A strong adversative conjunction introducing a contrast or correction — 'but,' 'on the contrary,' 'rather.' Alla signals a sharp turn in thought, stronger than de (mild contrast). It often follows a negative to introduce the positive alternative.
Though a small word, alla carries enormous theological weight in key passages. Paul's 'not I, but Christ lives in me' (Galatians 2:20) pivots on this conjunction. The pattern 'not X alla Y' structures the gospel itself: not by works but by grace, not my will but yours, not death but life. The tiny word marks the hinge between human failure and divine intervention.