Topical Encyclopedia The word "but" is a conjunction frequently used in the Bible to introduce a contrast or exception to what has been previously stated. It serves as a pivotal word that often marks a shift in narrative, thought, or instruction, highlighting the difference between two ideas or actions. In the context of Scripture, "but" can signify a change in circumstances, a divine intervention, or a moral or spiritual lesson.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, "but" is often used to contrast human actions with God's commands or intentions. For example, in Genesis 50:20, Joseph speaks to his brothers, saying, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Here, "but" introduces the divine purpose that overrides human intentions. The Psalms frequently use "but" to contrast the wicked with the righteous or to highlight God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Psalm 73:26 states, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." This usage underscores the reliability of God in contrast to human frailty. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, "but" often introduces a shift from the old covenant to the new covenant, or from human inability to divine provision. In Romans 6:23, Paul writes, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Here, "but" marks the transition from the consequence of sin to the hope offered through Christ. The teachings of Jesus frequently employ "but" to contrast worldly values with kingdom principles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This statement contrasts the pursuit of material needs with the priority of seeking God's kingdom. Theological Implications Theologically, "but" often signifies the intervention of God's grace and mercy in human affairs. It highlights the transformative power of God's actions and promises, offering hope and redemption. In Ephesians 2:4-5, Paul writes, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." The "but" here introduces the pivotal change from spiritual death to life through God's mercy. Moral and Ethical Lessons The use of "but" in moral and ethical teachings often serves to contrast human tendencies with divine expectations. In James 1:22, believers are admonished, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This usage emphasizes the importance of active obedience to God's word rather than mere passive listening. Conclusion The word "but" in the Bible is a small yet powerful conjunction that often marks significant shifts in narrative, theology, and moral teaching. It serves as a reminder of the contrast between human limitations and divine possibilities, between earthly concerns and heavenly priorities, and between sin and salvation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (adv. & conj.) Except with; unless with; without.2. (adv. & conj.) Except; besides; save. 3. (adv. & conj.) Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; -- elliptical, for but that. 4. (adv. & conj.) Otherwise than that; that not; -- commonly, after a negative, with that. 5. (adv. & conj.) Only; solely; merely. 6. (adv. & conj.) On the contrary; on the other hand; only; yet; still; however; nevertheless; more; further; -- as connective of sentences or clauses of a sentence, in a sense more or less exceptive or adversative; as, the House of Representatives passed the bill, but the Senate dissented; our wants are many, but quite of another kind. 7. (prep., adv. & conj.) The outer apartment or kitchen of a two-roomed house; -- opposed to den, the inner room. 8. (n.) A limit; a boundary. 9. (n.) The end; esp. the larger or thicker end, or the blunt, in distinction from the sharp, end. See 1st Butt. 10. (v. i.) See Butt, v., and Abut, v. 11. (n.) A limit; a bound; a goal; the extreme bound; the end. 12. (n.) The thicker end of anything. See But. 13. (n.) A mark to be shot at; a target. 14. (n.) A person at whom ridicule, jest, or contempt is directed; as, the butt of the company. 15. (n.) A push, thrust, or sudden blow, given by the head of an animal; as, the butt of a ram. 16. (n.) A thrust in fencing. 17. (n.) A piece of land left unplowed at the end of a field. 18. (n.) A joint where the ends of two objects come squarely together without scarfing or chamfering; -- also called butt joint. 19. (n.) The end of a connecting rod or other like piece, to which the boxing is attached by the strap, cotter, and gib. 20. (n.) The portion of a half-coupling fastened to the end of a hose. 21. (n.) The joint where two planks in a strake meet. 22. (n.) A kind of hinge used in hanging doors, etc.; -- so named because fastened on the edge of the door, which butts against the casing, instead of on its face, like the strap hinge; also called butt hinge. 23. (n.) The thickest and stoutest part of tanned oxhides, used for soles of boots, harness, trunks. 24. (n.) The hut or shelter of the person who attends to the targets in rifle practice. Greek 1161. de -- but, and, now, (a connective or adversative particle) ... but, and, now, (a connective or adversative particle). Part of Speech: Conjunction Transliteration: de Phonetic Spelling: (deh) Short Definition: but, on the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1161.htm - 7k 235. alla -- otherwise, on the other hand, but 3676. homos -- yet, but yet 3362. ean me -- before, but, except 3366. mede -- but not, and not 302. an -- usually untranslatable, but generally denoting ... 3569. tanun -- but now. 1490b. ei de me(ge) -- but if not 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness 3440. monon -- merely Strong's Hebrew 199. ulam -- but, but indeed... 198, 199. ulam. 200 . but, but indeed. Transliteration: ulam Phonetic Spelling: (oo-lawm') Short Definition: however. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/199.htm - 6k 7535. raq -- but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least ... 3861b. lahen -- except, but 1297. beram -- only, nevertheless 389. ak -- surely, howbeit 403. aken -- surely 3861. lawhen -- therefore 637. aph -- also, yea 432. illu -- if, though 1115. bilti -- not, except Library But when I was in the Twenty-Sixth Year of My Age... But it is for this Especial Reason that Such an Explanation is ... It was but a Little that I Passed by them when I Found Him whom My ... But what is This, and what Kind of Mystery? Behold... But this is the State of the Case, that as You are Exceedingly ... But, as for that which is Written, that God did Good to the Hebrew ... January 9. "Not as I Will, but as Thou Wilt" (Matt. xxvi. 39). But This, as I Said, I do not Mention... But You Will Perhaps Say that the King was a Diviner. ... May the Eleventh but -- --! Thesaurus But (42052 Occurrences)... 3. (adv. & conj.) Excepting or excluding the fact that; save that; were it not that; unless; -- elliptical, for but that. 4. (adv. ... See But. 13. ... /b/but.htm - 9k Yields (21 Occurrences) Snakes (25 Occurrences) Virginity (12 Occurrences) Simply (27 Occurrences) Sincerity (17 Occurrences) Spite (28 Occurrences) Veiled (23 Occurrences) Slavonic Sorrowful (29 Occurrences) Resources Can a person believe in some sense but not be saved? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak? | GotQuestions.org What is the concept of "already but not yet"? | GotQuestions.org But: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance But (42052 Occurrences)But is used 42052 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
    |