### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dé**, represented by `{{G1161}}`, is a primary particle that functions adversatively or continuatively. It appears **2870 times** in **2556 unique verses**, highlighting its role as a fundamental building block of biblical Greek. Though often translated simply as **but** or **and**, its presence signals a contrast, a continuation of thought, or a transition in the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1161}}` is frequently used to draw a sharp contrast between two ideas. It contrasts the wages of sin, which is death, with the gift of God, which is eternal life [[Romans 6:23]]. Similarly, it distinguishes what will pass away, such as heaven and earth, from what will endure forever, which are God's words [[Matthew 24:35]]. The particle also serves a continuative function, translated as **and** or **now**, to advance an argument. It introduces the nature of faith as the "substance of things hoped for" [[Hebrews 11:1]] and begins the declaration that all things work together for good for those who love God [[Romans 8:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related particles are used in conjunction with or in similar ways to `{{G1161}}`:
* `{{G235}}` **allá** (but): This particle also expresses a strong contrast, often used to distinguish between two opposing concepts, such as not living by bread alone **but** by every word of God [[Matthew 4:4]].
* `{{G1063}}` **gár** (for): This particle assigns a reason and often follows a clause introduced by `{{G1161}}`, providing the explanation for a preceding statement. For instance, believers should not be weary in well doing [[Galatians 6:9]], **for** they will reap in due season.
* `{{G3303}}` **mén** (indeed): This particle is often used to set up a direct contrast with a subsequent clause that uses `{{G1161}}`, as seen in the statement "the spirit **indeed** is willing, **but** the flesh is weak" [[Matthew 26:41]].
* `{{G2532}}` **kaí** (and): As a copulative particle, `{{G2532}}` joins related ideas, while `{{G1161}}` is often used to introduce the next point in a sequence or a parallel argument, such as distinguishing righteousness and light from unrighteousness and darkness [[2 Corinthians 6:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1161}}` is demonstrated in its function of framing key doctrines.
* **Divine Contrast:** The particle is critical for establishing theological contrasts. It starkly separates human weakness from divine faithfulness in temptation [[1 Corinthians 10:13]] and contrasts what is impossible with man to what is possible with God [[Matthew 19:26]].
* **Clarifying Kingdom Priorities:** The word often functions to redirect focus toward spiritual imperatives. It signals a shift from worldly concerns to the command to "**But** seek ye first the kingdom of God" [[Matthew 6:33]] and from physical needs to spiritual life [[Matthew 4:4]].
* **Defining Christian Identity:** Many definitive statements about the believer's new identity are introduced by `{{G1161}}`. It is used to declare that believers are a "chosen generation" [[1 Peter 2:9]] and to articulate the profound mystery that it is not the believer who lives, **but** Christ who lives in them [[Galatians 2:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1161}}` is more than a simple conjunction. It is a versatile particle that structures biblical thought, creating contrasts, continuing narratives, and highlighting theological truths. From distinguishing between the fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh ([[Galatians 5:19]], 5:22) to separating those who believe from those who do not [[Mark 16:16]], **dé** is essential for understanding the pivotal arguments and declarations of scripture.
TRV