### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἀλέξανδρος (Aléxandros), Strong's number `{{G223}}`, derives from a compound of ἀλέξω (to ward off, defend) and ἀνήρ (man, male). Thus, its core meaning is "man-defender" or "defender of men." As a personal name, its semantic range is limited to identifying specific individuals within the biblical narrative. While the etymological meaning suggests a protective or defensive role, the actual character and actions of those bearing the name in the New Testament vary significantly, sometimes even ironically contrasting with the name's inherent meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Alexander appears several times in the New Testament, referring to four distinct individuals:
1. **Alexander, son of Simon of Cyrene:** Mentioned in [[Mark 15:21]] as one of the sons of Simon, who was compelled to carry Jesus' cross. This detail serves primarily to identify Simon, suggesting that Alexander and his brother Rufus were known figures within the early Christian community, perhaps even in Rome (cf. [[Romans 16:13]]). His role is passive, an observer of the crucifixion.
2. **Alexander, a Jew in Ephesus:** During the riot in Ephesus instigated by Demetrius the silversmith, the Jews put forward an individual named Alexander ([[Acts 19:33]]). He attempted to address the crowd, presumably to disassociate the Jewish community from Paul and the Christians, or perhaps to defend the Jews from being implicated in the dispute. The crowd, recognizing him as a Jew, shouted him down, preventing him from speaking. His intent was to "defend" his people, aligning with the name's meaning, yet his efforts were futile in the face of the mob's anti-Semitic fervor.
3. **Alexander, a relative of the high priest:** [[Acts 4:6]] lists Alexander as one of the high-ranking members of the Sanhedrin present during the trial of Peter and John after the healing of the lame man. He is part of the established religious authority that opposed the nascent Christian movement. In this context, Alexander is not a "defender of men" in the sense of protecting the innocent or promoting truth, but rather a defender of the status quo and traditional religious power against the perceived threat of the apostles' message.
4. **Alexander the coppersmith:** Paul twice mentions an Alexander as an opponent. In [[1 Timothy 1:20]], Paul states that he "delivered over to Satan" Hymenaeus and Alexander so that they might learn not to blaspheme, implying a severe spiritual discipline due to their deviation from faith. Later, in [[2 Timothy 4:14]], Paul warns Timothy, "Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds." This Alexander is a clear antagonist, a source of opposition and suffering for Paul. His actions stand in stark contrast to the name's meaning; far from "defending men," he actively harmed God's messenger and, by extension, the cause of the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of Ἀλέξανδρος are significant. The first element, ἀλέξω, is related to the verb ἀλέκω, meaning "to ward off," "to defend," or "to help." This root is found in words like ἀλέκτωρ (cock, rooster), which is mentioned in the Strong's definition, though its connection to the name is via the shared root of defense or warding off. The second element, ἀνήρ (`{{G435}}`), signifies a "man" or "male," often emphasizing distinct male characteristics or roles, as opposed to ἄνθρωπος (`{{G444}}`), which refers to a human being generally.
Conceptually, the various Alexanders in the New Testament touch upon themes such as:
* **Witness and Observation:** Alexander, son of Simon, as a passive witness to Christ's passion.
* **Community Identity and Defense:** The Ephesian Alexander's attempt to defend his Jewish community.
* **Religious Authority and Opposition:** The Sanhedrin member Alexander representing institutional resistance to the Gospel.
* **Apostasy and Persecution:** Alexander the coppersmith embodying active antagonism and defection from the faith.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, Ἀλέξανδρος does not carry inherent theological doctrine. However, the individuals bearing this name serve as illustrative figures within the broader narrative of God's redemptive work and the early Church's experiences.
The ironic contrast between the name's meaning ("man-defender") and the actions of some of its bearers (particularly Alexander the coppersmith and the Sanhedrin member) underscores a subtle theological point: true defense and protection are found not in human power, tradition, or opposition to God's will, but in alignment with divine truth. The antagonists named Alexander were, in fact, hindering the spiritual well-being of humanity by opposing the very message of salvation. Paul's strong condemnation of Alexander the coppersmith in [[1 Timothy 1:20]] and [[2 Timothy 4:14]] highlights the serious nature of apostasy and active opposition to the Gospel, reminding believers of the spiritual dangers within and outside the community. Conversely, the incidental mention of Alexander, son of Simon, connects him tangentially to the suffering of Christ, suggesting that even those in the periphery of divine events become part of the sacred narrative.
### Summary
Ἀλέξανδρος (Aléxandros, `{{G223}}`) is a Greek proper noun meaning "man-defender." The New Testament identifies four distinct individuals bearing this name, each playing a unique role in the unfolding narrative of early Christianity. These include Alexander, son of Simon of Cyrene, who witnessed Christ's crucifixion; Alexander, a Jewish leader in Ephesus involved in the riot against Paul; Alexander, a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin who opposed Peter and John; and Alexander the coppersmith, a prominent antagonist and source of harm to the Apostle Paul. While the name's etymology suggests a protective role, the actions of some individuals named Alexander, particularly the coppersmith and the Sanhedrin member, stand in stark ironic contrast, representing opposition to the Gospel. Their varied appearances illustrate the diverse interactions and challenges faced by the early Christian movement.
TRV