Strong’s Greek 4044 conveys the idea of running something through all the way around—much like a barb that penetrates flesh and cannot be withdrawn without tearing. Scripture employs the term figuratively, depicting self-inflicted agony that grips the whole person (mind, heart, and body) when sinful desires are indulged.

Biblical Occurrence

1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

The verb shows that the pain is not imposed by God arbitrarily but is the direct consequence of misplaced affection. Believers who should have been “bound” to Christ (Colossians 2:19) instead bind themselves to grief.

Thematic Connections to Scripture

• Proverbs 1:18-19, 15:27; Joshua 7:21 – Greed entices, ensnares, and ultimately destroys its own pursuer.
• Psalm 16:4 – “Sorrows will multiply to those who chase after other gods,” paralleling Paul’s warning that idolizing wealth multiplies sorrows.
• Mark 10:17-25 – The rich young ruler departs “grieved,” a narrative picture of the word’s thrust: departure from Christ pierces the soul.
• Hebrews 3:12-13 – The deceitfulness of sin hardens; the verb in 1 Timothy shows how that hardness feels—sharp and penetrating.

Historical Background

In first-century Ephesus, banking centers and silversmith guilds prospered. Love of money threatened pastors and congregants alike. Paul confronts an economy driven by Artemis tourism (Acts 19:24-27) and warns Timothy that gospel workers must stand apart from materialistic currents.

Pastoral and Counseling Use

1. Discernment in Leadership: Elders must not be “lovers of money” (1 Timothy 3:3). The lone New Testament use of this verb underscores why greed disqualifies—it impales the soul of the shepherd and, by example, the flock.
2. Contentment Training: Philippians 4:11-13 models the antidote; learning contentment removes the barb before it sets.
3. Restorative Discipline: Galatians 6:1 urges a spirit of gentleness toward the fallen. Knowing that covetous believers have pierced themselves shifts the counselor’s posture from harsh rebuke to compassionate extraction of a spiritual thorn.

Warnings Against Covetousness

• Covetousness warps doctrine (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Those who chase wealth often introduce speculations that justify their pursuit.
• It promotes apostasy (1 Timothy 6:10). The verb’s aorist tense warns that departure from the faith can be decisive and catastrophic.
• It multiplies sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). Each new compromise adds another “spike,” making repentance increasingly painful, though never impossible (Luke 15:17-24).

Christological and Ethical Implications

While self-piercing characterizes the greed-driven, Jesus Christ was pierced by others for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5; John 19:34). The contrast magnifies grace: self-inflicted wounds of sin are healed by the vicarious wounds of the Savior. Believers are therefore summoned to crucify greed (Colossians 3:5) and bear the marks of Christ instead (Galatians 6:17).

Exhortation for Today’s Church

• Practice openhanded generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) to prevent the first prick of covetousness.
• Teach financial stewardship as discipleship, not merely budgeting.
• Highlight testimonies where forsaking illicit gain led to joy, illustrating the relief that comes when the barb is withdrawn.

Strong’s 4044 ultimately serves as a surgical metaphor: the Word exposes the hidden idol of money, showing that unchecked desire ends in self-inflicted spiritual lacerations. True riches lie in godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).