King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:10 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:10 in the King James Version says “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierc... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. erred: or, been seduced

1 Timothy 6:10 · KJV


Context

8

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

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.

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. erred: or, been seduced

11

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the love of money is the root of all evil (ῥίζα γὰρ πάντων τῶν κακῶν ἐστιν ἡ φιλαργυρία, rhiza gar pantōn tōn kakōn estin hē philargyria)—'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.' Rhiza means root. Philargyria means love of money, avarice—from philos (love) and argyros (silver/money). Note: not money itself but the love of money is evil's root. Also, 'a root' (many translations) not 'the root'—money-love produces many evils, though not exclusively all evil.

Which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith (ἧς τινες ὀρεγόμενοι ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως, hēs tines oregomenoi apeplanēthēsan apo tēs pisteōs)—'by craving which, some have wandered away from the faith.' Oregō means to reach for, desire, aspire to. Apo­planaō means to lead astray, cause to wander. And pierced themselves through with many sorrows (καὶ ἑαυτοὺς περιέπειραν ὀδύναις πολλαῖς, kai heautous periepiran odynais pollais)—'and pierced themselves with many griefs.' Peripeirō means to pierce through. Odynē means pain, grief, sorrow.

Money-love produces spiritual destruction (wandering from faith) and emotional devastation (many sorrows). Those who pursue wealth impale themselves on self-inflicted pain—broken relationships, anxiety, guilt, emptiness. The imagery is vivid: money-lovers run toward wealth and impale themselves on the very thing they desired.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ancient world saw vast wealth inequality and constant financial anxiety among the poor. The desire to escape poverty and achieve security drove many to compromise morally—dishonesty, exploitation, greed. Paul warns: this path leads to spiritual apostasy and emotional torment. Better to be poor and faithful than rich and destroyed. History confirms it: the love of money has destroyed countless lives and souls.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is loving money different from having money—where's the line between stewardship and idolatry?
  2. What specific 'sorrows' do people pierce themselves with through pursuing wealth?
  3. How can we guard our hearts against money-love in a materialistic culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ῥίζα1 of 20

the root

G4491

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

γὰρ2 of 20

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πάντων3 of 20

of all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν4 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κακῶν5 of 20

evil

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἐστιν6 of 20

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

7 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φιλαργυρία8 of 20

the love of money

G5365

avarice

ἧς9 of 20

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τινες10 of 20

while some

G5100

some or any person or object

ὀρεγόμενοι11 of 20

coveted after

G3713

to stretch oneself, i.e., reach out after (long for)

ἀπεπλανήθησαν12 of 20

they have erred

G635

to lead astray (figuratively); passively, to stray (from truth)

ἀπὸ13 of 20

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς14 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστεως15 of 20

the faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

καὶ16 of 20

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἑαυτοὺς17 of 20

themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

περιέπειραν18 of 20

pierced

G4044

to penetrate entirely, i.e., transfix (figuratively)

ὀδύναις19 of 20

sorrows

G3601

grief (as dejecting)

πολλαῖς20 of 20

with many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 6:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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