ἄλλως (allōs)
allōs
otherwise
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb allōs means "otherwise" or "in a different way." It appears only once in the New Testament, found in 1 Timothy 5:25. In this context, Paul uses it to contrast visible good deeds with hidden ones that may not yet be known.
Derived from the word for "other," allōs signals a shift in perspective or circumstance. Here, it suggests that while some righteous acts are obvious, others remain concealed until later revealed. This single usage highlights how character and faithfulness often operate beyond immediate human observation.
Translators typically render this as "otherwise" or "in other respects," maintaining the distinction between what is apparent now and what may emerge later. The word serves as a reminder that not all goodness is immediately visible, and that divine recognition extends to actions hidden from public view.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
It is natural to long for your efforts to be seen and appreciated. When we serve quietly or work behind the scenes, it can feel as though our labor goes unnoticed by those around us. This single word in Scripture offers a gentle correction to that anxiety, reminding us that human visibility is not the only measure of value.
In 1 Timothy 5:25, Paul notes that while some good works are obvious, others remain hidden from public view for now. This does not mean they lack importance. Rather, it suggests that God sees what we cannot yet see in ourselves or others. Your faithful actions, even when uncelebrated, are held securely in His knowledge.
This truth invites you to serve without needing an audience. You can find peace in the fact that your character is known fully by God, regardless of whether people recognize your contributions today. There is a quiet dignity in doing what is right simply because it is right.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- otherwise1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄλλως1×
Key Verses
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I Timothy 5:25
In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.
This verse uses the word to distinguish between good deeds that are immediately apparent and those that are currently hidden from public view but known to God.