1 Timothy 6:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:10
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.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, prayer. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 6:10
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: Psalms 32:10
- Evil: Micah 3:11
- Love: 2 Timothy 4:10
- Parallel theme: 1 Timothy 6:9, Proverbs 1:19, 1:31, Isaiah 56:11, Matthew 23:13, Titus 1:11