ἄλλος

other, another, different

Definition

The adjective ἄλλος (allos) fundamentally means 'another of the same kind' or 'one more.' It is used to indicate an additional item or person within a shared category, such as another disciple (Matthew 4:21) or another parable (Matthew 13:24). In contrast to ἕτερος (heteros), which often implies 'another of a different kind,' ἄλλος emphasizes numerical distinction and similarity. For example, in Matthew 12:13, Jesus heals a withered hand, and it is restored 'like the other' (ὡς ἡ ἄλλη), highlighting its return to the same healthy state as the first hand. It can also function substantively to mean 'others' or 'another group,' as seen in the Magi returning home 'by another way' (δι᾿ ἄλλης ὁδοῦ) in Matthew 2:12.

Biblical Usage

Ἄλλος is used frequently throughout the New Testament, appearing in all four Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles. It commonly introduces additional examples in narratives or teachings, such as 'another of the disciples' (Matthew 8:21) or 'another parable' (Matthew 13:31). In lists or sequences, it denotes 'one more' of a series, as in the different soils of the parable where seed fell 'on other ground' (Matthew 13:5, 7). In John's Gospel, it is used in significant theological statements, like Jesus speaking of 'another Helper' (John 14:16), referring to the Holy Spirit as one of the same kind as Himself. Its usage is straightforward and primarily quantitative.

Etymology

The word ἄλλος is a primary adjective in Greek. Its etymology is often analyzed as coming from the prefix ἀ- (a-, implying 'not' or 'without') combined with an obsolete root *ἀλλος (*allos), but this is debated. It is cognate with the Latin *alius* (other, another) and the English word 'else.' Its fundamental meaning of 'another' or 'other' remained stable throughout the development of the Greek language and into the Koine period of the New Testament.

Semantic Range

While ἄλλος itself is a common adjective, its precise distinction from ἕτερος (G2087) can be theologically significant. In passages like 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, where spiritual gifts are listed, the use of ἄλλος ('to another') emphasizes the distribution of different gifts within the same category (gifts of the Spirit) among members of the same body. Understanding that ἄλλος points to 'another of the same kind' enriches the reading of Jesus's promise of 'another Helper' (ἄλλον Παράκλητον) in John 14:16, underscoring the Holy Spirit's continuity and likeness in nature and mission with Jesus Himself.

In the Greco-Roman world, the distinction between ἄλλος and ἕτερος was a standard feature of the language, familiar to educated writers and speakers. This linguistic precision allowed for clear communication about whether something was a different instance of the same type or something of a fundamentally different nature. For modern readers, who may use 'another' or 'other' more broadly, recognizing this Greek distinction prevents missing nuanced emphases in the biblical text, especially in doctrinal or parametric passages.

ἕτερος (heteros, G2087) — another of a different kind or class; emphasizes qualitative difference.

Word Details

Scripture References