This phrase is a quote from the Bible, specifically
2 Timothy 4:14
, written by the Apostle Paul.
Context and Significance
- The Verse: In the King James Version (KJV), it reads: “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works”.
- The Individual: Alexander was a metalworker (coppersmith) who likely lived in Ephesus. While the exact “evil” he did is not detailed, scholars suggest he may have:
- Vigorously opposed Paul’s preaching and the spread of the Gospel.
- Possibly testified against Paul before Roman authorities or sabotaged his ministry through slander.
- Been the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20, whom Paul “handed over to Satan” because he had “shipwrecked” his faith.
- The Reaction: Paul does not seek personal revenge. Instead, he warns his protégé, Timothy, to be on guard against the man and leaves the final judgment to God.
Contemporary Use
In 2025, this verse remains a common theme in religious discourse regarding:
- Handling Personal Betrayal: It is often cited as a model for how to respond to unfair treatment—by trusting in divine justice rather than seeking vengeance.
- Spiritual Protection: Some modern ministries use the phrase to pray for deliverance from “modern-day Alexanders”—enemies who actively work against a person’s faith or professional life