### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.
TRV