Original Word: Ἀλέξανδρος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Alexandros
Pronunciation: al-ex'-an-dros
Phonetic Spelling: (al-ex'-an-dros)
KJV: Alexander
NASB: Alexander
Word Origin: [from the first part of aleko "to ward off" and G435 (ἀνήρ - man)]

1. man-defender
2. Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man

Alexander.

From the same as (the first part of) alektor and aner; man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man -- Alexander.

see GREEK alektor

see GREEK aner

Word Origin
from alexó (to ward off) and anér
Definition
Alexander, a son of Simon of Cyrene, also a coppersmith, also two Jews
NASB Translation
Alexander (6).

STRONGS NT 223: Ἀλέξανδρος

Ἀλέξανδρος (i. e., defender of men), , ὁ, Alexander;

1. a son of that Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross of Jesus: Mark 15:21.

2. a certain man of the kindred of the high priest: Acts 4:6.

3. a certain Jew: Acts 19:33.

4. a certain coppersmith, an opponent of the apostle Paul: 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14; (others doubt whether both these passages relate to the same man; cf. e. g. Ellicott on the former).

Name and General Scope

Strong’s Greek number 223 designates the personal name Ἀλέξανδρος, borne by several men in the New Testament record. Though the individuals are distinct, their appearances collectively illuminate the varied responses to Jesus Christ and His apostles—from sympathetic witness to open hostility.

Occurrences and Identifiable Individuals

1. Simon of Cyrene’s son (Mark 15:21)
2. A member of the high–priestly clan in Jerusalem (Acts 4:6)
3. A Jewish spokesman at Ephesus (Acts 19:33)
4. A professing believer who later opposed the gospel (1 Timothy 1:20)
5. “Alexander the coppersmith” (2 Timothy 4:14), likely the same man as in 1 Timothy

Alexander, Son of Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21)

Mark alone notes that Simon, who carried the cross of Jesus, was “the father of Alexander and Rufus.” This incidental detail implies that Alexander (and perhaps Rufus, cf. Romans 16:13) was known to Mark’s first readers. The reference suggests that the influence of Simon’s enforced act at Calvary might have reached his household, producing recognizable disciples who lent credibility to the Gospel tradition.

Alexander of the High–Priestly Family (Acts 4:6)

In the wake of Peter’s healing of the lame man, the Sanhedrin assembled, listing “Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others of the high–priestly family”. This Alexander stands among the religious elite that sought to silence apostolic witness. His inclusion underscores how entrenched authority resisted the risen Christ, yet his name in Scripture serves as testimony that even powerful figures were confronted with the gospel claims.

Alexander of Ephesus (Acts 19:33)

During the Ephesian riot instigated by Demetrius the silversmith, the Jews “pushed Alexander to the front, and some in the crowd shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people”. Whether he intended to dissociate the Jewish community from Paul or to defend Paul himself is debated; the text leaves his motives opaque. Nevertheless, the episode illustrates how the advance of the gospel in pagan centers forced local Jewish communities to clarify their stance toward both idolatry and the missionary work of Paul.

Alexander Handed Over to Satan (1 Timothy 1:20)

Paul warns Timothy of “Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme”. The phrase denotes an apostolic act of church discipline—exclusion from the fellowship and protective benefits of the body of Christ. Alexander had “suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith” (1 Timothy 1:19), implying doctrinal aberration or flagrant sin that endangered the congregation. Paul’s decisive action models pastoral responsibility to safeguard sound teaching.

Alexander the Coppersmith (2 Timothy 4:14–15)

Writing from his final imprisonment, Paul cautions Timothy: “Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message”. The overlap of name, location (Ephesus context), and opposition suggests this is the same individual formerly disciplined. His persistence in hostility highlights the tragic trajectory of one who rejected corrective grace and became a determined adversary of gospel proclamation.

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Household Influence. Mark’s brief mention of Simon’s son ties family legacy to gospel witness, encouraging believers to anticipate multigenerational faithfulness.
2. Religious Power Versus Apostolic Authority. The Jerusalem Alexander showcases how institutional religion can stand in judgment of Christ’s messengers, yet ultimately Scripture records their names under the sovereign narrative of redemption.
3. Ambiguous Loyalties. The Ephesian Alexander embodies the tension experienced by Jews in the Greco–Roman world as the church expanded: cultural preservation versus recognition of Messiah.
4. Church Discipline and Restoration. Paul’s disciplinary action against Alexander and Hymenaeus affirms that doctrinal purity and moral integrity are vital for the church’s health. The goal is corrective, yet Scripture also records the sobering possibility of hardened resistance.
5. Perseverance under Opposition. Paul’s final warning about the coppersmith reminds ministers that opposition may intensify even after correction is administered. Confidence rests in God’s perfect justice: “The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.”

Summary

Strong’s Greek 223, though a single entry, introduces a spectrum of character studies—faithful offspring of a cross-bearer, cautious religious dignitary, uncertain spokesman, disciplined blasphemer, and relentless opponent. Together they accentuate the New Testament’s portrait of the gospel’s power to save, to divide, and to vindicate, urging every reader to heed the apostolic gospel with persevering faith.

Αλεξανδρον Ἀλέξανδρον Αλεξανδρος Ἀλέξανδρος Αλεξανδρου Ἀλεξάνδρου Alexandron Aléxandron Alexandros Aléxandros Alexandrou AlexándrouInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts