these passages be coupled with such others as James 3:2-10; James 4:11 Ephesians 4:29, 31 Titus 3:2, it becomes evident that sins against the eighth commandment were as common in the apostolic church as they are today. To this day backbiting is a common trait of oriental peoples. And it is this sin which is so repeatedly warned against by the apostles, as in direct conflict with the ethics of Christianity, and in violation of that spirit of brotherly love and mutual trust which Christ has enjoined on His followers, and which is the very marrow of the outward revelation of the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 13). Greek 4021. periergos -- overly careful, curious, meddling, subst. a ... ... a busybody. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: periergos Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee'-er-gos) Short Definition: a busybody, curious, magical Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4021.htm - 7k 4020. periergazomai -- to waste one's labor about (a thing) 244. allotriepiskopos -- one who meddles in things alien to his ... Library The Sunday Christian. The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity. Who, Now, Should Know Better the Marrow of the Scriptures than the ... Letter cxiv. To Cyriacus, at Tarsus. December 11 Morning December 24 Evening March 14 Morning September 1 Evening John iii. 17 Concerning Widows. Thesaurus Busybody (3 Occurrences)... person. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BUSYBODY. biz'-i ... 13). Henry E. Dosker. Multi-Version Concordance Busybody (3 Occurrences). 1 Peter ... /b/busybody.htm - 8k Revealer (4 Occurrences) Revealing (7 Occurrences) Evildoer (9 Occurrences) Deceiver (9 Occurrences) Martha (12 Occurrences) Meddler (1 Occurrence) Busy-bodies (2 Occurrences) Busy-body (1 Occurrence) Counsels (22 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about being a busybody? | GotQuestions.orgDealing with a mother-in-law...? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.org Busybody: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Busybody (3 Occurrences)1 Peter 4:15 Proverbs 11:13 Proverbs 20:19 Subtopics Busybody: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
    |