1 Timothy 6:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ῥίζα

G4491

the root

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πάντων

G3956

of all

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κακῶν

G2556

evil

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φιλαργυρία

G5365

the love of money

avarice

ἧς

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#10

τινες

G5100

while some

some or any person or object

#11

ὀρεγόμενοι

G3713

coveted after

to stretch oneself, i.e., reach out after (long for)

#12

ἀπεπλανήθησαν

G635

they have erred

to lead astray (figuratively); passively, to stray (from truth)

#13

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#14

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

πίστεως

G4102

the faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ἑαυτοὺς

G1438

themselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#18

περιέπειραν

G4044

pierced

to penetrate entirely, i.e., transfix (figuratively)

#19

ὀδύναις

G3601

sorrows

grief (as dejecting)

#20

πολλαῖς

G4183

with many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?