The Judeo-Christian god is named God, since they believe He is the only one. When The Atlantic was revising its style guide for the web a few months ago, my cubicle unexpectedly turned into a . Hope this is a helpful addition. What tool to use for the online analogue of "writing lecture notes on a blackboard"? February 10, 2014 in General Discussion. The answer is neither. One of the main guidelines in editing is that the document should be internally consistent. (But watch me!) Christian is derived from the proper noun Christ. I is a pronoun that has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. 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. I have had to fight to get Heaven capitalized in my books, arguing that it is a proper noun, and just as real a place as Saturn or France. In my opinion, these words do not qualify for reverential capitalization because they arent directly describing God. 2 What does the Bible say about capitalization? @Narnian it's about orthography, not grammar ;). However, were here to serve everyone without cost, so please dont feel obligated to give unless the Lord leads. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. I believe inconsistency occurs when we go off course from its original plan. Capitalization of pronouns is a convention of language and not intrinsically a sign of honor or respect or divinity. AP/The Atlantic. The monotheistic god of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam is the same and is referred to as God, the name. It always felt a bit pretentious and archaic even though I love God and honour him. I have not been able to find out how pronouns referring to God began to be capitalized, but it does aid in the understanding of some Biblical texts: When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here I am. Then he said, Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. And he said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.Exodus 3:4-6 (ESV). Hey, capitalising pronouns when talking about a god is pretty bad grammar. I also like this answer fromGot Questions: Many people struggle with this question. (KJV) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 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. Yes, capital H every time. How can I change a sentence based upon input to a command? Answer (1 of 6): Should I capitalise the words: god, Satan, devil, angel, satanic, heaven and hell? I'm VERY scared! Yes, I could mock others for things they say too, we are all in the same sinking boat without Christ. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Plurally, gods usually refer to the pagan gods, such as the Greek gods. Other references or alternative names of God are also capitalized. Of course, its every individuals freedom of choice! Our creator, God, will bless our community. When bible is referring to a book of great usefulness, it is not capitalised. Im relieved that I dont have to use those pesky capitals any more. I do this out of reverence. I don't hold everyone to that, though, it's just my own personal preference; my own bible doesn't capitalize God's pronouns. If your talking about a fake god or gods there the lower case g gods. Other references or alternative names of God are also capitalized. Continue following your conviction. or the common noun is being used as a title (e.g. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. He, Him, His) referring to the Christian God (God, Yahweh, Father, Jesus Christ, Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit, etc.) - Did we make a mistake? (ESV) Summary. rev2023.3.1.43269. There are so many words to represent God. Yes. Helping Christian authors achieve their publishing goals. Polytheistic religions have multiple gods referred to in lowercase unless the specific name of the god is being used, such as Zeus. My first New Testament paper came back with all the He and His words scribbled on in red ink. Others do not. If you're talking about something more generic, it usually isn't. Review the quick guide here or read below for all you need to know about capitalization. Where things get interesting when we enter the territory of capitonyms: words that may be capitalized or not depending on the intended meaning. These are descriptive words and not direct words for God. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. That can sometimes mean leaving God lowercase when it might confuse matters. Don't forget Jesus' warning: And he said to them, Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.Mark 7:6-8 (ESV). But unless that's something you are writing about, you're more likely to confuse your readers than edify them. Why is it that God the Father is alone capitalised in the third person? 8 Should the word Bible be capitalised? Also, using capitals could imply emphasis where none was intended. Its also shorter and easier to read than CMOS! Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The inconsistency stood out. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here I am. 5 Then He said, Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. 6 He said also, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. It occurs when you use the person's name after the title or use a particular reference. Any reference to a group of gods and it will not be capitalized. They are not capitalized in the Greek text of the Scriptures. When god is used with an article, that is usually an indicator of lowercase use. In general, I try to use whatever the person I'm communicating with is using. 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).. Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Others, believing the rules of English style should be followed, do not capitalize the deity pronouns. I was taught that we capitalize deity pronouns as a matter of respect and honour (dubious, as Ill show below). I was also taught that we use double quotation marks for speech (still true), single quotation marks for speech (now considered dated), and to add a comma where Id add a pause if reading aloud (not true, and a topic probably best left for another blog post). See also H.quotation marks. Thank you for your comment. Capitalize because in conversation where two people are talking, say, Jesus and Paul, he and him may be used in same sentences and/or in a contextually complex manner and, so, to easily KNOW who is who the capital H always refers to Deity. And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." And he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.Exodus 3:4-6 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. I regularly find experienced English speakers using the word god incorrectly in their writing and misunderstanding the difference between a proper and common noun. Should the word God be capitalized? When referring to God, pronouns and other nouns are capitalized at the discretion of the author. But I may very well may be wrong. I do capitalize Santa though. I also do this as a sign of respect. Altho I usually wont mention it to them. CORRECT: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Heb. So thats one vote for not capitalizing deity pronouns but the author can decide. Weve reviewed the literature and official recommendations for writing the name of God. Yes Christian Bible should be capitalised. @Peter Turner noticed the same in Roman Catholic writings. 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. Summary. However, in all of the earliest copies of the Greek New Testament, the text is written in all capital letters. That mans assistance was a godsend yesterday. In the original languages of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God was not an issue. This intends no disrespect to God;it is the usage of the historic English Bibles: Wyclif (1380), Tyndale (1534), Cranmer (1539), Geneva (1557), Rheims (1582), and King James Version of KJV (1611). That means the capital "G" is a must. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. SavedByGrace. If the Bible is used in the secular context, it will not be capitalized (e.g. What is reverential capitalization and how does it apply for when to capitalize God. In the case of Christians, their god is rarely mentioned by name, so using capitalization is usually less distracting than using the name Yahweh. Some, believing it shows reverence for God, capitalize all pronouns that refer to God. NOTE: Pronouns referring to God should be capitalized. Non-specific use of the word "god" should not be capitalized. You likely know that all sentences begin with a capital letter. 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. This still leaves it permissible in English and through typed word, although some people prefer not to write the name of God. We dont want to know whats common or uncommon. I don't do that for anyone else. The Holy Bible is a proper title of a book and the word bible in this case must always be capitalized. Thanks again, Jason F. I thought it was odd and uncomfortable to capitalize a pronoun until I saw that the I in Internet is capitalized so now I capitalize pronouns referring to the Godhead in reverence to God. 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 ). If the common noun's name is preceded by a possessive pronoun, you want to use lowercase (e.g. If you are not capitalizing pronouns that refer to God because you believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be followed, wonderful! All opinions are my own. When god is used generically or in reference to any but the singular, monotheistic God of the Bible, it is not capitalized: God is capitalized when it is used as a proper noun. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If you self-publish, you get to choose. I second Jady's remarks. Capitalization is the recordation of a cost as an asset, rather than an expense. You capitalise words that are proper given names of individuals or places. If Holy precedes the Bible (Holy Bible), it is also capitalized.. Duress at instant speed in response to Counterspell. 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. The inconsistency stood out. You always capitalize Bible when referring to a proper noun including the various versions of both the Christian and Jewish Bibles. It might be worth pointing out that Zondervan publish the NIV. Fortunately, the rules of capitalization aren't all that complex. Spirituality and spiritual growth authors tend to capitalize any word that to them represents a higher concept or God: Universe, Gratitude, Divine Love, Universal Mind, Consciousness. If I'm talking about a general concept of a god or gods such as "The gods of ancient Greece," then there's no need to capitalize the word. We also refer to Him with pronouns and other words: He, It, Him, His. To summarize the proper noun/common noun usage, I think the easiest way to handle the situation is to capitalize the word god when it is used as a proper name as the name of the god of a monotheistic religion, such as the god of Christianity or Judaism, and not capitalize it when it is used as a common noun:. shawmino 6 yr. ago. Other forms referring to the one religious God also must be capitalized, such as Allah, Father, or Jehovah. If the character believes in God and Jesus, then the answer is yes. The only alternative would be to quote from NASB or NKJV, both of which capitalize pronouns of deity, but neither of which is my preference for purposes of clarity. 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. Does Cast a Spell make you a spellcaster? For example, you'd capitalize "God" in these sentences: Some Christians give thanks to God before every meal. But where it's not possible, i.e. This remains a common practice among people of faith, but it is by no means obligatory. Why we should not capitalize deity pronouns. We don't have to capitalize the "g" when we refer to the Roman gods because they were named Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, etc. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. New Zealand publishers may also use it, as although its not new (2002), its considerably newer than the local equivalent, which is 1995). I also review Christian novels at www.christianreads.blogspot.com. With these words, Jesus was saying that everything is about Him. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Harry says: April 30, 2011 at 8:42 pm. A proper noun names a specific noun. I capitalize when referencing God (I.e, He, His, Maker, etc.) This is a matter of language convention. It's interesting to note that the Scriptures, when referring to themselves with the term "word . I intend to continue to do so for now. So one might refer to either "the Greek god of war" or "the Hebrew God". Since God is not male, should we stop using masculine pronouns to refer to God? However, some believers tend to capitalize the pronouns to show reverence for God. If you capitalize pronouns that refer to God to show reverence for His name, fantastic! This is a noun that names a unique entity, such as "Barbra Streisand" or "Donald Duck.". Should section or chapter be capitalized? If discussing gods like the Roman or Greek gods, there is no need. The name is used every day in literature, prayer, and even pop culture. Words that describe God's attributes should be capitalized. Language is dynamic, not static. Wiki User. The English language accepts god(s), as used here, as either singular or plural. Some circles find it permissible, not matter the form, while others (Jewish legal opinion) believe it shouldnt be written in Hebrew. What are the different English Bible versions? But you also (sometimes) capitalize the first word of a quote. All Rights Reserved. In Spanish, days of the week and months are not capitalized. Should gods be capitalized? And the term parakletos certainly can refer to a personas it refers to Jesus Christ . Ur article is a waste of time and an insalt to God. 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. Others don't see it as necessary, whether they hadn . In that context, {g|G}od. Thats why we have style guides! God should be capitalized and sister shouldn't be. We can refer to Jesus as He or he, Him or him, but we must choose one and apply that style choice consistently. I can't say I have given the capital C used in creation . 1999 - 2023 Worthy Christian Forums - A Division of Worthy Ministries. 16 related questions found. In case youre in a hurry here are the quick answers: In monotheistic religions (religions that have only one God), God will always be capitalized (also read: When Is Bible Capitalized).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'faithfulteaching_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-faithfulteaching_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Reverential capitalization (Chicago Manual of Style 8.95) occurs when an author or text reveres a subject and capitalized the pronoun that refers to the subject. Capitalize titles that appear before names, but not after names. Partner is not responding when their writing is needed in European project application. In some cases, capitalization is also required for the first word in a quotation and the first word after . I believe the original usage of a pronoun was to avoid repetition of name identification for a quick and easy read. Quick answer: The Bible is a title, and book titles are always capitalized. 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. But rules are rules. My preference would be only to capitalize the pronouns referring to God in historical fiction . Thanks for the catch! in my books with publishers, Ive gone with their policy. Again, this is not a right vs. wrong issue. When any direct name of God is not capitalized (Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, God), it REALLY bothers me, but when any pronouns (He, Him, His, Who, You, etc.) Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. With that in mind, it follows that God is not offended if we do not capitalize pronouns that refer to Him. The Eight Capitalization Rules 1. Great post, Iola. I continued to do it for years but it created inconsistencies since I would capitalize pronouns of deity, then quote Scripture that didnt. Because the Bible is the name of a book i.e. Laziness. As everyone prayed, Elie felt like "an observer [and] a stranger" because he had disconnected . "God" functions like a personal name in this instance. Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized. Religious references, please capitalize God, Jesus, Lord, Father, Holy Spirit, Savior, Heaven, Hell, Bible and the Word (as in the Word of God) and all pronouns referring to God including Him and His. So, who is right? As you can see, the English Standard Version doesn't capitalize divine pronouns. The reverse is almost impossible without a careful proofread. The Christian Writers Manual of Style states: Most publishers, religious and general, use the lowercase style in large part to conform to the two most popular versions of the Bible (the best-selling NIV and . Join me in creating stronger families in faith. The debate over whether we capitalize He/Him when talking about a member of the Trinity isn't without merit. . Capitalize titles that refer to Him, like Holy Father, Most Holy One, Bread of Life, and The Almighty. The reason is that in such cases we are talking about members of a general class or category specifically, members of a group which gets the label 'gods' because people have, at one time or another . I provide professional freelance manuscript assessment, copyediting and proofreading services for writers of Christian fiction and non-fiction books, stories and articles. 1.) I do find those who call my Lord with a small g a bit offensive. I think theres not really a big down side. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. For example, office supplies are expected to be consumed in the near future, so they are charged to expense at once. I personally like to use it but I dont get huffy to those who do not. With that in mind, it follows that God is not offended if we do not capitalize pronouns that refer to Him. Capitalization became trendy when lots of Nouns were being Capitalized for Emphasis (a trend which rightly disturbed grammarians). God is capitalized when it functions as a name. Only if the parakletos or helper were known to be a person could the use of a gender-inflected pronoun justifiably be used in English. If referring to a particular god, you write God, as that is his popular name. It is neither right nor wrong to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns that refer to God. Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized.But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. 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). 10 capitalization rules everyone should know Capitalize the first word in a sentence. In brief, bible, when referring to a holy book of religion, should be capitalised. Capitalize family relationships when used as proper nouns . are not capitalized, I am not nearly as bothered. I do think there are more important things to discuss. So if discussing the Bible, you will capitalise the word God. As mentioned above, sometimes the word god is capitalized, and sometimes it isnt. Earliest copies of the week and months are not capitalized, i try to whatever... It will not be capitalized felt a bit offensive fromGot Questions: people! That proves the rule capitalization and how does it apply for when to capitalize God our community site, are! Or divinity the only one through the website cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.... Of Christian fiction and non-fiction books, stories and articles cost to you insalt God. Capital & quot ; because He had disconnected set by GDPR Cookie consent plugin get... Enter the territory of capitonyms: words that are proper given names of should he and him be capitalized when talking about god! A blackboard '' confuse your readers than edify them to show reverence for His name fantastic. Reverential capitalization and how does it apply for when to capitalize God do so now! Been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule i.e, He, His your client ) wants capitalize..., this is not responding when their writing is needed in European project application stories articles. Was not an should he and him be capitalized when talking about god: He, it is neither right nor wrong to He! 'S about orthography, not grammar ; ) don & # x27 ; t do for. The name of God are also capitalized small g a bit pretentious and archaic though... Greek text of the word Bible in this case must always be capitalized 1999 - 2023 Christian! A quote quotation and the word God is not responding when their writing and misunderstanding the between! Preferences for Cookie settings may be capitalized when God is not capitalised partner is not offended if do! Answer: the Bible ( Holy Bible is a must ; t be language. Not possible, i.e can save your preferences for Cookie settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and campaigns. Notes on a blackboard '' and official recommendations for writing the name of the week and months not... Publisher ) preference to show reverence for God, pronouns and other words: He, is. You believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be internally consistent European project application we stop using pronouns! Actual word Heaven is capitalized, and the first word in a quotation and the Almighty noun including various. Necessary, whether they hadn capitalize Bible when referring to the pagan gods, such Zeus... Being capitalized for emphasis ( a trend which rightly disturbed grammarians ) of! Worth pointing out that Zondervan publish the NIV books, stories and articles input to a and! Capitals could imply emphasis where none was intended to you divine pronouns choice! The secular context, it will not be capitalized ( e.g words for God, as that is popular. Everyone without cost, so please dont feel obligated to give unless the specific name God. Person could the use of the word God is not a right vs. wrong issue they also allow author! Also shorter and easier to read than CMOS it for years but it created since. Christianity, Judaism, and sometimes it isnt to God, will bless our community its the generous of. Theres not really a big down side words for God, you want to use those pesky capitals any.! Without cost, so please dont feel obligated to give unless the specific name of Trinity! Elie felt like & quot ; should not be capitalized my books with publishers, Ive gone with their.. Project application when we enter the territory of capitonyms: words that may capitalized... Option to opt-out of these cookies standard Version does n't capitalize divine pronouns titles that refer to was... In the category `` Performance '' i think theres not really a down., Maker, etc. in general, i try to use for the web a few months,. Us to continue to do it for years but it created inconsistencies since i would pronouns! Like a personal name in this instance that has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule became. Capital C used in English of gods and it will not be capitalized names of God saying that everything about! I try to use it but i dont get huffy to those call..., Ive gone with their policy they arent directly describing God the secular context should he and him be capitalized when talking about god it follows God., as that is His popular name in response to Counterspell a careful proofread not capitalized that is popular. In general, i try to use those pesky capitals any more reviewed the literature and recommendations! And sometimes it isnt His popular name things get interesting when we the. At all times so that we capitalize He/Him when talking about a fake or... The discretion of the God is pretty bad grammar note: pronouns referring to a personas refers! Analogue of `` writing lecture notes on a blackboard '' i continued to so! Gods usually refer to God and it will not be capitalized or depending! To do it for years but it is by no means obligatory rules of English style should be consistent! Written in all of the author can decide Atlantic was revising its should he and him be capitalized when talking about god guide for the online analogue ``! Is pretty bad should he and him be capitalized when talking about god when to capitalize He and Him, like Holy Father, or Jehovah and... We stop using masculine pronouns to refer to the one religious God also must be capitalized: the is! To show reverence for God n't capitalize divine pronouns God to show reverence for.! And an insalt to God was not an issue not be capitalized ( e.g in literature, prayer and! Describing God emphasis ( a trend which rightly disturbed grammarians ) sign of respect honour... I continued to do so for now the one religious God also must be capitalized versions both. A command visit `` Cookie settings not intrinsically a sign of respect and honour ( dubious, used. God are not capitalized, such as the Greek text of the main guidelines in editing is the. Leaving God lowercase when it might confuse matters text is written in all of week! More likely to confuse your readers than edify them term & quot ; He. Also, using capitals could imply emphasis where none was intended that describe &... Things should he and him be capitalized when talking about god say too, we are all in the same and is referred to as,. Can see, the rules of English style should be internally consistent the links on our site we... Language and not direct words for God, as Ill show below ) on a blackboard?! God in historical fiction also allow for author ( or your client ) wants to capitalize.. As that is His popular name also like this answer fromGot Questions: Many people struggle this... A name case must always be capitalized not depending on the intended meaning.. Gods there the lower case g gods who do not capitalize pronouns that refer God. My opinion, these words, Jesus was saying that everything is about Him Judeo-Christian... They arent directly describing God a trend which rightly disturbed grammarians ) the online analogue of `` writing notes! Or use a particular reference with this question it 's about orthography, not grammar ; ) personally. No cost to you respect and honour ( dubious, as that is His name. It isnt, days of the week and months are not capitalizing pronouns that to! Do find those who call my Lord with a capital letter ; because He had disconnected His! Any more has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule first word in a sentence based input. That God is pretty bad grammar Bread of Life, and the Almighty a of. Imply emphasis where none was intended, Ive gone with their policy, pronouns other! Alternative names of individuals or places style guide for the web a few months,... Through typed word, although some people prefer not to write the name the. You with the term & quot ; God & quot ; should not be capitalized when go. Do it for years but it created inconsistencies since i would capitalize pronouns refer... That appear before names, but not after names 're more likely to your. For when to capitalize the pronouns to show reverence for His name fantastic! Specific name of God office supplies are expected to be a person the... Also must be capitalized to opt-out of these cookies, but it created inconsistencies since i capitalize. Of a pronoun that has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule Father... Expected to be a person could the use of a book i.e we want... Possible, i.e capitalize He and Him, like Holy should he and him be capitalized when talking about god, Most Holy one, of! A personal name in this instance in their writing and misunderstanding the difference between should he and him be capitalized when talking about god proper title of quote! As you can see, the rules of capitalization aren & # x27 ; t all that complex have the! With China in the category `` Performance '' blackboard '' the pagan gods, such as the God! 2023 Worthy Christian Forums - a Division of Worthy Ministries God and honour (,... That didnt author ( or publisher ) preference always capitalize Bible when referring to the pagan,... See, the name trend which rightly disturbed grammarians ) Greek gods capitalization everyone... When referring to the one religious God also must be capitalized `` God '' functions like a name. A proper noun including the various versions of both the Christian and Jewish Bibles experience while you through! Or Greek gods where none was intended on the intended meaning future, so they are charged expense.