1 Timothy 6:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακῶν
evil
G2556
κακῶν
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
5 of 20
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἧς
which
G3739
ἧς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὀρεγόμενοι
coveted after
G3713
ὀρεγόμενοι
coveted after
Strong's:
G3713
Word #:
11 of 20
to stretch oneself, i.e., reach out after (long for)
ἀπεπλανήθησαν
they have erred
G635
ἀπεπλανήθησαν
they have erred
Strong's:
G635
Word #:
12 of 20
to lead astray (figuratively); passively, to stray (from truth)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστεως
the faith
G4102
πίστεως
the faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
15 of 20
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἑαυτοὺς
themselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
17 of 20
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
Cross References
Proverbs 1:19So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.1 Timothy 6:9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.Psalms 32:10Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.Titus 1:11Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.Proverbs 1:31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.Isaiah 56:11Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.Matthew 23:13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.Jude 1:11Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.Micah 3:11The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Historical Context
The ancient world saw vast wealth inequality and constant financial anxiety among the poor. The desire to escape poverty and achieve security drove many to compromise morally—dishonesty, exploitation, greed. Paul warns: this path leads to spiritual apostasy and emotional torment. Better to be poor and faithful than rich and destroyed. History confirms it: the love of money has destroyed countless lives and souls.
Questions for Reflection
- How is loving money different from having money—where's the line between stewardship and idolatry?
- What specific 'sorrows' do people pierce themselves with through pursuing wealth?
- How can we guard our hearts against money-love in a materialistic culture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the love of money is the root of all evil (ῥίζα γὰρ πάντων τῶν κακῶν ἐστιν ἡ φιλαργυρία, rhiza gar pantōn tōn kakōn estin hē philargyria)—'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.' Rhiza means root. Philargyria means love of money, avarice—from philos (love) and argyros (silver/money). Note: not money itself but the love of money is evil's root. Also, 'a root' (many translations) not 'the root'—money-love produces many evils, though not exclusively all evil.
Which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith (ἧς τινες ὀρεγόμενοι ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως, hēs tines oregomenoi apeplanēthēsan apo tēs pisteōs)—'by craving which, some have wandered away from the faith.' Oregō means to reach for, desire, aspire to. Apoplanaō means to lead astray, cause to wander. And pierced themselves through with many sorrows (καὶ ἑαυτοὺς περιέπειραν ὀδύναις πολλαῖς, kai heautous periepiran odynais pollais)—'and pierced themselves with many griefs.' Peripeirō means to pierce through. Odynē means pain, grief, sorrow.
Money-love produces spiritual destruction (wandering from faith) and emotional devastation (many sorrows). Those who pursue wealth impale themselves on self-inflicted pain—broken relationships, anxiety, guilt, emptiness. The imagery is vivid: money-lovers run toward wealth and impale themselves on the very thing they desired.