For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 TIMOTHY 6:10KJVWhat does 1 Timothy 6:10 mean?
1 Timothy 6:10 says that loving money is the root of all kinds of evil, warning that some people, driven by this desire, have wandered away from their faith and brought themselves much pain. The verse highlights the dangers of craving wealth, not money itself, but the deep attachment to it.
Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, advising him about common problems believers face. In this part of the letter, Paul points out that an unhealthy longing for money can lead people away from their trust in God and cause them deep regret and suffering. The verse uses strong language to show how powerful and destructive this desire can be.
The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:10
- "Root" (ῥίζα, rhiza): The Greek word means the source or origin of something. Paul is saying that loving money is not just one problem among many, but a source that can give rise to many different kinds of trouble.
- "All" (πάντων, pantōn): This word can mean "all" or "all kinds of." Here, it is often understood as "all kinds of evil," suggesting that the love of money can lead to many different wrongs, not necessarily every evil act.
- "Pierced" (περιέπειραν, periepeiran): This word paints a vivid picture of people stabbing themselves through, showing that chasing after money can bring deep, self-inflicted pain.
Why 1 Timothy 6:10 matters
- 1 Timothy 6:10 is often misquoted as "money is the root of all evil," but the verse actually warns about the love of money, not money itself.
- The verse connects personal desires to spiritual consequences, showing that what people long for can shape their faith and well-being.
- In the wider passage, Paul is teaching Timothy to recognize and avoid common traps that can harm both leaders and everyday believers in the church.