2 Timothy 4:15
New International Version
You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

New Living Translation
Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.

English Standard Version
Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.

Berean Standard Bible
You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.

Berean Literal Bible
whom you also beware of, for exceedingly he has opposed our message.

King James Bible
Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

New King James Version
You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

New American Standard Bible
Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.

NASB 1995
Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.

NASB 1977
Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.

Legacy Standard Bible
Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our words.

Amplified Bible
Be on guard against him yourself, because he vigorously opposed our message.

Christian Standard Bible
Watch out for him yourself because he strongly opposed our words.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Watch out for him yourself because he strongly opposed our words.

American Standard Version
of whom do thou also beware; for he greatly withstood our words.

Contemporary English Version
Alexander opposes what we preach, so you had better watch out for him.

English Revised Version
of whom be thou ware also; for he greatly withstood our words.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Watch out for him. He violently opposed what we said.

Good News Translation
Be on your guard against him yourself, because he was violently opposed to our message.

International Standard Version
You, too, must watch out for him, for he violently opposed our message.

Majority Standard Bible
You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.

NET Bible
You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words.

New Heart English Bible
of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.

Webster's Bible Translation
Of whom be thou aware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Weymouth New Testament
You also should beware of him; for he has violently opposed our preaching.

World English Bible
Beware of him, for he greatly opposed our words.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
of whom you also beware, for he has greatly stood against our words;

Berean Literal Bible
whom you also beware of, for exceedingly he has opposed our message.

Young's Literal Translation
of whom also do thou beware, for greatly hath he stood against our words;

Smith's Literal Translation
Whom watch thou also; for he greatly withstood our words.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whom do thou also avoid, for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And you should also avoid him; for he has strongly resisted our words.

New American Bible
You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching.

New Revised Standard Version
You also must beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You beware of him also; for he has greatly opposed our words.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Beware of him also, for he is very arrogant against our words.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Do you, also, beware of him, for he has greatly withstood our words.

Godbey New Testament
Whom you also watch for he resisted our words exceedingly.

Haweis New Testament
against whom be thou also on thy guard, for he hath greatly resisted our words.

Mace New Testament
beware of him, for he violently opposed our doctrine.

Weymouth New Testament
You also should beware of him; for he has violently opposed our preaching.

Worrell New Testament
of whom do you also beware; for greatly did he withstand our words.

Worsley New Testament
Of whom do thou also beware: for he hath greatly opposed our doctrine.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Personal Concerns
14Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message. 16At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.…

Cross References
Acts 19:33-34
The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people. / But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

1 Timothy 1:20
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Galatians 1:7-9
which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!

Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. / Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Titus 3:10-11
Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, / knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:9
My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 30:9-11
These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction. / They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. / Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!”


Treasury of Scripture

Of whom be you ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words.

be.

Matthew 10:16,17
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves…

Philippians 3:2
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

withstood.

2 Timothy 3:8
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

words.

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Attacks Aware Beware Greatly Guard Message Opposed Preaching Stood Strongly Teaching Vigorously Violent Violently Ware Watch Withstood Words
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Attacks Aware Beware Greatly Guard Message Opposed Preaching Stood Strongly Teaching Vigorously Violent Violently Ware Watch Withstood Words
2 Timothy 4
1. He exhorts him to preach the Word with all care and diligence;
6. certifies him of the nearness of his death;
9. wills him to come speedily unto him, and to bring Marcus with him;
14. warns him to beware of Alexander the metalworker.
16. informs him what had befallen him at his first answering;
19. and soon after he concludes.














You too
This phrase is a direct address from Paul to Timothy, emphasizing personal responsibility and vigilance. The Greek word "σὺ" (sy) is used here, which is a singular pronoun, indicating that Paul is speaking directly to Timothy. This personal touch highlights the importance of individual awareness and action in the face of opposition. In a broader sense, it serves as a reminder to all believers to be personally engaged and alert in their spiritual journey.

should beware
The Greek word "φυλάσσω" (phylassō) is used here, which means to guard or to watch over. This term conveys a sense of active vigilance and protection. In the historical context, this would resonate with the idea of a watchman on a city wall, always alert to potential threats. For Christians, this implies a need to be spiritually discerning and cautious, especially when faced with those who might undermine the faith.

of him
This refers to Alexander the coppersmith, mentioned earlier in the chapter. The specificity of "him" indicates a known adversary, someone who has been identified as a threat to the ministry. Historically, this highlights the reality of personal opposition that early Christians faced, often from individuals within their own communities. It serves as a reminder that opposition can be personal and targeted, requiring wisdom and discernment.

for he has vigorously opposed
The Greek word "ἀνθίστημι" (anthistēmi) is used here, meaning to set oneself against or to resist. The adverb "πολύς" (polys) intensifies this opposition, suggesting a strong, active resistance. This phrase underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the persistent nature of some adversaries. It reminds believers that opposition to the Gospel can be intense and requires steadfastness and courage.

our message
The term "λόγος" (logos) is used for "message," which in this context refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The use of "our" indicates a shared mission and message among Paul, Timothy, and other believers. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of the early Church and its unified proclamation of the Gospel. It serves as an encouragement to maintain unity and clarity in the message of Christ, even in the face of opposition.

(15) Of whom be thou ware also.--This Alexander was evidently then at Ephesus. That he had been at Rome, and had given evidence against St. Paul, and had argued against the defence of the Apostle, is probable. "Our words" some understand as especially referring to St. Paul's defence before the imperial tribunal. If we identify him with the Alexander of Acts 19:33-34, then he was a Jew, one of those bitter, life-long antagonists of the Gentile Apostle who crossed his path at every step, and not improbably brought about, in the end, his death. It is an interesting suggestion which refers the connection between St. Paul and Alexander back to those days when Saul and Alexander were both reckoned as belonging to the strictest Pharisee party, determined foes to the "Nazarenes." Saul--if we adopt this supposition--became the Apostle St. Paul of the Gentiles; Alexander remained a fanatic Jew--hence the enmity.

Verse 15. - Withstood for hath withstood, A.V. Of whom be thou ware (ο{ν φυλάσσου). This is the proper construction in classical Greek, the accusative of the person or thing, after φυλάσσομαι. But it is only found in Acts 21:25. In Luke 12:15 the equally correct phrase, Φυλάσσεσθε ἀπὸ τῆς πλεονεξιας, is used. The inference from this caution to Timothy is that Alexander had left Rome and returned to his native Ephesus. The Jews were always on the move. He greatly withstood our words (ἀντέστη). For an exactly similar use, see Acts 13:8, where Elymas "withstood" Paul and Barnabas; and 2 Timothy 3:8, where Jannes and Jambres "withstood" Moses. In this case we may be sure that Paul, in pleading for his life, did not omit to preach the gospel to his Gentile audience. Alexander tried to refute his words, not without effect. The apostle says "our words" (not "my words"), perhaps to associate with himself those other Christians who were with him. It certainly cannot mean "yours and mine," as Timothy was not with him when the "words" were spoken.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
You
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

too
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

should beware of
φυλάσσου (phylassou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5442: Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid.

[him],
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

he has vigorously opposed
ἀντέστη (antestē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 436: To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose.

our
ἡμετέροις (hēmeterois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2251: Our, our own. From thnetos; our.

message.
λόγοις (logois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.


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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:15 Of whom you also must beware (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)
2 Timothy 4:14
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