The love of money is the root of all evil


What's the meaning of the phrase 'The love of money is the root of all evil'?

Literal meaning.

What's the origin of the phrase 'The love of money is the root of all evil'?

Often misquoted as ‘money is the root of all evil’. Originates in the Bible, Timothy 6:10 (King James Version):

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.

See also: the List of Proverbs.

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
The love of money is the root of all evil

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