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.

For {G1063} the love of money {G5365} is {G2076} the root {G4491} of all {G3956} evil {G2556}: which {G3739} while some {G5100} coveted after {G3713}, they have erred {G635} from {G575} the faith {G4102}, and {G2532} pierced {G4044} themselves {G1438} through {G4044} with many {G4183} sorrows {G3601}.

For the love of money is a root of all the evils; because of this craving, some people have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves to the heart with many pains.

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Here is a commentary on 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV):

1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV): 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.

Context

This verse comes near the end of Paul's first letter to Timothy, his young protégé in Ephesus. Paul is giving instructions on various aspects of church life, conduct, and doctrine. In chapter 6, he addresses issues related to slaves and masters, false teachers who see godliness as a means of financial gain, and the proper attitude towards wealth. Verse 10 serves as a strong warning against the destructive power of greed and materialism, contrasting it with the "great gain" of godliness with contentment mentioned in the preceding verses (1 Timothy 6:6).

Key Themes

  • The Danger of Loving Money: The verse identifies "the love of money" (Greek: philargyria, meaning 'love of silver' or 'greed for gain') as a fundamental source of many kinds of wickedness. It's not money itself that is evil, but the excessive desire for it.
  • Covetousness and Falling Away: The pursuit of wealth can become an idol, leading individuals to turn away from the true faith. Paul notes that some who have "coveted after" riches have consequently "erred from the faith." This highlights how worldly desires can distract from or even replace devotion to God.
  • Painful Consequences: The verse vividly describes the result of this pursuit and departure from faith: they have "pierced themselves through with many sorrows." This imagery suggests self-inflicted pain, indicating that the consequences of greed are not just external judgment but also internal anguish, regret, and suffering caused by their actions and choices.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the root of all evil" (Greek: panta ta kaka) can be understood as "a root of all sorts of evils" or "the root of every kind of evil," rather than suggesting it is the single, exclusive cause of every bad thing in the world. The love of money is a foundational issue that gives rise to numerous specific sins like lying, theft, betrayal, and violence. The word translated "coveted after" (Greek: oregomai) means to reach or stretch after, emphasizing a strong, grasping desire. "Pierced themselves through" (Greek: periepeiran) is a powerful metaphor, suggesting being impaled or surrounded by sharp pains, illustrating the severe self-harm caused by greed.

Reflection

This verse serves as a timeless warning against allowing the pursuit or love of money to become the central focus of our lives. It challenges us to examine our hearts and motivations regarding wealth and possessions. True security and lasting satisfaction are found not in material riches, which are fleeting (Proverbs 23:5), but in a right relationship with God and in contentment with what He provides (Hebrews 13:5). The "many sorrows" are a stark reminder that prioritizing money over faith and godly living ultimately leads to pain and destruction, not happiness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 1:19

    So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

  • 1 Timothy 6:9

    But 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 32:10

    Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

  • Titus 1:11

    Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

  • Proverbs 1:31

    Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

  • Isaiah 56:11

    Yea, [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.

  • Micah 3:11

    The 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.
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