Topical Encyclopedia
A coppersmith in biblical times was a craftsman who worked with copper and its alloys, such as bronze, to create various items, including tools, weapons, and household utensils. The role of the coppersmith was significant in ancient societies due to the utility and durability of copper products.
Biblical References:The most notable mention of a coppersmith in the Bible is found in the New Testament, specifically in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In
2 Timothy 4:14, Paul warns Timothy about a coppersmith named Alexander: "Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds" . This reference indicates that Alexander was a person of some influence or notoriety, and his actions were significant enough to be recorded in Paul's epistle. The nature of the harm Alexander caused is not detailed, but it suggests opposition to Paul's ministry or personal attacks against him.
Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, coppersmiths were essential for the development of technology and trade. Copper was one of the first metals to be used by humans, and its discovery marked a significant advancement in tool-making and craftsmanship. The skills of a coppersmith were highly valued, as they could produce a wide range of items necessary for daily life and warfare.
The process of working with copper involved mining the ore, smelting it to extract the metal, and then shaping it into the desired form. This required a high level of skill and knowledge, as well as access to resources such as fuel for smelting and tools for shaping the metal.
Cultural and Religious Significance:In the broader biblical narrative, metals like copper and bronze are often associated with strength and durability. For example, in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem, bronze was used extensively for various furnishings and implements (
Exodus 27:1-6,
1 Kings 7:13-47). This use of bronze highlights its importance and the skill of the coppersmiths who crafted these sacred objects.
The mention of a coppersmith in the New Testament also reflects the diverse social and economic landscape of the early Christian communities. Artisans like coppersmiths were part of the urban fabric of cities where the early church was established, and their interactions with Christian leaders could have significant implications for the spread of the Gospel.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:The reference to Alexander the coppersmith in 2 Timothy serves as a cautionary note about the potential for individuals to oppose or harm the work of the church. It underscores the reality of spiritual and personal opposition that believers may face. Paul's response, entrusting judgment to the Lord, reflects a reliance on divine justice rather than personal retribution.
In summary, the role of the coppersmith in biblical times was both practical and symbolic, representing the intersection of daily life, craftsmanship, and the unfolding account of God's people. The mention of Alexander the coppersmith in the New Testament provides insight into the challenges faced by early Christians and the enduring call to trust in God's justice.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) One whose occupation is to manufacture copper utensils; a worker in copper.
Greek
223. Alexandros -- Alexander, a son of Simon of Cyrene, also a...... Alexander, a son of Simon of Cyrene, also a
coppersmith, also two Jews. Part of
Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Alexandros Phonetic Spelling: (al-ex'-an
...5471. chalkeus -- a worker in metal
... Word Origin from chalkos Definition a worker in metal NASB Word Usagecoppersmith
(1).coppersmith. From chalkos; a copper-worker or brazier --coppersmith....
Library
Walamir and Eutyches
... smile. Which?' said Philip"'the Great, or theCoppersmith?'. Oh! the
Coppersmith, theCoppersmith, of course,' said Eutyches. That...
De Sermone Domini in Monte, Lib. I. 22, 73.
... For so he says: "Alexander thecoppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him
according to his works: of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly...
Christ's Flesh in Nature, the Same as Ours, Only Sinless the...
... [It may be that this is an epithet, rather than a name, given to some enemy of truth
like Alexander the "Coppersmith" (2 Timothy 4:14) or like that (1 Timothy 1...
Chapter xxii.
... pardoned. For thus he expresses it: "Alexander thecoppersmith did me much
evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works....
Rom. xvi. 17, 18
... For he says, "Withdraw from every brother that walketh disorderly" (2 Thessalonians
3:6): and in speaking to Timothy about thecoppersmith, he gives him the...
Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Ahab, his greediness, [80]208; his repentance, [81]305; his shame before Elijah,
[82]411. Alexander thecoppersmith, Paul's thorn, [83]400....
Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... of God, [710]393. Ahithophel, example of flattery, [711]205. Alexander the
coppersmith, [712]391. Alexander, called the Macedonian...
Psalm CXI.
... the thefts of no Judas are allowed, no Simon Magus is baptized, wishing to buy the
Spirit, whilst he designeth to sell it; [4988] nocoppersmith like Alexander...
Martin Rinkart
... The son of a poorcoppersmith, he made his way at the University of Leipsic by dint
of industry and his musical gifts, took orders, and was precentor of the...
Bishops of Heretical Opinions Ordained in Antioch after the...
... she had been bribed to bring this false and impudent charge, but yet that her oath
was not altogether false, as a certain Eustathius, acoppersmith, was the...
Thesaurus
Coppersmith (1 Occurrence)... copper. Multi-Version Concordance
Coppersmith (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy
4:14 Alexander, the
coppersmith, did much evil to me. The
...Copper (55 Occurrences)
... forty times. (see BRASS.). We find mention of Alexander (qv), a "coppersmith"
of Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:14). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1...
Alexander (5 Occurrences)
... (4.) Acoppersmith who, with Hymenaeus and others... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT
NAS RSV NIV). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander, thecoppersmith, did much evil to me....
Repay (79 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander, thecoppersmith, did much evil to me. The
Lord will repay him according to his works, (WEB YLT NAS NIV)....
Copper-smith (1 Occurrence)
Copper-smith.Coppersmith, Copper-smith. Copper-worker . Multi-Version Concordance...
Coppersmith, Copper-smith. Copper-worker . Reference Bible.
Smith (7 Occurrences)
... SMITH. smith. See CRAFTS, 10; TUBAL-CAIN. Multi-Version Concordance Smith (7
Occurrences). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander, thecoppersmith, did much evil to me....
Deal (170 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander, thecoppersmith, did much evil to me.
The Lord will repay him according to his works, (See NIV)....
Render (95 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander thecoppersmith did me much evil: the Lord
will render to him according to his works: (ASV DBY). Hebrews...
Deeds (309 Occurrences)
... NIV). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander, thecoppersmith, did much evil to me. The
Lord will repay him according to his works, (See NAS RSV)....
Reward (213 Occurrences)
... (KJV BBE WBS YLT). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander thecoppersmith did me much evil:
the Lord reward him according to his works: (KJV BBE WBS)....
Resources
Who was Alexander the coppersmith in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Paul's thorn in the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Tubal-Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgCoppersmith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
