Does the Bible Say That Money Is the Root of All Evil?

What the Biblical Text Actually Says

The only verse that closely resembles the popular saying is 1 Timothy 6:10. In the New King James Version the passage reads:

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils; and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

The Greek word translated “love” (philia) denotes a strong affection or desire, not merely a neutral feeling. The verse warns that an excessive craving for wealth can lead believers away from faith and cause personal suffering.^[2]

How the Misquotation Developed

Many people quote “money is the root of all evil” as if it were a direct biblical statement. Jehovah’s Witnesses explain that this wording is an “incomplete and misleading” quotation; the original text names the *love* of money, not money itself.^[1] The shortened version has appeared in literature and popular speech for centuries, but it does not appear in any biblical manuscript.

Literary and Historical Context of 1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy is a pastoral epistle traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, written to his young colleague Timothy to give guidance for church leadership. Chapter 6 addresses material wealth, urging leaders to avoid the pitfalls of greed. The immediate context (verses 6‑12) contrasts godly contentment with the dangers of pursuing riches, reflecting a first‑century Christian community that faced both poverty and the lure of Roman wealth.

Other Biblical Passages About Money

While 1 Timothy 6:10 is the most cited, the Bible addresses money in several other places, usually emphasizing stewardship, generosity, or the danger of covetousness:

• Ecclesiastes 7:12 calls money a “protection” when used wisely, showing that Scripture acknowledges a positive function for money.
• Proverbs 11:25 praises generosity, saying that the one who gives freely will prosper.
• Hebrews 13:5 advises believers to keep their lives “free of the love of money” and to be content with what they have.
• Luke 16:14 describes the Pharisees as “lovers of money,” indicating that the problem is the love, not the coin itself.
• 2 Timothy 3:2 lists “lovers of money” among the vices that will characterize the last days.

These verses reinforce the biblical pattern: money is a neutral resource; the heart’s attitude toward it determines its moral value.^[3]

Why the Warning Matters

The warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 is part of a broader biblical theme that places allegiance to God above material gain. Paul’s concern was that early Christians, living in a culture that prized wealth, might compromise their faith for financial security. The phrase “pierced themselves with many sorrows” underscores the personal cost of allowing greed to dominate one’s priorities.

Translations and Variations

Modern translations render the verse slightly differently, but the core idea remains the same. The English Standard Version (ESV) says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils,” while the Amplified Bible expands the meaning to “the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically.”^[4][5] These variations help readers see that the problem is the *desire* and *unethical pursuit*, not the currency itself.

Common Misunderstandings

Because the phrase “money is the root of all evil” is so widely repeated, many assume it is a direct biblical quotation. This can lead to two errors:

1. Assuming the Bible condemns wealth per se, which can cause believers to reject legitimate economic activity.
2. Overlooking the biblical call to use money responsibly for good works, such as supporting the poor and advancing the gospel.

Both errors are avoided when the text is read in its full context.

Practical Implications for Today

Understanding the distinction between money and the love of money helps Christians navigate modern financial challenges. The biblical principle suggests:

• Viewing money as a tool given by God, to be managed wisely.
• Guarding against an obsessive pursuit of wealth that displaces spiritual priorities.
• Practicing generosity, as the Scriptures commend giving to those in need.

These applications are consistent with the biblical teaching without implying that the Bible declares money itself evil.

Summary

The short answer is clear: the Bible never says that money is the root of all evil. The phrase is a popular misquotation of 1 Timothy 6:10, which specifically warns against the *love* of money—a desire that can lead to many kinds of wrongdoing. Scripture treats money as a neutral resource, capable of both good and ill depending on the heart behind its use.