ἀλλά (alla)
alla
but
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 606 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The conjunction alla serves as a strong adversative particle in the New Testament, functioning as a more forceful alternative to de. Originating from the neuter plural of allos ("other"), it literally means "on the other hand" or "otherwise." This etymological root explains its tendency to introduce a sharp contrast or correction to what has just been said, rather than merely adding information.
Its usage varies depending on context. It often follows a negation to correct a misconception, as when Jesus clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). In other instances, it introduces a transition or emphasis, such as in John 16:2 where Jesus shifts from discussing sorrow to announcing joy. Translators typically render it simply as "but," though this English word can sometimes feel weaker than the Greek original.
The sources note that alla is stronger and more abrupt than de, which is why it appears frequently in theological debates and emphatic statements. It is common in John’s Gospel and Paul’s letters, where precise distinctions are crucial. By using alla, biblical authors signal that the following statement carries significant weight or represents a decisive turn in the argument.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word alla is a strong 'but' that corrects our assumptions. It often follows a negative to show God's true intention. When Jesus says He did not come to destroy the law, alla introduces His mission to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). This shift helps us see past surface misunderstandings to the heart of His message.
In your daily life, this word invites you to look deeper. It reminds you that God's ways are not always what we expect. When you face confusion or hardship, alla points to a new perspective. It encourages you to trust that God is working in ways that bring life and healing, even when things seem difficult.
This simple conjunction carries significant weight. It signals a decisive turn in the argument, highlighting what truly matters. By paying attention to these moments of contrast, you can find clarity and hope in Scripture's teachings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 606 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- but476×
- But108×
- Instead12×
- yet10×
- Rather4×
- rather3×
- instead3×
- Nevertheless3×
- other2×
- but rather2×
- but [to those]2×
- Yet2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀλλ᾽356×
- ἀλλὰ280×
- Ἀλλ᾽4×
- ἀλλά2×
- Ἀλλὰ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:17
“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
This verse uses alla to correct the misconception that Jesus came to abolish the Law, emphasizing His mission to fulfill it instead.
-
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Here, alla contrasts perishing with eternal life, highlighting the positive outcome of God's love through belief in His Son.
-
Matthew 9:13
But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Jesus uses alla to shift focus from ritual sacrifice to mercy, showing that His call is for sinners to repentance.
-
Matthew 16:23
But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.”
In this rebuke, alla contrasts Peter's human perspective with God's will, warning against setting one's mind on earthly things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does alla mean in the New Testament?
How is alla different from other words for 'but'?
Where does alla appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (606 verses across 27 books)
Matthew 37 verses
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s…
Matthew 5:15Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the…
Matthew 5:17“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Matthew 5:39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 6:13Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory…
Matthew 6:18so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in…
Matthew 7:21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my…
Matthew 8:4Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses…
Matthew 8:8The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…
Matthew 9:12When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Matthew 9:13But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but…
Matthew 9:17Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the…
Matthew 9:18While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but…
Matthew 9:24he said to them, “Make room, because the girl isn’t dead, but sleeping.” They were ridiculing him.
Matthew 10:20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Matthew 10:34“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 11:8But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
Matthew 11:9But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.
Matthew 13:21yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word,…
Matthew 15:11That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the…
Matthew 16:12Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and…
Matthew 16:17Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…
Matthew 16:23But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your…
Matthew 17:12but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to.…
Matthew 18:22Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:30He would not, but went and cast him into prison until he should pay back that which was due.
Matthew 19:6So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.”
Matthew 19:11But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given.
Matthew 20:23He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on…
Matthew 20:26It shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
Matthew 20:28even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 21:21Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…
Matthew 22:30For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven.
Matthew 22:32‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the…
Matthew 24:6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not…
Matthew 26:39He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away…
Matthew 27:24So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed…