TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Timothy 4:9–15.
Here are divers particular matters which Paul mentions to Timothy, now at the closing of the epistle. 1. He bids him hasten to him, if possible (Ti2 4:9): So thy diligence to come shortly to me. For Timothy was an evangelist, one who was not a fixed pastor of any one place, but attended the motions of the apostles, to build upon their foundation. Paul wanted Timothy's company and help; and the reason he gives is because several had left him (Ti2 4:10); one from an ill principle, namely, Demas, who abides under an ill name for it: Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. He quitted Paul and his interest, either for fear of suffering (because Paul was now a prisoner, and he was afraid o coming into trouble upon his account) or being called off from his ministry by secular affairs, in which he entangled himself; his first love to Christ and his gospel was forsaken and forgotten, and he fell in love with the world. Note, Love to this present world is often the cause of apostasy from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. He has gone off, has departed to Thessalonica, called thither perhaps by trade, or by some other worldly business. Crescens had gone one way and Titus another way. Luke however remained with Paul (Ti2 4:11, Ti2 4:12), and was not this enough? Paul did not think it so; he loved the company of his friends. 2. He speaks respectfully concerning Mark: He is profitable to me for the ministry. It is supposed that this Mark was he about whom Paul and Barnabas had contended, Act 15:39. Paul would not take him with him to the work, because he had once flinched and drawn back: but now, says he, Take Mark, and bring him with thee. By this it appears that Paul was now reconciled to Mark, and had a better opinion of him than he had had formerly. This teaches us to be of a forgiving spirit; we must not therefore disclaim for ever making use of those that are profitable and useful, though they may have done amiss. 3. Paul orders Timothy to come to him, bids him as he came through Troas to bring with him thence those things which he had left behind him there (Ti2 4:13), the cloak he had left there, which, it may be, Paul had the more occasion for in a cold prison. It is probable that it was the habit Paul usually wore, a plain dress. Some read it, the roll of parchment I left at Troas; others, the desk that I left. Paul was guided by divine inspiration, and yet he would have his books with him. Whereas he had exhorted Timothy to give attendance to reading, so he did himself, though he was now ready to be offered. As long as we live, we must be still learning. But especially the parchments, which some think were the originals of his epistles; others think they were the skins of which he made his tents, whereby he obtained a livelihood, working with his own hands. 4. He mentions Alexander, and the mischief that he had done him, Ti2 4:14, Ti2 4:15. This is he who is spoken of Act 19:33. It should seem, he had been a professor of the Christian religion, a forward professor, for he was there particularly maligned by the worshippers of Diana, and yet he did Paul much evil. Paul was in as much danger from false brethren (Co2 11:26) as from open enemies. Paul foretels that God would reckon with him. It is a prophetical denunciation of the just judgment of God that would befall him: The Lord will reward him according to his works. He cautions Timothy to take heed of him: "Of whom be thou aware also, that he do not, under pretence of friendship, betray thee to mischief." It is dangerous having any thing to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. Observe, (1.) Some who were once Paul's hearers and admirers did not give him reason to remember them with much pleasure; for one forsook him, and another did him much evil, and greatly withstood his words. Yet, (2.) At the same time he mentions some with pleasure; the badness of some did not make him forget the goodness of others; such as Timothy, Titus, Mark, and Luke. (3.) The apostle has left a brand on the names and memory of two persons; the one is Demas, who forsook him, having loved the present world, and the other is Alexander, who greatly withstood his words. (4.) God will reward evil-doers, particularly apostates, according to their works. (5.) Of such as are of Alexander's spirit and temper we should beware; for they will do us no good, but all the mischief that is in their power.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The famous Alexander, too, instigated by his love of disputation in the true fashion of heretical temper, has made himself conspicuous against us; he will have us say that Christ put on flesh of an earthly origin, in order that He might in His own person abolish sinful flesh.
"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; the Lord reward him according to his works." Here he again makes mention of his trial, not wishing merely to censure and accuse the man, but to prepare his disciple for the conflicts, that he might bear them firmly. Though they be mean and contemptible persons, and without honor, who cause these trials, they ought all, he says, to be borne with fortitude. For he who suffers wrong from any great personage, receives no little distinction from the superiority of him who does the wrong. But he who is injured by a vile and abject person, suffers the greater annoyance. "He did me much evil," he says, that is, he persecuted me in various ways. But these things will not go unpunished! For the Lord will reward him according to his works. As he said above: "What persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me." (2 Tim iii. 11.) So also here he consoles his disciples by a double consideration, that he himself had suffered wrong, and that the other would be rewarded for his evil deeds. Not that the Saints rejoice in the punishment of their persecutors, but that the cause of the Gospel required it, and the weaker would derive consolation from it. "Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words." That is, he is hostile to us, and opposes us. He has not said, Revenge, punish, expel him, although by the grace given him he might have so done, but he does no such thing; nor does he arm Timothy against him, but only commands him to avoid him, leaving vengeance to God, and for the consolation of the weaker he has said that He will reward him, which is a prophecy rather than an imprecation.
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our words.
Paul also showed Timothy to endure bravely the troubles from common people. For it is painful to be wronged, especially by common people.
the Lord will repay him. Not because Paul was pleased with the punishment, but because for the sake of the weaker among the believers, those who were excessively opposing had to suffer badly, so that they would not despise the weakness of the preaching.
according to his deeds. Or that it is a prophecy of things to come, not a curse.
Beware of him yourself. Paul did not say, Punish, punish (for it was also permitted for Timothy to do this through the spirit), but, Beware. Do you see that he does not allow punishment? But the "Beware" is like a warning.
opposed our words. That is, to those of the preaching.
Continue studying 2 Timothy 4:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
In this poignant valedictory letter, Paul recounts the significant harm inflicted upon him by Alexander the coppersmith, a figure likely known to Timothy and possibly a former associate or even a professing believer. Far from expressing personal malice or a desire for private retribution, Paul entrusts the matter of justice to the Lord, confidently asserting that God, in His perfect righteousness, will render to Alexander according to his deeds. This statement underscores Paul's unwavering faith in divine sovereignty and the ultimate accountability of all actions before God's just judgment.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the closing remarks of Paul's Second Letter to Timothy, widely regarded as his final inspired epistle before his martyrdom in Rome. The letter itself is a deeply personal and urgent charge to his spiritual son, Timothy, emphasizing faithfulness, endurance in suffering, and diligent proclamation of the gospel (e.g., preach the word). Paul, facing imminent execution, reflects on his life and ministry, offering both encouragement and warnings. In this specific passage, Paul is listing various individuals—some who abandoned him (like Demas, who loved this present world), others who remained loyal (like Luke, who was with him), and those who actively opposed him. Alexander the coppersmith falls into the latter category, and Paul's mention of him serves as a cautionary note to Timothy, highlighting the real and personal dangers of ministry.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul's imprisonment in Rome, likely under Nero's reign, provides the backdrop for this letter. Christians faced intense persecution, and accusations, betrayals, and legal proceedings were common. The mention of "Alexander the coppersmith" (Greek: chalkeus) indicates a specific trade, suggesting he was a craftsman working with bronze or copper. Such a trade would have provided him with a stable livelihood and potentially a degree of social standing or influence within the community, perhaps even access to legal or civic channels. The "much evil" he inflicted could range from false accusations in court, public slander, active opposition to Paul's missionary work, or even direct physical harm. In the Roman legal system, false testimony or malicious prosecution could have severe consequences for the accused, making Alexander's actions particularly grievous in Paul's circumstances.
Key Themes
Several significant themes converge in this verse. Firstly, it highlights the reality of opposition and betrayal faced by those committed to the gospel, even from within or on the fringes of the Christian community. Paul's own life was a testament to suffering for Christ, as he often reminded Timothy (e.g., suffer hardship with me). Secondly, the verse powerfully affirms the theme of divine justice and sovereignty. Despite personal injury, Paul does not seek personal vengeance but confidently commits the matter to God, trusting in His perfect judgment and the principle that God will render to each one according to his deeds. This underscores the believer's call to trust over personal retribution, mirroring the broader New Testament teaching on forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God. Finally, it serves as a practical example of pastoral warning and discernment, as Paul alerts Timothy to the character of Alexander, enabling Timothy to guard himself and the church from similar harm.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the Greek for "man-defender," this name was common in the Hellenistic world. In this context, it refers to a specific individual who actively opposed Paul. The name itself, ironically, contrasts with his harmful actions.
This word describes something intrinsically worthless, depraved, or objectively injurious. Paul uses it here to denote the severe, harmful, and morally corrupt actions Alexander perpetrated against him. It implies a deep-seated malevolence rather than a simple mistake.
This term refers to toil, effort, occupation, or by implication, an act or deed. In this context, it encompasses the totality of Alexander's actions and conduct, particularly those that were harmful to Paul. The concept of being "rewarded according to his works" is a recurring biblical principle of divine justice.
Verse Breakdown
"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil:"
Paul directly identifies his antagonist, Alexander, by name and trade, indicating a specific, known individual. The phrase "did me much evil" (πολλὰ κακὰ ἐνεδείξατο μοι, polla kaka enedeixato moi) emphasizes the significant and extensive nature of the harm inflicted. This was not a minor slight but a substantial injury, possibly involving legal accusations or severe opposition to Paul's ministry.
"the Lord reward him according to his works:"
This clause expresses Paul's confident appeal to divine justice. It is not a personal curse driven by malice but a statement of faith in God's righteous judgment. Paul understands that God is the ultimate judge who will perfectly and impartially recompense every individual based on their deeds, whether good or evil. This phrase echoes Old Testament principles of retribution and New Testament teachings on God's final judgment.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. Apostrophe is present as Paul addresses "the Lord," appealing directly to God for justice, rather than seeking it himself. The statement "the Lord reward him according to his works" functions as a form of imprecation, a prayer for divine judgment upon an adversary. However, it is crucial to understand this not as an expression of personal vengeance but as an affirmation of God's perfect retributive justice. There is also a subtle juxtaposition between Alexander's human evil and the Lord's divine, impartial judgment, highlighting the contrast between human fallibility and God's ultimate sovereignty.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of divine justice and the appropriate response of a believer to profound wrongdoing. Paul, despite suffering "much evil," does not seek personal revenge but entrusts the matter entirely to the Lord. This reflects a deep theological conviction that God is the supreme Judge who sees all injustice and will perfectly administer justice in His time and way. It underscores the principle that vengeance belongs to God alone, and believers are called to trust in His righteous character rather than seeking to right wrongs themselves. This posture demonstrates spiritual maturity and reliance on God's sovereignty, even in the face of grievous personal injury.
Reflection and Application
Paul's response to Alexander's malice offers a powerful model for believers navigating betrayal, injustice, or persecution. It teaches us that while it is natural to feel the pain and acknowledge the "much evil" done to us, our ultimate recourse and trust must be in God's perfect justice. We are not called to suppress our feelings of hurt, but we are explicitly called to resist the urge for personal retaliation. Instead, we are to commit such matters to the Lord, knowing that He is righteous and will "reward him according to his works." This act of surrender is not passive resignation but an active demonstration of faith in God's sovereignty and His ability to make all things right. It frees us from the burden of bitterness and the destructive cycle of revenge, allowing us to focus on our own faithfulness while trusting God to administer His perfect judgment.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Alexander the coppersmith, and what "evil" did he do to Paul?
Alexander the coppersmith (Greek: chalkeus) was an individual who caused Paul "much evil." While his exact identity is debated, he is likely the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20, whom Paul had "delivered unto Satan" for blasphemy and making "shipwreck concerning the faith." This suggests he was either a former professing believer or someone closely associated with the early Christian community who turned against Paul. The "much evil" he inflicted could have involved false accusations during Paul's trials in Rome, public slandering of Paul's character or ministry, or actively hindering his evangelistic efforts, perhaps even inciting opposition against him. Given Paul's imprisonment, it's plausible Alexander testified against him or played a role in his legal difficulties.
Was Paul being vengeful when he said, "the Lord reward him according to his works"?
No, Paul was not expressing personal vengeance or malice. This statement is a profound expression of his trust in God's righteous and impartial justice, not a personal curse. The phrase "the Lord reward him according to his works" is a common biblical idiom found in both the Old and New Testaments (e.g., Psalm 62:12 and Revelation 22:12), affirming that God will justly recompense every individual based on their deeds. Paul understood that personal vengeance belongs to God alone, as taught in Romans 12:19, and his prayer reflects a commitment to divine sovereignty rather than human retribution.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Paul's appeal to divine justice in 2 Timothy 4:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul suffered "much evil" at the hands of Alexander, so too did Christ endure unimaginable evil, betrayal, and injustice from humanity, culminating in His crucifixion (e.g., He was oppressed and He was afflicted). Yet, in His suffering, Christ did not retaliate or call down vengeance, but rather entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. Furthermore, Christ is not only the supreme example of enduring injustice but also the ultimate embodiment of divine justice itself. He is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. Therefore, Paul's prayer for the Lord to "reward him according to his works" points forward to the day when Christ, as the righteous Judge, will render to each person according to what they have done. In Christ, we see both the perfect endurance of unmerited suffering and the guarantee of perfectly administered justice, assuring believers that no wrong will ultimately go unpunished and no righteous deed unrewarded.