Keraia
Lexicon

ἀλλά

allabutHow to read Greek
greekNew TestamentConjunction639 occurrences27 books604 verses

Definition

ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146),

adversative particle,

stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Romans 3:31);

1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Matthew 5:15, 17, Mark 5:39, John 7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mark 9:37, Matthew 10:20, John 12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Matthew 11:7-9, Acts 19:2, 1 Corinthians 3:6; 6:11; 7:7, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Galatians 2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Matthew 24:6, 1 Corinthians 10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, John 5:18, Romans 1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mark 14:49, John 1:8; 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Matthew 20:23, Mark 4:22.

2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: John 16:20; 12:27, Galatians 2:14; before commands or requests, Acts 10:20; 26:16, Matthew 9:18, Mark 9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2 Corinthians 7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mark 14:29, 1 Corinthians 9:2, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Colossians 2:5, al.; after μέν, Acts 4:17, Romans 14:20, 1 Corinthians 14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., John 16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luke 23:15.

3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luke 24:21, 1 Corinthians 9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luke 12:51, 2 Corinthians 1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Philippians 3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word).

Hebrew words it translates

The Hebrew words that the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament renders as ἀλλά:

Usage patterns

Old TestamentNew Testament

Occurrences

639 total
  1. Philippians 2:7ἀλλὰ · but
    …but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.
  2. Philippians 2:12ἀλλὰ · but
    Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
  3. Philippians 2:17Ἀλλὰ · But
    But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
  4. Philippians 2:27ἀλλὰ · But; ἀλλὰ · but
    He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
  5. Philippians 3:7Ἀλλὰ · But
    But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ.
  6. Philippians 3:8ἀλλὰ · More than that
    More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
  7. Philippians 3:9ἀλλὰ · but
    …and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
  8. Philippians 4:6ἀλλ’ · but
    Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
  9. Philippians 4:17ἀλλὰ · but
    Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.
  10. Colossians 2:5ἀλλὰ
    For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.
  11. Colossians 3:11ἀλλὰ · but
    Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
  12. Colossians 3:22ἀλλ’ · but
    Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
  13. 1 Thessalonians 1:5ἀλλὰ · but
    …because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.
  14. 1 Thessalonians 1:8ἀλλ’ · but
    For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more.
  15. 1 Thessalonians 2:2ἀλλὰ · But
    As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
  16. 1 Thessalonians 2:4ἀλλὰ · Instead; ἀλλὰ · but
    Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
  17. 1 Thessalonians 2:7Ἀλλὰ · On the contrary
    On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.
  18. 1 Thessalonians 2:8ἀλλὰ · but
    We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
  19. 1 Thessalonians 2:13ἀλλὰ · but
    And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.
  20. 1 Thessalonians 4:7ἀλλ’ · but
    For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.
  21. 1 Thessalonians 4:8ἀλλὰ · but
    Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.
  22. 1 Thessalonians 5:6ἀλλὰ · but
    So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
  23. 1 Thessalonians 5:9ἀλλὰ · but
    For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  24. 1 Thessalonians 5:15ἀλλὰ
    Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
  25. 2 Thessalonians 2:12ἀλλὰ · [and]
    …in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.
  26. 2 Thessalonians 3:8ἀλλ’ · Instead
    …nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
  27. 2 Thessalonians 3:9ἀλλ’ · but
    Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.
  28. 2 Thessalonians 3:11ἀλλὰ · but
    For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies.
  29. 2 Thessalonians 3:15ἀλλὰ · but
    Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
  30. 1 Timothy 1:13ἀλλὰ · yet
    I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
  31. 1 Timothy 1:16ἀλλὰ · But
    But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
  32. 1 Timothy 2:10ἀλλ’ · but
    …but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.
  33. 1 Timothy 2:12ἀλλ’
    I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.
  34. 1 Timothy 3:3ἀλλὰ · but
    …not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
  35. 1 Timothy 4:12ἀλλὰ · but
    Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
  36. 1 Timothy 5:1ἀλλὰ · but
    Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,
  37. 1 Timothy 5:13ἀλλὰ · but
    At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.
  38. 1 Timothy 5:23ἀλλὰ · instead
    Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
  39. 1 Timothy 6:2ἀλλὰ · but
    Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.
  40. 1 Timothy 6:4ἀλλὰ · Instead
    …he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
  41. 1 Timothy 6:17ἀλλ’ · but
    Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
  42. 2 Timothy 1:7ἀλλὰ · but
    For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
  43. 2 Timothy 1:8ἀλλὰ · Instead
    So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
  44. 2 Timothy 1:9ἀλλὰ · but
    He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
  45. 2 Timothy 1:12ἀλλ’
    For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
  46. 2 Timothy 1:17ἀλλὰ · Indeed
    Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me.
  47. 2 Timothy 2:9ἀλλὰ · But
    …for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
  48. 2 Timothy 2:20ἀλλὰ · but
    A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.