Boy New Testament Rare
Alexander
one who assists men
Ἀλέξανδρος Alexandros
Alexander (Greek: Ἀλέξανδρος, Alexandros) means “one who assists men”, by traditional interpretation. Four men in scripture bear the name; the best attested belongs to the Apostolic period. In 2025 it was given to 7,244 children in the United States, ranking 30. Use is falling away. Around 740,668 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears with Annas in Acts 4.
Which Alexander?
Four men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Alexander
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Alexander
son of Simon
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Alexander
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Alexander
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 5 across 4 books
- Bearers
- 4 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 7,244 | Falling |
| All-time total | 740,668 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 20,708 in 1993 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | CA | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Mark 15:21 |
| Last appears | 2 Timothy 4:14 |
| Cross-references | 122 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- John co-occurrence Appears with John in Acts 4.
- Rufus co-occurrence Appears with Rufus in Mark 15.
- Hymenaeus co-occurrence Appears with Hymenaeus in 1 Timothy 1.
- Simon co-occurrence Appears with Simon in Mark 15.
- Annas co-occurrence Appears with Annas in Acts 4.
- Caiaphas co-occurrence Appears with Caiaphas in Acts 4.
- Linus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Linus.
- Tyrannus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Tyrannus.
Origin & meaning
Ἀλέξανδρος, -ου, ὁ,
Alexander
__1. Son of Simon of Cyrene: Mrk.15:21
__2. A kinsman of the High Priest: Act.4:6.
__3. A certain Jew: Act.19:33.
__4. A coppersmith: 1Ti.1:20.
__5. Perh. = 4 (see Ellic. on I Ti, l.with): 2Ti.4:14.
† (AS)
Alexander, along with Hymenaeus, was an opponent of Paul's teaching and was handed over to Satan by Paul.
The biblical story
Alexander is mentioned by Paul in his letters to Timothy as an individual who opposed his teaching and caused him harm. In the first letter to Timothy, Paul writes that he had handed Alexander and Hymenaeus over to Satan, so that they might learn not to blaspheme. (1Ti.1.20)
Hymenaeus and Alexander had apparently departed from the truth and were promoting false teachings that were contrary to Paul's message. By handing them over to Satan, Paul was likely indicating that he had removed them from the protection and fellowship of the church, allowing them to experience the consequences of their actions and hopefully leading them to repentance.
In the second letter to Timothy, written near the end of Paul's life, he mentions Alexander the coppersmith, who had done him great harm and strongly opposed his message. (2Ti.4.14) It is not clear whether this is the same Alexander mentioned in the first letter, but both individuals are portrayed as antagonists to Paul and his ministry.
Paul warns Timothy to be on guard against Alexander, suggesting that he posed a significant threat to the church and its teachings. Paul also expresses his trust in God's justice, stating that the Lord will repay Alexander for his actions. (2Ti.4.14)
These passages highlight the challenges and opposition that Paul and the early church faced from individuals who sought to undermine the gospel message and promote false teachings. They also demonstrate Paul's commitment to maintaining the purity of the church's doctrine and his willingness to take disciplinary action when necessary.
Key verses
Alexander appears in 2 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
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Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 1:20 -
Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2 Timothy 4:14
Show all 2 references
1 Timothy (1)
- 1 Timothy 1:20
2 Timothy (1)
- 2 Timothy 4:14