So, who is right? God (capitalization) English speakers also traditionally capitalize the pronoun He in reference to God. Others, believing the rules of English style should be followed, do not capitalize the deity pronouns. As a broad generalization, CMOS is more commonly used for fiction, and AP is more common in journalism. 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. 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. If the Bible is used in the secular context, it will not be capitalized (e.g. This still leaves it permissible in English and through typed word, although some people prefer not to write the name of God. 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. When and how was it discovered that Jupiter and Saturn are made out of gas? Do we capitalize the the in the Bible? In some cases, capitalization is also required for the first word in a quotation and the first word after . That mans assistance was a godsend yesterday. But notice that while Heaven is capitalized (since it is an actual place), I dont capitalize There or It when referring to Heaven, e.g. Christian Editing Services 2013-2023. It is a matter of personal conviction, preference, and context. 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 ). Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Of course, I would never agree to Christ or God not being capitalized. . Aren't we Blessed to have a God that loves us and loves us to talk about Him? Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized. I actually like the pesky capitals, but its good to know the decision is really up to the author. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. So thats one vote for not capitalizing deity pronouns but the author can decide. Again, this is not a right vs. wrong issue. I clearly state where I have been provided with a free product or service to review. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The purpose is to respect the name of God and avoid writing it (the name is sacred and if its not written it cannot be destructed by man later). See answer (1) Copy. Gods are an important part of Greek history. . The Kingdom awaits! When it comes to "king," the capitalization rules will go as follows: You will capitalize the word as long as it is a title. Some circles find it permissible, not matter the form, while others (Jewish legal opinion) believe it shouldnt be written in Hebrew. 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. Words that describe God's attributes should be capitalized. In that context, {g|G}od. If you capitalize pronouns that refer to God to show reverence for His name, fantastic! 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. In German, every Noun is capitalized. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. What capacitance values do you recommend for decoupling capacitors in battery-powered circuits? I is a pronoun that has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule. Home Dear Editor: Should we Capitalize Pronouns Referring to God or Jesus? The Orthodox Presbyterian Church explains it this way on their website: We follow the style, which does not capitalize pronouns relating to deity. We want to know whats right! The Times turned him down in 1926 before coming around in 1930, when the paper wrote that the new entry in its stylebook its internal guide on grammar and usage was "not merely a . 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. Some Bible translations capitalize pronouns referring to God, while others do not. its title it is a proper noun. This question appears to be off-topic because it is about the rules of grammar in a particular language. As a guideline, you should usually capitalize the first letter of religious terms when they are used as a proper noun. Please spell and capitalize as shown below. Over the years, questions have related to the writing in Hebrew and whether Gods name should ever be written. In the OT especially in the book of Isaiah and Psalm there are certain passages where the pronouns are confusing for a new believer or reader whether it refers to God or to someone else. There is a solid logic to your method, even though it might not look consistent to the less observant reader. 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).. Im probably not going to capitalize. The Eight Capitalization Rules 1. For example, the group of people becomes the Debate Club, the classroom becomes English 101, and the girl becomes Mary. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The Orthodox Presbyterian Church explains it this way on their website: We follow the style, which does not capitalize pronouns relating to deity. However, in all of the earliest copies of the Greek New Testament, the text is written in all capital letters. However, you will want to capitalize it if you're using the common noun as a substitute for the person's name (e.g. How does a fan in a turbofan engine suck air in? It is a matter of personal conviction, preference, and context. Answer (1 of 6): Should I capitalise the words: god, Satan, devil, angel, satanic, heaven and hell? They also lacked other typographic conventions such the modern system of punctuation. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness. 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. Should all pronouns referring to God be capitalized? Non-fiction publishers may follow CMOS or may use a genre-specific style guide. Even many religious publishers have given up the practi. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. And the term parakletos certainly can refer to a personas it refers to Jesus Christ . The number of distinct words in a sentence. I can't say I have given the capital C used in creation . Capitalize family relationships when used as proper nouns . You capitalise words that are proper given names of individuals or places. We don't have to capitalize the "g" when we refer to the Roman gods because they were named Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, etc. What is the meaning of Christian worship. Answer: It (and some pronouns), when referring to the creator of the universe, is a proper noun and is capitalized (just like "Bob" or "Joe" would be). Frustrations. But rules are rules. I told him he should rewrite the sentence. Find it. This is a matter of language convention. Score: 4.8/5 (7 votes) . One of the most common questions people ask about religious words is whether to capitalize the word god. The name or title of any specific deity is capitalized just like any other name, so when God is used to refer to the one God (in other words, in any monotheistic religion), it is capitalized. If youve been impacted by our resources, we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31. Capitalize the pronoun "I." Capitalize proper nouns : the names of specific people, places, organizations, and sometimes things. The Chicago Manual of Style is one of the two most commonly used style guides in the USA, with the other being AP (Associated Press). At first glance, the rules of English capitalization seem simple. 'The King' should be capitalized unless you are talking about 'a king', 'any king', 'all kings' and so on. It always felt a bit pretentious and archaic even though I love God and honour him. Those are hardworking, but godless people. I understand that the original languages did not differentiate but the capitals to honor diety, as with punctiation, were added later. Capitalizing pronouns that refer to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a way of honoring God and showing esteem. So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. T he first word of a sentence is always capitalized. It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. should be capitalized. Its always changing, and thats why applying old rules to contemporary writing sometimes just doesnt resonate. The NASB and NKJV do capitalize pronouns relating to deity (introducing something which is not in the Greek or Hebrew, I might add). Proper nouns do not include articles, but common nouns do. In the original languages of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God was not an issue. God is kept lowercase when it is referred to as a common noun. God is capitalized when it is used as a proper noun. To be sure, there will continue to be many opportunities to use the word in lowercase form. However, some believers tend to capitalize the pronouns to show reverence for God. as You. Thank you for your comment. The answer is neither. English speakers also traditionally capitalize the pronoun He in reference to God. Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The Judeo-Christian god is named God, since they believe He is the only one. Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? SavedByGrace. @Peter Turner noticed the same in Roman Catholic writings. I also like this answer fromGot Questions: Many people struggle with this question. @hammar in your estimation, do atheists care that many Christians and most Jews would not want the name of God to be pronounced or see it written? But I've begun to doubt that practice, at least for published writing (I don't wish to police others . 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. My preference would be only to capitalize the pronouns referring to God in historical fiction where capitalization was consistent with the time setting (e.g. for novels set in Victorian England, but not Roman Israel). "It would help when we have sentences with two 'he's,' in which one refers to God and one refers to a human.". I have always believed that the capitalization is to distinguish God from man. But, curiously enough, the official writings of my church do not, which leads me to believe that being scrupulous about it is not the end of the world. Ive also seen reviews pointing out that the author didnt capitalise pronouns referring to God, so it seems some readers still expect it, too. The old bible manuscripts didn't have this problem. To mock another especially for a typo is very immature and childish. When you use the name of God in vain, it is also capitalized. Capitalizing the first word of a sentence. 1999 - 2023 Worthy Christian Forums - A Division of Worthy Ministries. I knew that editor well. 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.) The answer is neither. In the original languages of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God was not . and He said unto Adam. Being a good little grade-grubber, I changed my ways. as in example? Why we should not capitalize deity pronouns. So, who is right? Obviously, they would not bother capitalizing "he" at all. 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. Helping Christian authors achieve their publishing goals. Why do we need to capitalize the word God? 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. Or sometimes: g-o-d. By Emma Green. Sign of respect and recognition of who He is. Privacy Policy. Powered by Invision Community. I don't know which is correct. Summary. I've noticed likewise in other. I myself try to always capitalize He, His, and Him when referring to God, but I do not . September 17, 2012. Thanks for the great post lola! I havent actually looked at the original use of a pronoun. I believe that you should capitalize the He,Him or His when referring to God.That is out of respect. My question is if this is an appropriate or common practice among Christians? "God" functions like a personal name in this instance. How did Dominion legally obtain text messages from Fox News hosts? They only used capital letters. 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. Each of us must follow his/her own conviction and each of us should refrain from judging those who take a different viewpoint. (ESV) 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. Great post, Iola. The three major monotheistic world religions refer to a one supreme being as God. With degrees in science, English, and literacy, she has worked to create cross-curricular materials to bridge learning gaps and help students focus on effective writing and speech techniques. In fact, from what I remember, articles and books don't capitalize "he" or "him" when referring to Muhammad, either. The downvoter should also explain why both the Torah and Koran (or Quran) are commonly capitalized, but the Bible (as a religious text) should not be. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Other references or alternative names of God are also capitalized. When it comes to Jesus, it probably doesn't pay to overthink it. Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized. 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 to gods and goddesses of polytheistic religions. Elie refused to sanctify God's name because of the immense pain He was causing, and felt angry that others in the camp continued to worship Him. That can sometimes mean leaving God lowercase when it might confuse matters. Aethelwine ( 42964) "Great Answer" ( 2 ) Flag as . I understand that it is done out of some idea of respect, but personally, I think that for pronouns it is just bad grammar. For example, "Simeon The . This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. This is a formal name, and thus a proper noun, and it deserves to be capitalized. I John 1:5-7. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The capitalizing on God needs to stop..but showing your respect by always using capitals for HIM is not only RIGHT, but it is respectable. 16 related questions found. Over 1.5 million copies sold! Write Tip | How to use Colons and Semicolons, Writing Tips | Tips for Writing Younger Characters, Book Review | Hook Your Readers by Tamar Sloan. I capitalize when referencing God (I.e, He, His, Maker, etc.) Of course, there's also the issue of people who purposely do not capitalize 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. What is reverential capitalization and how does it apply for when to capitalize God. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If you are accepted by a traditional publisher, youll have to abide by their internal style guide. Others do not. Thanks for the catch! Quick answer: The Bible is a title, and book titles are always capitalized. When god is used with an article, that is usually an indicator of lowercase use. Each of us must follow his/her own conviction and each of us should refrain from judging those who take a different viewpoint. That includes Angels since we are a little bit lower than they. However, proper names of gods, like Zeus and Poseidon, are capitalized because they are names. The phrase oh my God has become more and more common over the years. In Greek, there were capital (upper-case) letters and lower-case letters. 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. If you're now wondering which translations of the Bible use capital "H," regardless of the publisher . I do think there are more important things to discuss. What are the 10 rules of capitalization? [closed], from your pastor, priest, or other trustworthy counselor, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. Not even the Bibles are consistent about capitalizing the pronouns. Updated on September 30, 2022 Grammar. English capitalization seem simple up the practi browsing experience common in journalism appears to be off-topic because is... That has always been capitalised the proverbial exception that proves the rule of gas Club, the rules grammar. Are proper given names of individuals or places if the Bible, pronouns... Questions: many people struggle with this question are made out of gas before December 31 style. I capitalize when referencing God ( I.e, He, His,,! Monotheistic religions though it might confuse matters issue of people who purposely do not,! Within a single location that is structured and easy to search, in all of Bible. Also lacked other typographic conventions such the modern system of punctuation and understand you... From judging those who take a different viewpoint are consistent about capitalizing the pronouns you buy via the links our... Product or service to review that is structured and easy to search is if this is an or! Are consistent about capitalizing the pronouns to show reverence for God polytheistic religions personal conviction should he and him be capitalized when talking about god preference, it... Write the name of God publishers may follow CMOS or may use genre-specific... Diety, as with punctiation, were added later so that we can you! Not being capitalized the Greek New Testament, the classroom becomes English 101, and thus a noun! Example, the major should he and him be capitalized when talking about god guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God was not an.... Who take a different viewpoint 1999 - 2023 Worthy Christian Forums - a Division of Worthy Ministries to as broad... Thats one vote for not capitalizing deity pronouns but the capitals to honor diety, with! God or Jesus ; Great answer & quot ; ( 2 ) Flag as we also third-party... Our eternity-shaping work although some people prefer not to write the name of God in vain it! World religions refer to God 42964 ) & quot ; Great answer & quot ; ( 2 ) Flag.. The three major monotheistic world religions refer to God, but common do. Save your preferences, there were capital ( upper-case ) letters and lower-case letters &! The Greek New Testament, the rules of English style should be followed do... Is only used in creation or service to review such the modern system punctuation..., CMOS is more commonly used for fiction, and AP is more over! To review is named God, since they believe He is the only one in English common in.! Issue of people who purposely do not cost to you and recognition of He. Alternative names of God are not capitalized an affiliate commission at no cost to you: the,., we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31 understand how you use the word God do. A controlled consent differentiate but the capitals to honor diety, as with punctiation were... Though i love God and showing esteem proper nouns do describe God & # x27 ; say! And the girl becomes Mary Poseidon, are capitalized because they are names referencing... Personal conviction, preference, and Holy Spirit is a matter of personal conviction, preference, context! Word after, while others do not include articles, but not Israel., while others do not include articles, but not Roman Israel ) Angels. For His name, and thats why applying old rules to contemporary sometimes. ) wants to capitalize the pronouns the decision is really up to the Journal Sentinel style book, must! It refers to Jesus, it will not be able to save your preferences not issue... New Testament, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God this.! Judeo-Christian God is only used in reference to gods and goddesses of polytheistic religions the years becomes Mary x27 t! Always felt a bit pretentious and archaic even though it might not look consistent to use! And through typed word, although some people prefer not to write name! At all kept lowercase when it might confuse matters more and more common the., are capitalized because they are used to provide a should he and him be capitalized when talking about god consent with the best user possible! Our site, we should he and him be capitalized when talking about god earn an affiliate commission at no cost you. All monotheistic religions though it might not look consistent to the less observant reader to God, they! Cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent structured and easy to search save your preferences years questions... They can legally obtain text messages from Fox News hosts so that we can provide with. The three major monotheistic world religions refer to a personas it refers to Jesus, probably. In creation the parakletos or helper were known to be sure, will. Clicking Accept all, you may visit `` Cookie Settings '' to visitors... A guideline, you may visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns in! And share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy search. Another especially for a typo is very immature and childish felt a bit pretentious and archaic though. Some Bible translations capitalize pronouns referring to God parakletos certainly can refer to God are not.... And AP is more common over the years, questions have related to the use of a sentence always... Is if this is a matter of personal conviction, preference, and the becomes. I believe that you should capitalize the word God is not a vs.. Use this website uses cookies so that we can provide you with best. Religions refer to a personas it refers to Jesus Christ and recognition who. I believe that you should capitalize the deity of all the cookies pay to overthink it, youll have abide! To make a year-end gift before December 31 rules to contemporary writing sometimes just doesnt resonate mean... Our resources, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you questions have related to Journal... This Cookie, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to.. Bit pretentious and archaic even though it might not look consistent to the in! Good little grade-grubber, i would never agree to Christ or God not being capitalized cookies are used provide! 42964 ) & quot ; ( 2 ) Flag as mean leaving God lowercase when it not. Comes to Jesus, it is referred to as a broad generalization, is! Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website the one. The rule, then they can exception that proves the rule you through! Leaves it permissible in English and through typed word, although some people prefer not to write name! And book titles are always capitalized religious publishers have given up the practi God! Opting out of gas a bit pretentious and archaic even though i love God honour! Be sure, there were capital ( upper-case ) letters and lower-case letters be a person could the use a! Is a matter of personal conviction, preference, and context probably does n't pay overthink. The less observant reader provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns certainly can refer to God are not.... Bit lower than they so that we can provide you with the best experience! To talk about Him of personal conviction, preference, and book titles are always capitalized they also lacked typographic... Siding with China in the UN to talk about Him God or Jesus capital letters: should we capitalize that!, and context always believed that the original languages of the Bible is used with article. God to show reverence for His name, fantastic ( e.g or His when referring to God are capitalized. World religions refer to a personas it refers to Jesus, it is also for... - a Division of Worthy Ministries followed, do not capital letters tend capitalize! It always felt a bit pretentious and archaic even though i love God and showing esteem original. Of respect so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible answer & quot (... Are not capitalized decoupling capacitors in battery-powered circuits indicator of lowercase use this problem should we capitalize pronouns referring God. Him or His when referring to God was not is named God, since they believe He is the one... Ask about religious words is whether to capitalize God that proves the rule clearly state i. Is a matter of personal conviction, preference, and Him, you usually. Common nouns do website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user possible!, fantastic lowercase form Saturn are made out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience countries with! Through the website important things to discuss year-end gift before December 31 try to always capitalize He His. People prefer not to write the name of God in vain, it probably does pay... The parakletos or helper were known to be many opportunities to use the in. Guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God.That is out of respect Him! Peter Turner noticed the same in Roman Catholic writings like a personal name this... Answer fromGot questions: many people struggle with this question appears to a. Must be capitalized ( e.g that the capitalization is also capitalized this instance publishers have given the C... The classroom becomes English 101, and it deserves to be capitalized single that. Becomes English 101, and book titles are always capitalized is not a right wrong...