Pronunciation Guide: ah-LAH (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G235: A strong adversative conjunction that marks a distinct contrast or exception, emphasizing what follows rather than what precedes. ἀλλά introduces a sharp break from the previous thought, often negating what came before while forcefully affirming what follows. This conjunction is particularly powerful in biblical texts where it marks dramatic spiritual transitions from darkness to light, death to life, and human limitations to divine possibilities.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adversative conjunction
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative, teaching, and epistolary literature
• Frequency: 638 occurrences in the New Testament
• Register: Common in both formal and informal discourse
• Literary Context: Particularly prevalent in logical argumentation and theological discourse

ἀλλά Morphology:

• ἀλλά – Standard form used in all contexts
  (Note: As a conjunction, ἀλλά does not undergo morphological changes)

Origin & History

The word ἀλλά emerged from Classical Greek, where it served as a strengthened form of the older conjunction ἄλλος (other, another). In classical literature, it appears prominently in the works of Plato, particularly in his dialogues where it marks significant turns in philosophical argumentation. In Plato’s “Republic,” ἀλλά frequently introduces counter-arguments and new perspectives in Socratic discussions.

The conjunction gained additional force in Hellenistic Greek, where it became the standard strong adversative, distinguished from the weaker δέ. In the works of Demosthenes, ἀλλά often introduces pivotal points in his orations, marking the transition from problem to solution or from accusation to defense.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Strong contrast: Complete negation of one idea and affirmation of another
• Emphatic transition: Marking a significant shift in thought or argument
• Exception marker: Introducing an exception to a previous statement
• Strong adversative: Indicating opposition to what precedes

ἀλλά Translation Options:

• “But” – Most common translation, suitable for general contrasts
• “Rather” – When emphasizing the positive alternative
• “Instead” – When complete replacement of the previous idea is intended
• “Nevertheless” – When the contrast involves concession
• “Yet” – When the contrast is unexpected or surprising

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀλλά in Matthew 4:4 showcases its theological significance as Yeshua responds to Satan’s temptation: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but (ἀλλά) by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” This usage establishes a pattern where ἀλλά introduces divine truth that transcends human understanding or natural limitations.

Throughout the New Testament, ἀλλά frequently appears in passages that contrast the old and new covenants, the flesh and the Spirit, and human weakness with divine power. Paul particularly employs ἀλλά in his epistles to establish sharp theological contrasts that emphasize the transformative nature of the Gospel.

Key verses demonstrating significant uses of ἀλλά:

• “Man shall not live by bread alone, but (ἀλλά) by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
• “For you were once darkness, but (ἀλλά) now you are light in the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8
• “I have been crucified with the Messiah; it is no longer I who live, but (ἀλλά) the Messiah lives in me.” Galatians 2:20
• “Not by might nor by power, but (ἀλλά) by My Spirit.” Zechariah 4:6 (LXX)
• “Not my will, but (ἀλλά) Yours be done.” Luke 22:42

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish dialectical reasoning, the use of contrasts was a fundamental teaching method, reflected in the rabbinic literature’s frequent employment of “not this, but that” constructions. This pattern, known in Hebrew as “lo…ela” (לא…אלא), finds its Greek equivalent in οὐ…ἀλλά constructions throughout the New Testament, particularly in Yeshua’s teaching style.

The strength of ἀλλά in Greek matches the forceful nature of the Hebrew אבל (aval) and כי אם (ki im) in the Tanakh, carrying the same weight of dramatic contrast that characterizes biblical Hebrew’s approach to expressing divine truth through opposition and contrast.

Theological Significance

The frequent use of ἀλλά in the New Testament reflects a fundamental aspect of God’s redemptive work – the radical transformation from one state to another. This conjunction often marks the pivot point between the old creation and the new, between the flesh and the Spirit, between human inability and divine enablement.

In soteriological contexts, ἀλλά frequently marks the transition point in passages describing conversion, sanctification, and spiritual transformation. It serves as a linguistic marker of God’s intervening grace, showing how He doesn’t merely improve our natural state but introduces something entirely new and divine.

The pattern of “not this…but that” marked by ἀλλά reflects the biblical principle that God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). The conjunction thus becomes a grammatical sign post pointing to divine intervention and supernatural transformation.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἀλλά in Scripture, we should pause to recognize that God is often showing us a divine alternative to our natural thinking or human limitations. Just as this word marks a complete change of direction in Greek, it can prompt us to examine areas in our lives where God might be calling us to make a complete break with old patterns of thinking or behavior.

This conjunction challenges us to embrace God’s “but” in our lives – those moments when He offers His supernatural alternative to our natural circumstances. Whether facing seemingly impossible situations or struggling with ingrained habits, ἀλλά reminds us that God specializes in divine reversals and transformative interventions.

Related Words

• δέ (de) – weaker adversative, marking a simpler contrast or transition (pronunciation: deh) See G1161
• μέντοι (mentoi) – stronger adversative emphasizing exception (pronunciation: MEN-toy) See G3305
• πλήν (plen) – moreover, nevertheless, marking contrast with additional meaning (pronunciation: plane) See G4133
• καίτοι (kaitoi) – and yet, although, marking concessive contrast (pronunciation: kai-TOY) See G2543

Did you Know?

• ἀλλά appears in some of the most theologically significant passages in the New Testament, including each of the Gospels’ accounts of the resurrection, where it marks the contrast between expected death and miraculous life.
• In Modern Greek, ἀλλά has retained its strong adversative force and is still commonly used today, making it one of the few New Testament Greek words that has maintained its exact meaning and usage over two millennia.
• The combination of οὐ μόνον…ἀλλά καί (“not only…but also”) appears frequently in Paul’s letters, creating a rhetorical device that builds to a climax rather than simply marking contrast.

Remember This

ἀλλά stands as a grammatical gateway between human impossibility and divine intervention, marking those precious moments in Scripture where God’s “but” transforms our story.