### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G5365 (philargyría) is a compound word derived from φιλέω (phileō), meaning "to love," and ἄργυρος (argyros), meaning "silver" or "money." Thus, its core meaning is "love of money" or "avarice." It denotes an inordinate, excessive, or covetous affection for wealth, seeing money not merely as a means of exchange or provision, but as an ultimate object of desire and trust. The semantic range extends beyond mere possession to the internal disposition of the heart, where the pursuit and accumulation of riches become a dominant, even consuming, passion. This is distinct from prudent financial management or honest labor; rather, it describes a spiritual inclination that elevates material gain to a position of supreme importance, often at the expense of spiritual and ethical considerations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun G5365 (philargyría) appears notably in the New Testament in [[1 Timothy 6:10]]. This verse states, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
In this context, Paul is addressing Timothy concerning sound doctrine versus false teachings, particularly those propagated by individuals who imagine that godliness is a means to financial gain (cf. [[1 Timothy 6:5]]). Paul contrasts this distorted view with the true Christian virtue of contentment (cf. [[1 Timothy 6:6-8]]). The declaration that philargyría is "a root of all kinds of evil" (not "the root," suggesting one significant source among others) highlights its pervasive and destructive influence. The passage emphasizes that this inordinate desire leads to practical, devastating consequences: it causes individuals to "wander from the faith" (ἀποπλανάω - apoplanáō), indicating a spiritual deviation, and to "pierce themselves with many griefs" (περιπείρω - peripeírō), suggesting self-inflicted sorrow, pain, and ruin. The immediate pursuit of wealth, driven by philargyría, thus becomes a catalyst for spiritual shipwreck and profound personal suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms and theological concepts are closely related to G5365 (philargyría):
* **φιλάργυρος (philárgyros - money-loving):** The adjectival form of G5365, `{{G5366}}`, describes someone who possesses the characteristic of loving money. It appears in [[Luke 16:14]] to describe the Pharisees, who "loved money," and in [[2 Timothy 3:2]] as a characteristic of people in the last days.
* **πλεονεξία (pleonexia - covetousness, greed):** `{{G4124}}` is a broader term for an insatiable desire for more, often specifically for material possessions. While philargyría focuses on the love of money, pleonexia extends to any grasping desire for what belongs to another or for more than one's due. The two concepts are deeply intertwined, with the love of money often fueling covetousness (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:3]], [[Colossians 3:5]]).
* **ἐπιθυμία (epithymia - strong desire, lust):** `{{G1939}}` is a general term for desire, which can be good or evil. philargyría is a specific manifestation of epithymia, namely, a sinful desire directed towards wealth.
* **Idolatry:** The New Testament frequently links covetousness and the love of money with idolatry (e.g., [[Colossians 3:5]], [[Ephesians 5:5]]). When money becomes the ultimate object of one's affections, trust, and pursuit, it usurps the place of God, effectively becoming an idol.
* **Contentment (αὐτάρκεια - autarkeia):** `{{G841}}` is presented as the antithesis and antidote to philargyría (cf. [[1 Timothy 6:6-8]]). A heart content with God's provision and confident in His sufficiency is immune to the destructive pull of avarice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5365 (philargyría) is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Idolatry:** At its core, the love of money is a form of idolatry. It represents a misdirection of ultimate allegiance and trust from God to created wealth. Jesus Himself declared, "You cannot serve both God and money" ([[Matthew 6:24]], [[Luke 16:13]]), highlighting the exclusive nature of true worship and the impossibility of dual loyalties.
2. **Spiritual Apostasy:** As seen in [[1 Timothy 6:10]], philargyría has the power to cause individuals to "wander from the faith." This suggests a spiritual declension, where the pursuit of material gain eclipses spiritual priorities, leading to a departure from sound doctrine, ethical living, and ultimately, a relationship with God.
3. **Root of Evil:** The assertion that it is "a root of all kinds of evil" underscores its capacity to generate a wide array of sins. Greed can lead to theft, deception, exploitation, injustice, betrayal, murder, and countless other transgressions, as individuals prioritize financial gain over moral integrity and the well-being of others.
4. **Hindrance to the Kingdom:** Jesus' parables and teachings frequently warn about the spiritual dangers of wealth. The rich young ruler, for instance, turned away from Jesus because he loved his possessions more than following Christ ([[Matthew 19:21-22]]). philargyría blinds individuals to the true riches of God's kingdom and makes entry into it exceedingly difficult.
5. **Opposition to Christian Virtues:** The love of money stands in stark contrast to core Christian virtues such as generosity, stewardship, contentment, and trust in divine providence. It fosters self-centeredness rather than love for neighbor, and anxiety over material possessions rather than faith in God's care.
### Summary
G5365 (philargyría) precisely defines the "love of money" or "avarice," a profound spiritual malady that elevates material wealth to an ultimate object of desire and trust. Its primary biblical appearance in [[1 Timothy 6:10]] starkly warns that this inordinate affection is "a root of all kinds of evil," leading individuals to stray from the faith and inflict upon themselves profound suffering. Theologically, philargyría is understood as a form of idolatry, where money usurps God's rightful place in the heart. It stands in direct opposition to Christian virtues like contentment and generosity, serving as a significant hindrance to spiritual growth and entry into the Kingdom of God, by fostering a relentless pursuit of temporal riches over eternal treasures.
TRV