1 Timothy 6:10 — "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." It is one of the most famous and most misquoted verses in Scripture. The verse does NOT say "money is the root of all evil."
It says the love of money — the desire, craving, idolatry — is a root of all kinds of evil. The distinction is everything.
This guide walks the Greek, the surrounding context, and how to diagnose the love of money in your own heart.
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The Greek word: philarguria
Greek philarguria (φιλαργυρία) — "love of silver, avarice, greed". Appears only here in the New Testament. The compound joins philos ("love, affection") and arguros ("silver"). It denotes a relational orientation toward money. Affection, attachment, devotion. The same root produces the noun philarguros ("lover of money") used of the Pharisees in Luke 16:14.
The verb in v.10 — oregō ("to stretch out toward, crave, reach for") — intensifies the picture. Money-lovers reach for it; their lives stretch toward it.
What the verse actually says
- Not "money is the root of all evil" — Scripture never condemns money itself.
- "The love of money" — relational orientation, idolatrous attachment.
- "A root" (Greek rhiza) — one root among many, not the only root.
- "Of all kinds of evil" (Greek pantōn tōn kakōn) — many varieties of evil flow from it.
- "Some have wandered away from the faith" — money-love causes apostasy.
- "Pierced themselves with many pangs" — self-inflicted wounds; greed is suicide.
The surrounding context (1 Tim 6:6-19)
Paul's argument runs: godliness with contentment is great gain (v.6) → we brought nothing into the world (v.7) → food and clothing are enough (v.8) → those who desire to be rich fall into temptation (v.9) → the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (v.10) → flee these things, pursue righteousness (v.11) → command the rich not to be haughty, to be generous (v.17-19).
The verse sits inside a complete theology of money: contentment is the goal; love of money is the danger; generosity is the antidote.
Money is not evil; love of it is
- Abraham was rich (Gen 13:2) and faithful.
- Job was rich (Job 1:3) and called blameless.
- Joseph of Arimathea was rich (Matt 27:57) and a disciple.
- Jesus had wealthy supporters (Luke 8:3).
- The issue is the heart's posture toward money, not the bank balance.
How to diagnose love of money
- Anxiety — does losing money rob your peace?
- Comparison — does others' wealth grieve you?
- Calculation — do you mentally tally net worth too often?
- Compromise — do you cut ethical corners for income?
- Stinginess — does giving feel like loss rather than worship?
- Identity — does your self-worth rise and fall with your account balance?
- Idolatry — do you trust money for security more than God?
Antidotes Paul prescribes (v.11-19)
- Flee these things — active avoidance, not passive resistance.
- Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
- Fight the good fight of the faith.
- Set hopes on God, not on uncertainty of riches (v.17).
- Be rich in good works, generous, ready to share (v.18).
- Store up treasure for the future — i.e., heavenly investment (v.19).
Practical application
- Tithe weekly — generosity strangles greed. Use our Tithe Calculator.
- Practice contentment — see Bible Verses About Contentment.
- Limit comparison inputs — unfollow lifestyle accounts that breed envy.
- Confess money sins aloud — they lose power when named.
- Build a budget with biblical priorities — use our Budget Calculator.
CRUSH MONEY-LOVE WITH GENEROSITY
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