Modern Meaning
What Does “The root of all evil” Mean?
The love of money as the source of moral corruption.
Biblical Origin
Where Does This Phrase Come From?
This is the most commonly misquoted phrase from the Bible. People say "money is the root of all evil" — but the KJV says "the love of money." Paul's point is about greed, not wealth itself. The phrase has been so frequently abbreviated that many English speakers don't know the accurate version.
The phrase appears in 1 Timothy 6:10 in the King James Version of the Bible, first published in 1611.
Usage Today
How Is It Used Today?
Almost always misquoted. Used in discussions about greed, wealth inequality, and ethics.
The KJV Verse
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is the root of all evil.”
Related Phrases