Psychology tells us that if someone says something followed by the word BUT, it means nothing. For example: Your husband says: I love you but I don’t like it when you hog the blankets. In theory, the first part of the sentence means nothing. The word but basically erases those first few words.

The Cambridge Dictionary says the word BUT is a conjunction. But is used to connect ideas that contrast.

Have you ever noticed how often that word is used in the Bible? According to Logos.com, it appears over 4000 times. That is a lot. The author of this article studied the use of But just in Genesis. Depending on the version you are looking at, it is used anywhere from 69-152 times.

He shares the 3 circumstances of how it is used: as a correction, as a contradiction or as a comparison. He uses different words but the concept is the same. Based on his assessment, it is most often used as a contradiction.

Paul used But 25 times in Ephesians alone.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,  in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 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. Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)

Throughout the Bible, we see phrases such as But God, But then, But Christ, But now, etc. So many of these small words are followed by great promises or blessings from God. These words lead us to great hope and praise in God.

As you read your Bible today, look for this transition word, along with others. Take note of the words that follow them. These are the words that give us reason to believe in the first place, give us a reason to praise.

What is your favourite verse that uses BUT?