1 Timothy 6:9-10
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It's not the desire for riches that's the immediate problem, but rather the deeper trap of "senseless and harmful desires" that the pursuit of wealth ignites. These desires then become the real enemy, pulling people away from what truly matters and leading them down a destructive path.
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is guiding Timothy on how to lead the church, addressing issues like false teachers and proper conduct. He's just warned against greed and is now detailing the specific dangers that come with a relentless pursuit of wealth, showing how it pulls people away from faith and into destructive paths. This leads into a further charge for Timothy to flee from these things and pursue righteousness instead.
Paul warns that the desire for wealth isn't just a passing thought; it's a trap. What makes this craving so perilous?
Paul uses vivid imagery here, calling the desire for riches a 'snare.' Think of a hunter's trap – hidden, designed to catch you off guard, and difficult to escape once sprung.
The 'Snare' Unpacked
The verse mentions 'senseless and harmful desires.' What kind of destructive cravings does the love of money stir up?
This phrase points to the misguided and damaging appetites that the pursuit of wealth can ignite. It's a cascade of wrong thinking and feeling:
Fueling the Fire
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These desires distract us from focusing on God and living a life of generosity and contentment.
Understand the original words
pagis · Greek Noun
A trap or pitfall used to catch prey; metaphorically, a state of being entangled in sin or error from which it is difficult to escape.
olethros · Greek Noun
The final state of loss, corruption, or moral decay; in a spiritual context, it refers to the eternal loss of well-being and separation from God.
apōleia · Greek Noun
The total breakdown or destruction of a person’s life, soul, or character, often as a result of divine judgment or the inherent consequences of sinful pursuits.
philargyria · Greek Noun
A strong, often irrational attachment or passionate desire for wealth; it is identified as a root cause of idolatry and various spiritual vices.
pistis · Greek Noun
The body of truth revealed by God and the corresponding personal trust/reliance upon Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
odynē · Greek Noun
Sharp physical or emotional pains, often referring to the consequences of sinful choices that cause self-inflicted spiritual and mental anguish.
Jesus directly warns against serving both God and money, highlighting the inherent conflict that the desire for riches creates.
Luke 12:15Jesus cautions about the deceptive nature of possessions, emphasizing that life is not measured by abundance but by one's relationship with God.
Hebrews 13:5This passage presents contentment as the antidote to the love of money, framing it as a divine provision and a safeguard against greed.
1 John 2:15-16John contrasts worldly desires, including the 'passionate desire for money,' with the love of the Father, showing how they lead away from God.
It's not the desire for riches that's the immediate problem, but rather the deeper trap of "senseless and harmful desires" that the pursuit of wealth ignites. These desires then become the real enemy, pulling people away from what truly matters and leading them down a destructive path.
Paul is guiding Timothy on how to lead the church, addressing issues like false teachers and proper conduct. He's just warned against greed and is now detailing the specific dangers that come with a relentless pursuit of wealth, showing how it pulls people away from faith and into destructive paths. This leads into a further charge for Timothy to flee from these things and pursue righteousness instead.
Paul is guiding Timothy on how to lead the church, addressing issues like false teachers and proper conduct. He's just warned against greed and is now detailing the specific dangers that come with a relentless pursuit of wealth, showing how it pulls people away from faith and into destructive paths. This leads into a further charge for Timothy to flee from these things and pursue righteousness instead.
"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving tha…" — It's not the desire for riches that's the immediate problem, but rather the deeper trap of "senseless and harmful desires" that the pursuit of wealth ignites. These desires then become the real ene…
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Last reviewed October 2026
