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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The apostle Paul's stern warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 serves as a timeless admonition against the perilous nature of avarice. It asserts that an inordinate affection for material wealth acts as a foundational source from which a multitude of destructive behaviors and spiritual deviations spring forth. Paul illustrates how this covetous pursuit can tragically lead individuals to abandon their faith, ultimately inflicting upon themselves profound and self-generated suffering. This verse encapsulates a critical pastoral concern regarding the spiritual dangers inherent in materialism, contrasting it sharply with the true riches found in godliness and contentment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed near the conclusion of Paul's first epistle to Timothy, his trusted protégé and leader in the Ephesian church. The preceding verses in [1 Timothy 6](/1_timothy/6 "1 Timothy 6 - Instructions on Wealth and Godliness") lay the groundwork, particularly [1 Timothy 6:3-5](/1_timothy/6-3-5 "1 Timothy 6:3-5 - Warning Against False Teachers") which addresses false teachers who exploit religion for financial gain, and [1 Timothy 6:6-9](/1_timothy/6-6-9 "1 Timothy 6:6-9 - Godliness with Contentment") which extols the virtue of "godliness with contentment" as "great gain" and warns against the desire to be rich, which leads to temptation and ruin. Thus, [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil") functions as a climactic summary and powerful theological justification for Paul's earlier warnings, explaining *why* the pursuit of wealth is so destructive and contrasting it with the spiritual contentment that should characterize believers. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent instructions to the wealthy in [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17-19 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Instructions to the Rich").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus, where Timothy was ministering, was a prominent and prosperous port city in the Roman province of Asia. Its wealth derived from trade, its famous Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and its position as a cultural and religious hub. This environment presented significant temptations for early Christians, who often faced economic pressures and the allure of material gain. The presence of "false teachers" (as referenced in [1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - Warning Against False Doctrine") and [1 Timothy 6:3-5](/1_timothy/6-3-5 "1 Timothy 6:3-5 - Warning Against False Teachers")) who saw "godliness as a means of gain" (1 Timothy 6:5) highlights a specific problem within the Ephesian church. Paul's warning against the love of money was therefore not a theoretical abstract but a direct response to tangible challenges faced by the community, where the pursuit of wealth could easily corrupt doctrine, compromise integrity, and undermine spiritual commitment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present in [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "The Book of 1 Timothy") and the broader Pauline corpus. Primarily, it underscores the **danger of idolatry**, specifically the idolatry of wealth, which competes with and ultimately displaces devotion to God. It reinforces the theme of **godly contentment**, presented as the antithesis to covetousness, emphasizing that true spiritual well-being is not found in accumulation but in sufficiency and reliance on God, as articulated in [1 Timothy 6:6-8](/1_timothy/6-6-8 "1 Timothy 6:6-8 - Godliness with Contentment"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **spiritual apostasy and its self-inflicted consequences**, demonstrating how the pursuit of worldly desires can lead believers to "err from the faith" and experience profound personal suffering, a stark warning against compromising one's spiritual integrity for fleeting material gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **love of money (Greek, _philargyría'_):** From *philos* (loving) and *argyros* (silver/money), this term denotes avarice or greed. It is not money itself that is condemned, but the excessive, idolatrous affection for it, which becomes an all-consuming desire. This "love" signifies a deep-seated devotion and pursuit that rivals or replaces one's devotion to God.
* **evil (Greek, _kakós'_):** This word refers to that which is intrinsically worthless, depraved, or injurious. It describes not just external harm but an inherent moral badness. In this context, the love of money is presented as a fundamental source or "root" from which various forms of moral corruption and destructive behaviors arise, affecting individuals and communities.
* **pierced through (Greek, _peripeírō'_):** A vivid and strong verb, meaning "to penetrate entirely" or "to transfix." It suggests being impaled or surrounded by sharp objects. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of being wounded, tormented, or agonizingly afflicted. The reflexive pronoun "themselves" emphasizes that this suffering is self-inflicted, a direct consequence of their own covetous choices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the love of money is the root of all evil:"** This declarative statement identifies the core issue. The "love of money" (avarice, greed) is presented metaphorically as the "root"—a foundational source or origin—from which "all evil" (better understood as "all *kinds* of evil" or "every evil") springs. It implies that this particular idolatry is a fertile ground for a multitude of sins, including deceit, theft, betrayal, and violence, as individuals compromise their integrity and morality in its pursuit.
* **"which while some coveted after,"** This clause introduces the consequence of this love. "Coveted after" (from *orégomai*) signifies a strong, outstretched desire or grasping for something. It describes active pursuit, not just passive desire. The use of "some" indicates that this is a specific observation of individuals within the Christian community who succumbed to this temptation, illustrating the practical outworking of the principle stated in the first clause.
* **"they have erred from the faith,"** This is the spiritual consequence. To "err from the faith" (from *apoplanáō*) means to be led astray, to wander off course, or to deviate from the truth of the Gospel and the practice of genuine Christian living. The pursuit of wealth becomes an idol that distracts from, diminishes, and ultimately replaces devotion to Christ, leading to spiritual apostasy or a profound compromise of one's core beliefs and values.
* **"and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."** This final clause describes the painful, self-inflicted results. The imagery of being "pierced through" is intensely visceral, suggesting deep, agonizing wounds. These "many sorrows" (from *odýnē*, meaning grief or anguish) are the inevitable emotional, psychological, relational, and spiritual suffering that accompany a life driven by greed—regret, anxiety, broken relationships, spiritual emptiness, and the loss of eternal perspective. The reflexive "themselves" underscores that these pains are not external punishments but the natural, bitter fruit of their own choices.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs powerful **Metaphor** and vivid **Imagery** to convey its message. The phrase "the love of money is the root of all evil" uses **Metaphor** to portray avarice as the foundational source from which various forms of wickedness emerge, much like a tree's roots nourish its branches. This is not to say it is the *only* root of *every* conceivable sin, but rather a primary and pervasive origin for a vast array of destructive behaviors and moral failings. The concluding phrase, "pierced themselves through with many sorrows," utilizes striking **Imagery** and a form of **Personification** (or vivid **Hyperbole** if taken literally) to depict the self-inflicted pain and anguish that result from the pursuit of wealth over faith. The image of being impaled or surrounded by sharp pains powerfully communicates the severe, internal, and often prolonged suffering experienced by those who fall prey to greed, emphasizing that the consequences are not merely external judgment but deeply personal and agonizing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil") are profound, extending beyond a simple warning against greed to touch upon fundamental aspects of Christian discipleship. It underscores the biblical principle that the human heart is designed for worship, and if God is not its object, something else will inevitably fill that void, often material wealth. This verse highlights the deceptive nature of money, which promises security and satisfaction but delivers only spiritual emptiness and sorrow when pursued as an ultimate end. It compels believers to examine their allegiances, reminding them that true life and fulfillment are found not in accumulation but in a relationship with God and a life of contentment and generosity. The "love of money" is thus presented as a form of idolatry, a rival god that demands ultimate allegiance and, in doing so, leads to spiritual shipwreck and profound personal suffering.

* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")
* [Proverbs 23:4-5](/proverbs/23-4-5 "Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do Not Toil for Riches")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil") serves as a timeless and urgent warning for believers in every generation, particularly relevant in today's consumer-driven societies. It challenges us to critically examine our relationship with money and possessions, asking whether our hearts are truly content in Christ or subtly captivated by the pursuit of more. The "love of money" is insidious; it doesn't always manifest as overt greed but can appear as anxiety over financial security, an insatiable desire for status, or a relentless pursuit of comfort that subtly displaces our devotion to God and our commitment to His kingdom. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical contentment, trusting in God's provision and finding our ultimate joy and security not in what we possess, but in who possesses us. It reminds us that prioritizing material gain ultimately leads to a self-inflicted "piercing through with many sorrows"—a life riddled with anxiety, spiritual emptiness, broken relationships, and a profound sense of dissatisfaction, far from the abundant life Christ offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might the "love of money" manifest in my own life or cultural context, even if I don't consider myself "greedy"?**
* **What are the specific "sorrows" (emotional, relational, spiritual) that I have observed, or experienced, when the pursuit of wealth takes precedence over faith and godly living?**
* **How can I actively cultivate contentment, generosity, and a deeper trust in God's provision in a world that constantly encourages the accumulation of more?**

### FAQ
**Is money itself evil, according to this verse?**

Answer: No, the verse explicitly states that it is "the *love* of money" that is the root of all evil, not money itself. Money is a neutral tool or resource; its moral value is determined by the heart's attitude towards it and how it is acquired, used, or hoarded. The problem arises when money becomes an idol, an object of ultimate devotion, or the primary source of one's security and identity, displacing God.

**Does "all evil" mean every single sin in the world originates from the love of money?**

Answer: While the Greek word *pâs* (G3956) can mean "all" or "every," in this context, "all evil" is best understood as "all *kinds* of evil" or "every evil thing." The love of money is presented as a fundamental, pervasive root that gives rise to a vast array of sins (e.g., lying, theft, betrayal, violence, injustice) because it corrupts the heart and motivates actions contrary to God's will. It is a significant, but not the exclusive, source of human depravity. Other roots of evil, such as pride ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")) or lust ([James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - Desire Leads to Sin")), also exist.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil") finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse warns against the idolatry of money, Christ Himself offers the true treasure that liberates us from its destructive grip. Jesus consistently taught about the dangers of wealth, famously stating that "you cannot serve God and money" ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")) and urging His followers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). He modeled a life of radical dependence on God, choosing poverty and self-denial over earthly riches ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ Became Poor for Our Sakes")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only redeems us from sin but also frees us from the power of all idols, including the love of money, by providing a superior object of affection and a more enduring hope ([Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). The "faith" from which some err is faith in Christ, and it is through Him that believers receive the "great gain" of godliness with contentment, finding true riches in their relationship with God and the eternal inheritance He secures ([Philippians 4:11-13](/phil_4/11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in Christ")). In Christ, the sorrows of avarice are replaced by the peace and joy of a life lived for God's glory, demonstrating that He is indeed the ultimate treasure.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.