### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV