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ἀλλά

allá

G235 coordinating conjunction

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primary meaning: but, rather, on the contrary. ἀλλά primarily functions as a strong adversative conjunction introducing contrast, correction, or qualification within a statement or between clauses. It can be used to negate an expectation, introduce a counterpoint, or shift the focus, often with the sense of 'but (instead)' or 'but (on the contrary)'. In some contexts, it can have a concessive nuance ('nevertheless') or mildly emphatic force ('indeed', 'yea'). It never simply means 'and' in a coordinative sense; its function is always contrastive.

Semantic Range

but, rather, on the contrary, instead, nevertheless, however, indeed, yet, nay, except, save

Root / Etymology

Derived from the neuter plural ἄλλα (from ἄλλος, 'other'), contracted and grammaticalized into a conjunction. In early Greek, ἀλλά is a contracted form used to introduce an alternative or a corrective statement. The word is not, in practice, used as a neuter plural substantive in Koine Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀλλά is abundantly attested as a strong adversative conjunction, indicating opposition or correction, more forceful than the weaker ἀλλά (with single lambda) or δέ. In Koine and New Testament Greek, it continues to serve this function, often introducing corrections to previous statements, emphasizing a contrast, or signaling a logical reversal ('but', 'rather'). English translations sometimes render it as 'but', 'however', or 'nevertheless', but its function is always to signal contrast—never simple addition. While Strong's links the form historically to 'neuter plural', this is a grammatical etymology; the live meaning is exclusively that of an adversative conjunction. Septuagint and New Testament usage confirm this core sense. It is not interchangeable with δέ, which can be more mildly contrastive or simply connective. The occasional English translation as 'and' reflects older translation tradition rather than Greek usage, and should not be considered lexically sound.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.

Root Family

ἀλλά (allá) — other, differing, alternate

Root ἄλλ- other, differing, alternate
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G243 ἄλλος but rather

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G235-02 ἀλλὰ alla CONJ.C but but rather but rather 412
G235-01 ἀλλ’ all CONJ.C but but rather but rather 225

Occurrences in Scripture

637 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G235-01 Matthew 4:4 ἀλλ’ all CONJ.C but but rather but rather
G235-01 Matthew 5:15 ἀλλ’ all CONJ.C but but rather but rather
G235-02 Matthew 5:17 ἀλλὰ alla CONJ.C but but rather but rather
G235-01 Matthew 5:39 ἀλλ’ all CONJ but but rather but rather
G235-02 Matthew 6:13 ἀλλὰ alla CONJ.C but but rather but rather
G235-02 Matthew 6:18 ἀλλὰ alla CONJ.C but but rather but rather
G235-01 Matthew 7:21 ἀλλ’ all CONJ.C but but rather but rather
G235-02 Matthew 8:4 ἀλλὰ alla CONJ but but rather but rather
G235-02 Matthew 8:8 ἀλλὰ alla CONJ but but rather but
G235-02 Matthew 9:12 ἀλλὰ alla CONJ.C but but rather but rather
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