Ἀλέξανδρος

Alexander

Definition

Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexander) is a personal name of Greek origin used for several distinct individuals in the New Testament. It refers to (a) Alexander, the son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross (Mark 15:21), (b) a relative of the high priest Annas present at the trial of Peter and John (Acts 4:6), (c) an Ephesian Jew who attempted to address the riotous crowd during the uproar over Artemis (Acts 19:33), and (d) Alexander the coppersmith, who strongly opposed Paul's ministry and caused him great harm (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14). The name itself does not carry a special biblical meaning beyond identifying these specific persons.

Biblical Usage

The name Ἀλέξανδρος is used five times in the New Testament across four different books (Mark, Acts, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy). It consistently functions as a proper noun identifying specific male individuals, with no pattern linking the characters together. The usage is purely referential, serving to distinguish persons in narrative (Mark 15:21; Acts 4:6; Acts 19:33) and epistolary (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14) contexts.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek elements ἀλέξω (alexō, 'to defend, ward off') and ἀνήρ (anēr, 'man'), thus meaning 'defender of men' or 'protector of men.' It is a compound name, common in the Hellenistic world, and was famously borne by Alexander the Great, which contributed to its widespread use.

Semantic Range

Alexander was an extremely common Greek name in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, largely due to the fame of Alexander the Great. Its use in the New Testament reflects the cultural milieu of the 1st-century Mediterranean world, where Greek names were prevalent even among Jews (e.g., the high priest's relative in Acts 4:6). It signifies the bearer's integration into or contact with the broader Greco-Roman culture.

Σίμων (Simōn, G4613) — Another common personal name; no semantic overlap beyond being a proper noun.

Word Details

Scripture References