The Greek word philargyría, represented by G5365, is a specific term for the love of money. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition as avarice points to a destructive desire for wealth that is presented as a significant spiritual danger.
In its sole biblical appearance, G5365 is used to identify the ultimate source of spiritual corruption. The scripture states, "For the love of money is the root of all evil" 1 Timothy 6:10. This passage explains that this specific desire causes some to wander from their beliefs. The consequence is severe, as those who coveted after money are said to have "erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" 1 Timothy 6:10.
Several related words from its context clarify the danger of G5365:
- G4491 rhíza (a "root"): This word is used figuratively to establish the love of money as the foundational source from which all evil grows 1 Timothy 6:10.
- G2556 kakós (evil): This defines the result of being rooted in G5365. It describes something intrinsically worthless or injurious that springs from this single source 1 Timothy 6:10.
- G635 apoplanáō (to lead astray): This verb describes the process by which avarice causes a person to stray from the truth, showing how some have erred from the faith 1 Timothy 6:10.
- G4044 peripeírō (to penetrate entirely, i.e. transfix): This vivid term illustrates the self-inflicted nature of the harm caused by the love of money, as individuals pierce themselves through with sorrow 1 Timothy 6:10.
The theological weight of G5365 is concentrated in its single, impactful use.
- A Source of All Evil: The term is explicitly identified as the root G4491 of all G3956 evil G2556. This frames avarice not as a single sin, but as a foundational corruption that can give rise to every kind of worthless or injurious act 1 Timothy 6:10.
- A Cause of Apostasy: The pursuit of wealth is directly linked to abandoning one's core beliefs. The verse warns that those who coveted after G3713 it have erred G635 from the faith G4102.
- A Path to Self-Inflicted Harm: The consequence of this desire is a self-destructive outcome. Those who fall into it pierced G4044 themselves G1438 through with many sorrows G3601, illustrating the inherent grief that results from such a misplaced desire.
In summary, G5365 philargyría is presented in scripture not merely as a simple desire for wealth, but as a destructive and foundational spiritual threat. Though it appears only once, its context in 1 Timothy 6:10 makes it clear that the love of money is a root that produces evil, leads people away from faith, and ultimately results in profound, self-inflicted sorrow.
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