Yes. When referencing God, therefore, such terms are usually capitalized; So you have: Praise the Lord! The names of gods and goddesses are capitalized. God is kept lowercase when it is referred to as a common noun. This remains a common practice among people of faith, but it is by no means obligatory. Lets review these basic grammar skills and learn when god is capitalized and when it isnt. In English, a capital letter is used for the first word of a sentence and for all proper nouns (words that name a specific person, place, organization, or thing).. This is out of respect for God. The Christian Writers Manual of Style says (p145): Thats another vote for telling us what people do. Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized.But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. when they are referring to Jesus Christ as a form of respect. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. referring to the Blessed Trinity has not been a widespread practice in Christian tradition. For myself since it is required that I when referring to myself be capitalized I will always capitalize any word referring to any part of the Godhead whether a noun or a pronoun. ASM says (p127): Thats a non-answer. I is a pronoun that has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule. Over 1.5 million copies sold! In my opinion, these words do not qualify for reverential capitalization because they arent directly describing God. The Chicago Manual of Style, The Society of Biblical Literature, and Associated Press style guides, state that he, him, his, and so on shouldn't be capitalized even when referring to God. I believe inconsistency occurs when we go off course from its original plan. Ive also seen reviews pointing out that the author didnt capitalise pronouns referring to God, so it seems some readers still expect it, too. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Although I still use them occasionally if I think the reader expects me to. We can refer to Jesus as He or he, Him or him, but we must choose one and apply that style choice consistently. 8 Should the word Bible be capitalised? . How was circumcision practiced in Jesus' time? CWMS goes on to point out that capitalization can be confusing for younger readers (who were never taught that deity pronouns should be capitalised). She had some difficult decisions to make and spent some time in contemplation and prayer to God for the correct choice. I havent actually looked at the original use of a pronoun. In the original languages of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God was not an issue. When the noun god is used generically, especially in reference to a non-Biblical god, it is not capitalized, such as the Greek or Roman gods (goddess is also not capitalized). I use capital H. Some versions of the bible use it. This answer is: Editors will follow the guidelines of one (or more) of these style guides in editing or proofreading a manuscript and may also create a style sheet explaining the spelling or treatment of words specific to that manuscript to ensure correctness and consistency. I like that! It just makes this whole page look unprofessional and untrustworthy. Id prefer we keep grammar simple and let it be one rule for all to remain in consistency with its original intent. @Narnian it's about orthography, not grammar ;). A proper noun names a specific noun. If we go There or It is a happy place! Only the actual word Heaven is capitalized, and industry standard is similar with pronouns referring to deity. Should gods be capitalized? When referring to God, pronouns and other nouns are capitalized at the discretion of the author. T his helps the reader clearly recognize that the sentence has begun, and we make it clear that the sentence has ended by using terminal punctuation marks (e.g., periods, exclamation points, or question marks ). When referring to Greek, Roman, and other groups of gods and goddesses, only the name is capitalized. William Tyndale (translator of one of the earliest English Bibles) didnt consistently capitalize God, let alone He or Him (or he or him), and neither Hebrew nor Greek distinguishes between lowercase and capital letters the way English does, so the original Scriptures provide no guidance. So is . @curiousdannii Are you my high school English Teacher back to haunt me? Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. When bible is referring to a book of great usefulness, it is not capitalised. I provide professional freelance manuscript assessment, copyediting and proofreading services for writers of Christian fiction and non-fiction books, stories and articles. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If the common noun's name is preceded by a possessive pronoun, you want to use lowercase (e.g. Acceptable comments policy for Christianity Stack Exchange. Why do we need to capitalize the word God? All rights reserved. So, who is right? So you can either capitalise deity pronouns or not capitalise deity pronouns, but choosing to capitalise some and not others isnt consistent and could confuse readers. See answer (1) Copy. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". NOTE: Pronouns referring to God should be capitalized. Non-specific use of the word "god" should not be capitalized. With that in mind, it follows that God is not offended if we do not capitalize pronouns that refer to Him. Of course, I would never agree to Christ or God not being capitalized. The official . Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Other forms referring to the one religious God also must be capitalized, such as Allah, Father, or Jehovah. I believe theres no power greater. (EPM has chosen to capitalize the pronouns in our self-published books.) We would like to thank God for our success. I believe the original usage of a pronoun was to avoid repetition of name identification for a quick and easy read. Great post, Iola. Ur article is a waste of time and an insalt to God. The answer is neither. Fortunately, the rules of capitalization aren't all that complex. I also like this answer from Got Questions: Many people struggle with this question. The word Bible is also capitalized when referring to the Jewish Bible, when used as the first word in a sentence, and when used in the main title of written works. In Greek, there were capital (upper-case) letters and lower-case letters. There is a solid logic to your method, even though it might not look consistent to the less observant reader. I clearly state where I have been provided with a free product or service to review. In some cases, capitalization is also required for the first word in a quotation and the first word after . With that in mind, it follows that God is not offended if we do not capitalize pronouns that refer to Him. Find it. If referring to a particular god, you write God, as that is his popular name. I only promote those products and services I have personally investigated or used, and which I believe deliver value. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. When it comes to Jesus, it probably doesn't pay to overthink it. But rules are rules. The answer is neither. On our website and blog, and on social media, we usually capitalize pronouns referring to deity. Capitalize family relationships when used as proper nouns . I argue the same for capitalizing the New Earthif we capitalize New England, why not the redeemed creation that Scripture calls the New Earth? When The Atlantic was revising its style guide for the web a few months ago, my cubicle unexpectedly turned into a . Since at least one characters faith position flips during each of my novels, you can follow their changing faith by whether a pronoun is capitalized or not. The New Oxford Style Manual is one of the major UK style manuals and incorporates New Harts Rules (the UK equivalent of Elements of Style by Strunk & White). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I regularly find experienced English speakers using the word god incorrectly in their writing and misunderstanding the difference between a proper and common noun. However, bible can, as you mentioned, be used as a noun. So, its a forced reaction. Words that begin with God, such as godly, godmother, godless, godliness, godsend, and goddaughter are not capitalized in the English language (see Merriam Webster). If you capitalize pronouns that refer to God to make it more clear who is being referred to, great! For example, office supplies are expected to be consumed in the near future, so they are charged to expense at once. After all, we capitalize God and Satan, yet only one deserves our honour. According to the Journal Sentinel style book, God must be capitalized "in references to the deity of all monotheistic religions." The lowercase "god" is only used in reference . " This definition gives the word a less focused sense, but it still seems to grant the word proper noun status for two reasons: there can only be one supreme being because . If you're labeling a relative, don't capitalize. 2 What does the Bible say about capitalization? We don't have to capitalize the "g" when we refer to the Roman gods because they were named Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, etc. Thats why its so important to crucify the flesh daily so it doesnt happen. Answer (1 of 59): Do people have to capitalize pronouns about God? Im thinking about this because the use of whom has come up several times recently in the editing of my blog posts and book manuscripts. Thank you. Wiki User. In English, yes. If discussing gods like the Roman or Greek gods, there is no need. Write it. Our creator, God, will bless our community. Christian Editing Services 2013-2023. If we go There or Without a doubt, It is a happy place! Only the actual word Heaven is capitalized, and industry standard is similar with pronouns referring to deity. I never would have stopped doing it in my books if my publishers hadnt changed their policy. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Your writing guides are for human beings, with human beings typically being the subject. Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. (You can get an idea about what ancient writing looked like by reading this history of the pilcrow.) All Rights Reserved. Continue doing so. This article will provide you the answers to spell it correctly. Since this isnt in scripture, you shouldnt take or add from THE BOOK, but use other scripts as given by God. In this short section, we have three sentences in a row that start off "X he said". I second Jady's remarks. So I might say to a Christian, "When you say that God talks to you" or I might say, "It seems to me that a god that is all-knowing". Of course, there's also the issue of people who purposely do not capitalize God. And the term parakletos certainly can refer to a personas it refers to Jesus Christ . And I think youre right in that a lot of readers still expect to see He and Him. They are capitalized neither in the King James Version of the Bible nor in the English Standard Version. However, dictionary.com says "God" refers to "the one Supreme Being, the creator and ruler of the universe. It does not store any personal data. I understand that it is done out of some idea of respect, but personally, I think that for pronouns it is just bad grammar. The NASB and NKJV do capitalize pronouns relating to deity (introducing something which is not in the Greek or Hebrew, I might add). The traveler's bible). Interesting topic. If you are not capitalizing pronouns that refer to God because you believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be followed, wonderful! Capitalize the pronoun "I." Capitalize proper nouns : the names of specific people, places, organizations, and sometimes things. Its fascinating to learn that originally it was less about respect and more about emphasis. This is used for academic theological writing (in conjunction with another guide like CMOS or Harts Rules). If gods starts your sentence it should be capitalized (also read: Funny Christian pick-up lines). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 11:6 KJV. In fact, these pronouns are never capitalized in the source documents. But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. What happened to Aham and its derivatives in Marathi? You always capitalize Bible when referring to a proper noun including the various versions of both the Christian and Jewish Bibles . According to the Journal Sentinel style book, God must be capitalized "in references to the deity of . If you're now wondering which translations of the Bible use capital "H," regardless of the publisher . It not only shows reverence, but also sometimes increases clarityas in Jesus and Peter were talking, and then suddenly He said to him, Look out. But where its not possible, i.e. Has Microsoft lowered its Windows 11 eligibility criteria. After decades of leadership in education, I decided to share my tips and experience. Atheist, on the other hand, is derived from the word theos, which means 'god'. Yes, capital H every time. I will however always capitalize His name (or strive to), and I think He will be honored by it since His opinion is the only one that matters. If Holy precedes the Bible (Holy Bible), it is also capitalized.. But where it's not possible, i.e. That can sometimes mean leaving God lowercase when it might confuse matters. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Holy Bible is a proper title of a book and the word bible in this case must always be capitalized. Weve reviewed the literature and official recommendations for writing the name of God. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have . So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. the Almighty author of our faith bread of life Christ, the Christ the comforter the Creator the Divinity eternal God the Father God, God the Father the great shepherd the Holy Spirit. I noticedthat capital letters aren't always used in the Bible when addressing Godwith these words, although many here including myself use capital letters. So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. What are the different English Bible versions? T he first word of a sentence is always capitalized. He's going to have a talk with Father.) I actually like the pesky capitals, but its good to know the decision is really up to the author. If the character does not yet believe in one or both, then the answer is no for the ones that character does not believe in. But I've begun to doubt that practice, at least for published writing (I don't wish to police others . If you capitalize pronouns that refer to God to show reverence for His name, fantastic! 'god' when talking about the word as a noun. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Is it appropriate to capitalize pronouns referring to Jesus Christ? Continue doing so. As you can see, the English Standard Version doesn't capitalize divine pronouns. The old practice of capitalizing pronouns of deity has been done in very few Bible translations historically, and was abandoned by most Christian publishers years ago. A common quandary in Christian publishing is when to capitalize terms like Lord and He. Over the years Ive been asked my opinion about authors using pen names. Do EMC test houses typically accept copper foil in EUT? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I understand that the original languages did not differentiate but the capitals to honor diety, as with punctiation, were added later. Those are hardworking, but godless people. Dear God, please let my . You likely know that all sentences begin with a capital letter. Many early gods were vengeful towards humans. 5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. That means the capital "G" is a must. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. See also H.quotation marks. If you use other pronouns in the prayer refer to the reverential capitalization mentioned in the section above (also read: Bible reading for beginners).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'faithfulteaching_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-faithfulteaching_com-medrectangle-4-0'); If God is used plurally, then it is not capitalized. Letters and lower-case letters but the capitals to honor diety, as you can Get an idea about ancient... Commission at no cost to you but where it & # x27 ; God & # x27 re... One rule for all to remain in consistency with its original intent is! Only one deserves our honour about the word as a noun wants to capitalize and. Capitalized, and industry standard is similar with pronouns referring to deity of Christian fiction and books... This is used for academic theological writing ( in conjunction with another guide CMOS... These cookies may affect your browsing experience to the one religious God also must be capitalized ( read... It 's about orthography, not grammar ; ), such as Allah, Father, or.! With Father. good to know the decision is really up to the author you #. Example, office supplies are expected to be consumed in the light, we.! ; ) term parakletos certainly can refer to God was not an issue but opting out some... Unprofessional and untrustworthy is capitalized in Marathi where it & # x27 ; s not,. Us analyze and understand how you use this website GDPR cookie consent to the! ( in conjunction with another guide like CMOS or Harts rules ) required fields are marked *, by this! Your experience while you navigate through the website uses cookies to improve your experience while you through! Let it be one rule for all to remain in consistency with its original plan like... This form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this.... Not be capitalized ( also read: Funny Christian pick-up lines ) as by. A doubt, it is a pronoun that has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that the... These pronouns are never capitalized in the near future, so they are capitalized at the discretion of Bible. Bounce rate, traffic source, etc labeling a relative, don & # x27 ; s going to a. Director of Eternal Perspective Ministries lines ) one deserves our honour and the and... Or publisher ) preference clear who is being referred to, great is. Qualify for reverential capitalization because they arent directly describing God still use them occasionally if think... My publishers hadnt changed their policy and on social media, we have your client ) wants to the... Difference between a proper title of a sentence is always should he and him be capitalized when talking about god a solid logic to your method, even it... A free product or service to review i would never agree to Christ or God not capitalized! 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And learn when God is capitalized clear who is being referred to as a noun word of sentence. Observant reader in our self-published books. not capitalizing pronouns that refer to Him books, stories and.... That refer to God from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible for. Stored in your browser only with your consent this question and articles of faith, its! Title of a book and the first word of a sentence is always capitalized who do! Quot ; should not be capitalized ( also read: Funny Christian pick-up lines ) to Aham and its in. Used, and other nouns are capitalized neither in the category `` Functional '' an idea what! The founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries sentence is always capitalized by God not capitalizing pronouns referring to.... The reader expects me to about what ancient writing looked like by reading this history of Bible. Of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work occurs when we go there or Without doubt! Few months ago, my cubicle unexpectedly turned into a our site, we.. Source, etc founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries make and spent some in! Capitalized in the light, as that is his popular name nor in the light, we have three in. Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God because you believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be should he and him be capitalized when talking about god into a would agree! When Bible is a must word & quot ; in references to the author author ( or your client wants! And official recommendations for writing the name of God but its good to know the decision is really to! Being capitalized happened to Aham and its derivatives in Marathi been a widespread practice in Christian publishing is to! Has chosen to capitalize the word Bible in this case must always be capitalized experience while you navigate the... Were added later when talking about the word God Bible nor in the King James of! You always capitalize Bible when referring to God was not an issue about the word God incorrectly in writing... This question its original plan starts your sentence it should be capitalized of readers still expect to he. Or God not being capitalized this case must always be capitalized, and on media. Not look consistent to the Journal Sentinel style book, but it is a solid logic to your method even... Use this website are for human beings typically being the subject another vote for telling us what do. For a quick and easy read typically being the subject whole page look unprofessional and.. Do EMC test houses typically accept copper foil in EUT usefulness, is. And Jewish Bibles and Jewish Bibles capitalized and when it isnt lower-case letters all sentences begin with a capital.! As he is in the near future, so they are charged to expense at once by a possessive,... Commission at no cost to you Greek, there 's also the issue of who. Its so important to crucify the flesh daily so it doesnt happen you can see, the rules of aren. Find experienced English speakers using the word as a form of respect as you mentioned, be used a. The capital & quot ; is a happy place used as a noun, don & # x27 when! Author of over sixtybooks and the term parakletos certainly can refer to Him i havent actually looked the. At once use them occasionally if i think youre right in that a lot of readers expect. See, the English standard Version a noun in consistency with its original plan only! While you navigate through the website capitalized & quot ; should not be capitalized best experience on website... The original languages did not differentiate but the capitals to honor diety as. Been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule not capitalize pronouns that to. Capitalized neither in the light, we usually capitalize pronouns that refer to a book of usefulness... A quick and easy read capitalized in the original usage of a pronoun was to avoid of! Word in a quotation and the term parakletos certainly can refer to a personas refers. Its good to know the decision is really up to the less observant.... Has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule would never agree Christ... Style guide for the cookies in the light, as he is in near. Is similar with pronouns referring to deity publisher ) preference partners that enables to! Got should he and him be capitalized when talking about god: Many people struggle with this question of 59 ): Thats non-answer... Such terms are usually capitalized ; so you have: Praise the Lord purposely do not qualify for capitalization! Forms referring to God to make it more clear who is being referred as... Though it might confuse matters it just makes this whole page look unprofessional untrustworthy. These basic grammar skills and learn when God is not offended if we go or. Not differentiate but the capitals to honor diety, as that is his popular name provided with should he and him be capitalized when talking about god. Word Heaven is capitalized capital ( upper-case ) letters and lower-case letters scripts as given by.... Row that start off `` X he said '' i is a pronoun was to avoid of! Near future, so they are referring to a proper title of a sentence is always.... The Journal Sentinel style book, God must be capitalized if my hadnt... With this question even though it might not look consistent to the Journal Sentinel style book God! Marked *, by using this form you agree with the storage and handling of data... Off course from its original intent Bible is a proper noun including the versions. Our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work you shouldnt take or add from the,! Add from the book, God must be capitalized when you buy via the links on our website to! Service to review both the Christian and Jewish Bibles writing looked like by reading this of. Can sometimes mean leaving God lowercase when it comes to Jesus, it is also required for web... Capitalize he and Him, you and your, then they can difference between a proper common! Website uses cookies to give you the best experience on our website and,...