Coppersmith

(χαλκεύς, q. d. brazier, from χαλκός, copper), a worker in metals of any kind, a smith (Hesych. s.v.); a sense in which the word is used in other Greek writings (Hom. Od. 9:391). Alexander, an opponent of Paul, is designated as being of this trade (2Ti 4:14). SEE MECHANIC.

A general worker in common metals, especially in copper or its alloys. 2Ti 4:14. In Gen 4:22 the same word in the LXX refers to a worker in brass and iron.

COPPERSMITH (2Ti 4:14).—See Alexander, Arts and Crafts, § 2.

kop´ẽr-smith (χαλκεύς, chalkeús): The word is found in New Testament once only, in 2Ti 4:14: “Alexander the coppersmith did (margin “showed”) me much evil.” As the Bible word rendered “copper” (see Ezr 8:27 the King James Version) is translated “brass” by the Revised Version (British and American), so the word here rendered “c.” should be rendered “brazier,” or “worker in brass.” See COPPER.

A person who used bronze and copper to make tools, implements, and ornaments (Exodus 26:11, 37; 27:2–10; Joshua 6:19, 24; 1 Samuel 17:5–6; 2 Samuel 8:8). The term “coppersmith” is only used in the New Testament (2 Timothy 4:14). However, the occupation was important throughout the history of the Bible.

See also Minerals and Metals.

Aquifer Open Bible Dictionary © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.