📖 Biblical Definition
The love of money is Paul’s precise diagnosis of the root from which all kinds of evil grow: "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" (1 Timothy 6:10). Notice: it is not money itself but the love of it — the desire, the trust, the worship — that corrupts. Greed disguises itself as ambition, prudence, or providing for one’s family; it is none of those. It is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). The remedy is not poverty but contentment: "having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:8). The Christian man earns much and loves little of it.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Paul's diagnosed root of all kinds of evil.
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Paul's specific term for the disposition that loves money — not money itself but love of it — naming it as 'the root of all kinds of evil,' a disposition that has caused some to err from the faith and pierce themselves through with many sorrows; a fundamental danger in the heart of even pastors and saints.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Timothy 6:10 — "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."
Hebrews 13:5 — "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have."
Matthew 6:24 — "No man can serve two masters... Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Misquoted as 'money is the root of all evil' (it is the love of money); missing the precise diagnosis.
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Paul's verb is precise: phil-argyria, silver-loving. Money is morally neutral; love of it is corrosive. Even pastors and saints fall here. Self-examination: what would I refuse to give up for the kingdom? That is where the love of money has rooted.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek philarguria — love of silver.
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['Greek', 'G5365', 'philarguria', 'love of money']
['Greek', 'G696', 'argyrios', 'silver']
Usage
"Examine yourself for love of money."
"Money is neutral; love of it is the root."