The exact words
What the verse says
The saying is so common that many people assume the Bible condemns money outright. The verse it comes from says something narrower. In the King James Version of 1611, 1 Timothy 6:10 reads: “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.”
The key words are “the love of.” The writer is not attacking money, which the early church used to feed the poor and support its leaders. He is warning about wanting it too much, the kind of desire that leads people to abandon their faith and bring grief on themselves. The verses just before make the point clear: “godliness with contentment is great gain,” and “having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
Who wrote it
The First Epistle to Timothy is one of the letters in the New Testament addressed to Timothy, a young church leader. It is traditionally credited to the apostle Paul. Many modern scholars think it was written a generation later by a follower using Paul’s name, while others defend the traditional view. Either way, it is one of the most quoted lines in the New Testament.
How the words changed
English translators have handled the verse in different ways. William Tyndale’s 1526 New Testament has “covetousness is the root of all evil.” The King James Version made “the love of money” standard. Many modern translations go further, with “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,” since the original Greek can be read as “a root” rather than “the root.” The popular version drops the most important words entirely.
How to use it
Quote the full verse when you want to make a point about greed; it is stronger than the popular version and harder to argue with. Correcting the shortened form also makes a good opener for an essay on wealth, ethics or misquotation.
What people get wrong
The Bible says money itself is evil.
The verse says the love of money is the root of all evil, a warning against greed, not against money.
Timeline
- 1st centuryThe First Epistle to Timothy, traditionally credited to the apostle Paul, warns a young church leader about greed.
- 1526William Tyndale's English New Testament renders the verse “covetousness is the root of all evil.”
- 1611The King James Version gives the wording still quoted today, “the love of money is the root of all evil.”
- TodayThe verse is usually shortened to “money is the root of all evil,” which changes its meaning.
Use it in a speech
Questions people ask
Does the Bible say money is the root of all evil?
No. 1 Timothy 6:10 says “the love of money is the root of all evil” in the King James Version. The warning is about greed, not money itself.
Who wrote 1 Timothy?
The letter is traditionally credited to the apostle Paul, writing to his younger colleague Timothy. Many modern scholars think it was written later by a follower in Paul's name.
How do modern translations word it?
Many modern translations say “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,” which softens the claim further.
Cite this quote
These cite the original source directly, so you can use them in an essay or paper. Always check your teacher's required style.