Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros)
Alexandros
Alexander
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Alexandros, meaning "defender of men," appears five times in the New Testament, linking several distinct figures across different contexts. In Mark 15:21, it identifies the son of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry Jesus’s cross. This Alexander is remembered not for his own actions but as part of a family known to the early Christian community.
Another Alexander appears in Acts 4:6 as a relative of the high priest, present at the trial of Peter and John. In Acts 19:33, an Ephesian Jew named Alexander steps forward during a riot, attempting to address the crowd before being silenced. A fourth figure, mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20, is a coppersmith who strongly opposed Paul’s teaching.
While these individuals share a common name, their roles vary widely—from bystanders in pivotal moments to active opponents of early Christian leaders. The name itself reflects a Hellenistic cultural presence within the biblical narrative, showing how Greek names were adopted across different social and religious groups during this period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Alexander appears five times in the New Testament, linking distinct figures who found themselves in pivotal moments of early Christian history. In Mark 15:21, we meet a man named Alexander only as the son of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry Jesus’s cross. This brief mention reminds us that ordinary families were woven into the Gospel narrative, often in ways that changed their lives forever.
Other figures named Alexander appear in different contexts: a relative of the high priest present at Peter and John’s trial (Acts 4:6), an Ephesian Jew trying to address a riotous crowd (Acts 19:33), and two individuals identified as opponents of Paul’s teaching (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14). These varied roles show how the name was common across social and religious groups in the first century, reflecting the Hellenistic culture of the time.
While we do not know all the details of these individuals’ lives, their presence in Scripture highlights the reality that the early church faced both support and opposition. It invites us to consider how our own names and stories might be used by God, even when we are simply bystanders or face resistance. May we find peace in knowing that every life is known to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Alexander5×
- of Alexander1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀλέξανδρος4×
- Ἀλέξανδρον1×
- Ἀλεξάνδρου1×
Key Verses
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Mark 15:21
They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them that he might bear his cross.
This verse identifies Alexander only as the son of Simon, highlighting how ordinary family connections were part of the Passion narrative.
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Acts 4:6
Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
Here Alexander is listed among the high priest’s relatives, showing his presence at the initial confrontation with Peter and John.
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Acts 19:33
They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made a defense to the people.
This account shows an Alexander attempting to defend himself before a hostile crowd in Ephesus, illustrating the social tensions of the era.
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I Timothy 1:20
of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
Paul mentions this Alexander as one he delivered to Satan to teach him not to blaspheme, indicating serious opposition within the community.