2 Timothy 4:14

KJV

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

KJV (with Strong's)

Alexander {G223} the coppersmith {G5471} did {G1731} me {G3427} much {G4183} evil {G2556}: the Lord {G2962} reward {G591} him {G846} according to {G2596} his {G846} works {G2041}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will render to him according to his works;

Berean Standard Bible

Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.

American Standard Version

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works:

Commentary

### 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](/2-timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")). 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](/2-timothy/4-10 "2 Timothy 4:10 - Demas's Desertion")), others who remained loyal (like Luke, [who was with him](/2-timothy/4-11 "2 Timothy 4:11 - Luke's Loyalty")), 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](/2-timothy/2-3 "2 Timothy 2:3 - Enduring Hardship")). 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](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment"). 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
* **Alexander (Greek, _Aléxandros'_):** 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.
* **evil (Greek, _kakós'_):** 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.
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** 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.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return and Reward")

### 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
* **How do I typically react when I experience significant betrayal or injustice from others?**
* **In what ways can I practically apply Paul's example of entrusting justice to the Lord, rather than seeking personal retribution?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate justice bring me peace and comfort when facing unfair treatment?**

### FAQ
**Who was Alexander the coppersmith, and what "evil" did he do to Paul?**

Answer: 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](/1-timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Alexander and Hymenaeus Delivered to Satan"), 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"?**

Answer: 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](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God's Steadfast Love and Reward") and [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return and Reward")), 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](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves"), 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](/2-timothy/4-14 "2 Timothy 4:14 - Alexander the Coppersmith") 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](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Suffering Servant")). Yet, in His suffering, Christ did not retaliate or call down vengeance, but rather entrusted Himself to [Him who judges justly](/1-peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering"). 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](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Christ as Judge"). 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](/matthew/16-27 "Matthew 16:27 - Christ's Coming with His Angels"). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 1:20

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

2 Thessalonians 1:6

Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

Psalms 28:4

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

1 Samuel 24:12

The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Acts 19:33

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

Acts 19:34

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

Psalms 109:5

And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.