But…might just be the most important recurring three-letter word in the Bible. A distant second to the word “God”, of course. Some might say that “sin” is the second most important three-letter word in the Bible. I beg to differ and I’ll show why in a later segment.
The word but in a sentence is known in English grammar as a coordinating conjunction, a word connecting two independent clauses. Two other high-profile celebrity conjunctions are “and” and “or”. (See http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/conjunctions.htm#but )
But is also a qualifier that suggests a contrast that is unexpected in light of the first clause. For all of us who majored in something other than English because we actually wanted a job after college, what that means in plain English is that but changes the meaning and impact of whatever comes before it. And the change can be positive or negative, good news or bad news.
And buts are attention-getters (why are you smirking?) because when you see/hear a but (stop snickering), especially if it is pronounced by extending the vowel sound or if it’s followed by a dramatic pause, you instinctively alert yourself for some important information to follow.
For Example:
* Your boss says, “Your sales numbers were good this quarter but… we’re gonna have to let you go.”
(Which words are you most attentive to–the affirmation of sales numbers or the announcement of being laid off?)
* Your boyfriend/girlfriend says, “I really like you but… I want to start seeing some other people.”
(Which part of that sentence carries more weight—the assurance of being liked or the announcement about dating other people?)
* Your doctor says, “The wound was really deep but… there was no nerve damage and you can expect a full recovery.” (Which words mean the most to you in that moment—the doctor’s description of the wound’s depth or the prognosis of completely recovery?)
It’s not that the information just prior to but is not relevant or important; it just tends to take a backseat to what comes after it.
So What Does This Have to Do With the Bible?
The Bible is full of buts (stop grinning like that) and some are huge (you’re snickering again) in their meaning and significance. During the next 29 days I’ll show you how a great but can change your life. (Will you stop??!! This is serious stuff! Maybe by tomorrow you’ll stop giggling like a middle schooler and be ready for the first passage.)
Sightlines 