Is money actually the root of evil, or just a metaphor?

Wealth & Business · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The phrase "the love of money is the root of all evil" is one of the most recognizable warnings in Western history. But linguistic analysis and theological study suggest that the real target isn't the currency in your pocket, but a specific psychological state of greed that transcends wealth.

The phrase originates from the Koine Greek text of 1 Timothy 6:10. The specific Greek word used is 'philarghyria,' which combines 'philía' (friendship) and 'árghyros' (silver). While often translated as 'love of money,' scholars like Daniel B. Wallace note that the Greek grammar allows for various interpretations. The core message, supported by surrounding verses, points toward 'covetousness'—the striving for earthly power or possessions—rather than the physical medium of money itself.

Throughout history, this concept has been categorized differently. In Christian tradition, 'avarice' is the primary sin, with the love of money serving as a relatable parable for the broader vice of greed. Augustine defined the love of money specifically as a subcategory of avarice. During the Reformation, figures like Martin Luther and William Tyndale translated these concepts into German and English, often emphasizing 'covetousness' to distinguish between the possession of wealth and the spiritual corruption of greed.

Interestingly, some traditions offer a more nuanced view. The Berachot 54a teaches that businessmen can 'elevate' their love of money to the status of loving God by using wealth to follow divine commandments. This suggests a moral pivot: money is not inherently evil, but its value is determined by the intent of the holder. For example, Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apt reportedly looked kindly on money before giving it to the poor, believing that only by valuing the gift could the act truly express love for the divine.

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