2 Timothy 4:14
What does 2 Timothy 4:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:14 means
Paul names Alexander the coppersmith as someone who caused him much harm. Yet he does not seek personal revenge; he entrusts judgment to the Lord, who will render according to works. This reveals a righteous way to handle injury—clear-eyed about the damage, honest in warning others, and confident in God’s justice. Alexander’s opposition likely affected the gospel’s advance or Paul’s legal situation. Timothy is to understand that ministry faces real hostility. Entrusting vengeance to God protects the heart from bitterness while maintaining necessary vigilance and truthfulness about those who attack the work of Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Alexander the copper-worker did me much wrong: the Lord will give him the reward of his works:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; may the Lord repay to him according to his works,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Alexander the smith did many evil things against me. The Lord will render to him according to his works.
Context
After asking Timothy to bring essentials (v. 13), Paul adds a sober warning about a dangerous opponent. Verse 14 introduces Alexander’s harm and God’s judgment, preparing for the direct caution in verse 15. These notes connect with the earlier theme of resistance to truth (vv. 3–4) and foreshadow Paul’s account of being forsaken at his first defense (v. 16). The flow moves from practical needs to protective counsel, then to testimony of the Lord’s sustaining presence.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 18:6
Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double.
- Jeremiah 18:19
Give heed to me, O Jehovah, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.
- Revelation 6:10
and they cried with a great voice, saying, How long, O Master, the holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
- Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets; for God hath judged your judgment on her.
- Psalms 62:12
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth lovingkindness; For thou renderest to every man according to his work.
- Psalms 109:5
And they have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love.
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