Meaning

The love of money is the root of all evil

Categorised in: English phrases and sayings that derive from the Bible ·Proverbs from the Bible ·A List Of 720 English Proverbs, With Their Meanings Explained

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

Literal meaning.

The powers that be
The powers that be - caption

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

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Not money, but the love of money; that’s the problem.
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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.

Historical trend

“the root of all evil” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • the root of all evil