The Greek word Aléxandros, represented by G223, means man-defender. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses. The name is used to identify at least three different men in the New Testament, connecting them to key events from the crucifixion of Christ to the ministry and opposition faced by the apostle Paul.
The individuals named Aléxandros appear in several distinct contexts. One is mentioned as the son of Simon G4613 of Cyrene, the man who was compelled G29 to bear Christ's cross G4716 Mark 15:21. Another Alexander is listed among the kindred G1085 of the high priest G749 who gathered in Jerusalem G2419 to oppose the apostles Acts 4:6. In Ephesus, an Alexander was put forward by the Jews G2453 to make a defence G626 to the people G1218 during a riot Acts 19:33. Finally, Paul mentions an Alexander who, along with Hymenaeus G5211, was delivered G3860 to Satan G4567 for blasphemy G987 1 Timothy 1:20, and an Alexander the coppersmith G5471 who did him much G4183 evil G2556 2 Timothy 4:14.
Several related words help clarify the roles of these individuals:
- G5471 chalkeús (coppersmith): This specifies the trade of the Alexander who caused Paul much evil 2 Timothy 4:14, defining him by his craft as "a copper-worker or brazier".
- G1085 génos (kindred): This word establishes one Alexander's connection to the high-priestly family as "kin," placing him within the religious establishment that opposed the early church Acts 4:6.
- G987 blasphēméō (to blaspheme): Meaning "to vilify; specially, to speak impiously," this term describes the severe error of an Alexander that led to his discipline by Paul 1 Timothy 1:20.
- G29 angareúō (compel): This word, meaning "to press into public service," describes the action taken against the father of the first Alexander mentioned, Simon of Cyrene Mark 15:21.
The narrative significance of the name Alexander is found in its attachment to different figures who interact with the unfolding story of the church.
- Witness to the Crucifixion: One Alexander is mentioned only as the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man compelled G29 to bear G142 the cross of Jesus, providing a specific, identifiable marker for this event Mark 15:21.
- Institutional Opposition: An Alexander is part of the high priest's kindred G1085 who were gathered together G4863 in Jerusalem, representing the established religious authority resisting the apostles Acts 4:6.
- Personal Antagonism: Alexander the coppersmith G5471 is identified as one who did Paul "much evil," illustrating the personal opposition faced by the apostles 2 Timothy 4:14.
- Apostasy and Discipline: An Alexander is named as an example of someone who committed blasphemy G987 and was consequently delivered to Satan G4567, serving as a solemn warning within the church 1 Timothy 1:20.
In summary, G223 Aléxandros is not a single character but a name associated with several individuals in the New Testament. These figures appear in contexts of familial connection, religious authority, public unrest, and direct opposition to the Christian faith. The name serves to identify specific actors within the narrative of the early church, from the events surrounding the cross to the challenges faced by the apostles.
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