King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 4:14 Mean?

2 Timothy 4:14 in the King James Version says “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Timothy 4:14 · KJV

Context

12

And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

13

The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

14

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

15

Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. our words: or, our preachings

16

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

Read 2 Timothy 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works. Paul warns about a dangerous opponent. "Alexander the coppersmith" (Alexandros ho chalkeus, Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ χαλκεύς)—chalkeus (χαλκεύς) means metalworker, possibly coppersmith, blacksmith, or bronze-worker. Paul identifies him specifically, probably same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20 as shipwrecked in faith and handed over to Satan. "Did me much evil" (polla moi kaka enedeixato, πολλά μοι κακὰ ἐνεδείξατο)—endeiknymi (ἐνδείκνυμι) means show, display, demonstrate. Alexander actively displayed much evil toward Paul, likely including false accusations leading to Paul's arrest and condemnation.

"The Lord reward him according to his works" (apodōsē autō ho kyrios kata ta erga autou, ἀποδώσῃ αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ). This isn't vindictive curse but confident assertion of divine justice. Apodidōmi (ἀποδίδωμι) means repay, render, give what is due. Paul commits vengeance to God (Romans 12:19), trusting the righteous Judge to repay Alexander justly. This reflects Psalm 28:4 and Jeremiah 17:10. Paul doesn't seek personal revenge but warns Timothy about Alexander's danger and affirms God's justice.

Some manuscripts read "may the Lord repay" (optative mood, prayer), others "will repay" (future indicative, prediction). Either way, Paul leaves judgment to God while warning others. Naming Alexander serves protective purpose—believers must be warned about dangerous false teachers and enemies of gospel. Love doesn't require naivety about people's character or intentions. Spiritual discernment recognizes threats and warns others while leaving ultimate judgment to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Alexander possibly testified against Paul at his trial, providing evidence leading to condemnation. As coppersmith, he may have made idols (like Demetrius in Acts 19:24-27), giving him financial and religious motivation to oppose Christianity. Whatever his specific actions, he clearly opposed Paul vigorously, causing significant harm. Ancient honor-shame culture made slander and false accusations particularly damaging. Paul's warning helps Timothy and churches recognize and avoid this dangerous man. Church history records many "Alexanders"—opponents who caused immense harm to believers and gospel advancement.

Reflection Questions

  1. When others harm you, do you seek personal revenge or commit vengeance to God, trusting His righteous judgment?
  2. How can you balance forgiving those who harm you with warning others about genuinely dangerous people who threaten believers or gospel?
  3. Who are contemporary 'Alexanders' opposing truth and harming believers that churches should recognize and avoid?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἀλέξανδρος1 of 15

“Alexander”

G223

alexander, the name of three israelites and one other man

ὁ2 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χαλκεὺς3 of 15

“the coppersmith”

G5471

a copper-worker or brazier

πολλά4 of 15

“much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

μοι5 of 15

“me”

G3427

to me

κακὰ6 of 15

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἐνεδείξατο·7 of 15

“did”

G1731

to indicate (by word or act)

ἀποδῴη8 of 15

“reward”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

αὐτοῦ·9 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ10 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος11 of 15

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

κατὰ12 of 15

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὰ13 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργα14 of 15

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτοῦ·15 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Timothy 4:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Timothy 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 1:20Psalms 28:42 Thessalonians 1:61 Samuel 24:122 Samuel 3:39Revelation 18:6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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