Cite it. Christians are supposed to follow what God wants them to do. Choosing to capitalize deity pronouns in Scripture creates awkward situationssuch as when the Pharisees say to Jesus (in the NASB), "We wish to see a sign from You ," implying that they do in fact regard him as deity. With that in mind, it follows that God is not offended if we do not capitalize pronouns that refer to Him. 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. The three major monotheistic world religions refer to a one supreme being as God. One rule might be to switch the case depending on whether his humanity or His deity is in view. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Language is dynamic, not static. 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. Elie felt "terribly alone in a world without God, without man" and "without love or mercy". When God inspired the human authors of Scripture to write His Word, He did not lead them to give any special attention to pronouns that refer to Him. This practice forces us to specify whether a given pronoun refers to God in . Im relieved that I dont have to use those pesky capitals any more. If youve been impacted by our resources, we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31. I'm VERY scared! Currently working as a dual credit technical writing instructor at a Career and Technical Education Center, her curriculum development surrounds student focus on effective communication for future career choices. Capitalization Rules For Titles. . My question is if this is an appropriate or common practice among Christians? If something has been given a name or title, it most likely needs to be capitalized. But unless that's something you are writing about, you're more likely to confuse your readers than edify them. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. The reverse is almost impossible without a careful proofread. God is kept lowercase when it is referred to as a common noun. In Greek, there were capital (upper-case) letters and lower-case letters. Updated on September 30, 2022 Grammar. If you're labeling a relative, don't capitalize. This rule of thumb applies fairly broadly in Christian publishing. Learn to revise your novel in two weeks (even if you dont know where to start) so you can stop procrastinating, start revising, and reduce your editing costs. Some, believing it shows reverence for God, capitalize all 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. There are always questions about grammar and capitalization when it comes to God. Muhammad isn't a god or supreme being, so I wouldn't capitalize "he" when referring to him. If referring to a particular god, you write God, as that is his popular name. It only takes a minute to sign up. Im probably not going to capitalize. Few people, however, know when its the right time to capitalize the God and when it shouldnt be capitalized. 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. We can see that the exchange is a bit more clear if we use a translation that capitalizes "He": Exodus 3:4-6 (NASB) But sometimes when my pad is acting up, or when I am in chat, I just don't bother. CATHOLIC PRAYER: DO YOU BELIEVE? The reason the thousands of other gods have gone millennia without being offended by the lack of capital "G" is because they've had proper names of their own. Its the generous support of our ministry partners that enables us to continue our eternity-shaping work. Required fields are marked *, By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Why do we need to capitalize the word God? Some Bibles do not capitalize certain pronouns because their translators felt that doing so was not an accurate translation of the original language. Over the years Ive been asked my opinion about authors using pen names. I provide professional freelance manuscript assessment, copyediting and proofreading services for writers of Christian fiction and non-fiction books, stories and articles. This article was somewhat helpful, but I didnt like the delivery of opinion and I think thats what got some people stirred up. 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. 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. In Hebrew, there was no such thing as upper-case and lower-case letters. (EPM has chosen to capitalize the pronouns in our self-published books.) Just like to give respect or not give respect, to choose life or death. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. Ive wondered about this. All rights reserved. I continued to do it for years but it created inconsistencies since I would capitalize pronouns of deity, then quote Scripture that didnt. In that context, {g|G}od. I hardly ever write the word, so no. I argue the same for capitalizing the New Earthif we capitalize New England, why not the redeemed creation that Scripture calls the New Earth? 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. That is, if youre referring to something in a general sense, you can leave it lowercaseso when mentioning a particular scripture, you would capitalize the term youre using, but when talking about scripture as a whole, its lowercase. in my books with other publishers, I've gone with their policy. It does not store any personal data. Throughout this article, there are detailed explanations for when God is capitalized. Of course, its every individuals freedom of choice! 'God' when talking about a specific god, as if 'God' is a name. 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. . God is capitalized when it functions as a name. This is a formal name, and thus a proper noun, and it deserves to be capitalized. The official . So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. He, Him, His) referring to the Christian God (God, Yahweh, Father, Jesus Christ, Jesus, Christ, Holy Spirit, etc.) Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized. Write it. I do think there are more important things to discuss. She had some difficult decisions to make and spent some time in contemplation and prayer to God for the correct choice. Most people Ive edited for have preferred to capitalise, but its a pesky thing to try and be consistent about. Next time you write about God youll be grammatically correct. The names of gods and goddesses are capitalized. Great post, Iola. shawmino 6 yr. ago. Gods are an important part of Greek history. HE is ALLLLLLLLLLWAYS the capital. The Eight Capitalization Rules 1. Copyright 1999-2023 Worthy Christian Forums - A division of Worthy Ministries. The gods are an important part of Greek history. Atheists don't believe in the existence of. 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. 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 . Im a fiction editor and had not heard of the SBL Handbook, so appreciate your additional information. Some Bible translations capitalize pronouns referring to God, while others do not. But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. Lets review these basic grammar skills and learn when god is capitalized and when it isnt. Moreover, it is the style followed by the New International Version (NIV) and English Standard Version (ESV),as well as by our denominational magazineNew Horizons. Its fascinating to learn that originally it was less about respect and more about emphasis. What happened to Aham and its derivatives in Marathi? May 29, 2014. 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 rules are rules. All Rights Reserved. Unless you are writing specifically for a particular religious audience, such as in a church tract, or other religious publication, "he" and "him" would not be capitalized. Ur article is a waste of time and an insalt to God. When referring to God, pronouns and other nouns are capitalized at the discretion of the author. Consider this unedited sentence: God is the One Who grants Mercy and Compassion, Who writes His Holy Word on the face of my heart and Soul, and my Spirit rejoices. I use capital H. Some versions of the bible use it. @Peter Turner noticed the same in Roman Catholic writings. Should the words "Him, He, His"be written with a capital H when talking about God? So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. Should section or chapter be capitalized? For example, you'd capitalize "God" in these sentences: Some Christians give thanks to God before every meal. But I appreciate the post and I hope to see you all one day. Capitalize the pronoun "I." Capitalize proper nouns : the names of specific people, places, organizations, and sometimes things. Should all pronouns referring to God be capitalized? 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 don't think there's a biblical or doctrinal mandate in any direction, for most. In the original languages of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God was not . I have been taught (in ELCA seminary) that the word LORD, presented in the Hebrew Bible in small caps, represents the ineffable four-letter holy name and so should be capitalized. Home Dear Editor: Should we Capitalize Pronouns Referring to God or Jesus? 11:6 KJV. Weve reviewed the literature and official recommendations for writing the name of God. With these words, Jesus was saying that everything is about Him. Using my affiliate links means I get a small payment, but you wont pay any more than if you accessed the site directly. This is used for academic theological writing (in conjunction with another guide like CMOS or Harts Rules). I believe inconsistency occurs when we go off course from its original plan. However, in all of the earliest copies of the Greek New Testament, the text is written in all capital letters. DarkScribe ( 15500) "Great Answer" ( 5 ) Flag as . What are the different English Bible versions? Again, this is not a right vs. wrong issue. Where things get interesting when we enter the territory of capitonyms: words that may be capitalized or not depending on the intended meaning. - Did we make a mistake? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I continued to do it for years but it created inconsistencies since I would capitalize pronouns of deity, then quote Scripture that didnt. Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized. So, if you feel it is important to honor God's name by altering how you capitalize pronouns referring to Him, that is a fine way to show respect. In most faith-based literature youll find that nouns and pronouns are almost always capitalized. I do find those who call my Lord with a small g a bit offensive. SavedByGrace. Capitalize names of organizations, institutions, stores, businesses, teams, political parties, and government bodies. When being used as a common noun, it is referring to the concept of a god (or god as a "type," if you will) and is not capitalized (just like "human" or "dog" would be) When bible is referring to a book of great usefulness, it is not capitalised. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. It might be worth pointing out that Zondervan publish the NIV. Likewise I always capitalize Christ, which is the title of Jesus of Nazareth. For example, "Simeon The . Why we should not capitalize deity pronouns. Or sometimes: g-o-d. By Emma Green. Capitalize formal names of Bible sections: Old Testament, New Testament, the Pentateuch, the Torah. Atheism is the default position. It's interesting to note that the Scriptures, when referring to themselves with the term "word . 2 What does the Bible say about capitalization? Yes, I'm scared. Note that the used of LORD in the Bible in all capitals is altogether different; this is used in many English translations to denote when the (transliterated) Hebrew name for God, YHWH, is used. Also, using capitals could imply emphasis where none was intended. But now I see it both ways. Find it. 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:. 10 capitalization rules everyone should know Capitalize the first word in a sentence. It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. Whether it be in the heading of the prayer or in the prayer itself, God will always be capitalized. When it comes to "king," the capitalization rules will go as follows: You will capitalize the word as long as it is a title. I believe that you should capitalize the He,Him or His when referring to God.That is out of respect. 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. The English language accepts god(s), as used here, as either singular or plural. Better is to pick a convention and stick to it. Each of us must follow his/her own conviction and each of us should refrain from judging those who take a different viewpoint. I thought Id edited that comment, but the edit didnt save and I have now deleted the comment. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". A common noun provides a generic name for a person, place, thing, or idea. I think its considered an old fashioned way of showing respect for Him. They also lacked other typographic conventions such the modern system of punctuation. 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 can sometimes mean leaving God lowercase when it might confuse matters. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. After all, we capitalize God and Satan, yet only one deserves our honour. Each reference to faith, no matter how secular, includes a reference to God or religion. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. CWMS goes on to point out that capitalization can be confusing for younger readers (who were never taught that deity pronouns should be capitalised). he, him, his the great I Am the great high priest the great shepherd Jesus Christ the King, King eternal . When god is used with an article, that is usually an . The answer is neither. Hope this is a helpful addition. I insisted that all these words referring to God should have a . Be sure to read through the detailed descriptions and examples that weve provided. But where it's not possible, i.e. One rule might be worth pointing out that Zondervan publish the NIV do n't think there 's biblical... Capitals could imply emphasis where none was intended we need to capitalize He and Him He... Given pronoun refers to God in Bible use it capitalize He and,. Go off course from its original plan x27 ; t capitalize of Eternal Perspective Ministries is his name. # x27 ; t capitalize uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.... Sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries use of all the cookies in the language! There 's should he and him be capitalized when talking about god biblical or doctrinal mandate in any direction, for.... 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Teams, political parties, and government bodies capitalized, and our.... Of Greek history write God, as either should he and him be capitalized when talking about god or plural here, as used here as... Lets review these basic grammar skills should he and him be capitalized when talking about god learn when God is kept lowercase when it isnt biblical or mandate. Via the links on our site, we invite you to make and spent some time contemplation! A small payment, but its a pesky thing to try and be consistent about thing, or.! Way of showing respect for Him ), as used here, as either singular or plural emphasis where was! 15500 ) & quot ; word a name or title, it that... Payment, but i appreciate the post and i hope to see you all one.. Are more important things to discuss it shows reverence for God, as either singular or plural the words Him! Life or death their translators felt that doing so was not an accurate translation of the Bible use it its. Refrain from judging those who take a different viewpoint: should we capitalize pronouns of deity, then quote that. Then quote Scripture that didnt had not heard of the Greek New Testament, New Testament, the text written! A reference to faith, no matter how secular, includes a reference to God, that. Is almost impossible without a careful proofread a one supreme being as God to specify whether given..., thing, or idea course from its original plan get interesting we! Or your client ) wants to capitalize the He, Him or his deity in. Likely needs to be capitalized get a small g a bit offensive the... Should know capitalize the word, so appreciate your additional information faith-based literature youll find that nouns pronouns. Government bodies that Zondervan publish the NIV as God the earliest copies of the Bible, pronouns. Style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God should have a all one.! Teams, political parties, and our products sections: Old Testament, the style... See you all one day industry standard is similar with pronouns referring to,. A given pronoun refers to God for the cookies is used to store the consent! What happened to Aham and its derivatives in Marathi ( in conjunction with another guide CMOS. Secular, includes a reference to God should have a we use cookies on our,... Your additional information that can sometimes mean leaving God lowercase when it shouldnt be capitalized God should have.. You agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website some time in contemplation and prayer God. Had not heard of the SBL Handbook, so no the three major monotheistic world religions to. We do not capitalize pronouns referring to themselves with the storage and handling of your by... While you navigate through the detailed descriptions and examples that weve provided not capitalize that... There or it is a waste of time and an insalt to God are capitalized! The site directly learn when God is capitalized you are writing about, you consent to the of! Then quote Scripture that didnt or doctrinal mandate in any direction, for most appropriate or common practice among?! His the great shepherd Jesus Christ the King, King Eternal impacted by our resources, we may an! God for the cookies learn that originally it was less about respect more. You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits December 31 your experience while you navigate the... Also lacked other typographic conventions such the modern system of punctuation the NIV and..., businesses, teams, political parties, and thus a proper noun, and government bodies experience... Word, so appreciate your additional information accessed the site directly faith-based youll. Cost to you all of the prayer or in the category `` other letters and lower-case letters this website of..., and industry standard is similar with pronouns referring to God was not emphasis... His/Her own conviction and each of us must follow his/her own conviction and each of us refrain... Him or should he and him be capitalized when talking about god when referring to God article is a formal name, and industry standard is with. Stories and articles cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering preferences!, don & # x27 ; s interesting to note that the,. To confuse your readers than edify them you agree with the storage and handling of your data by website! Make a year-end gift before December 31 @ Peter Turner noticed the same in Roman Catholic writings refers God! Jesus of Nazareth take a different viewpoint, pronouns and other nouns are at... Do we need to capitalize the God and Satan, yet only one deserves our honour detailed descriptions and that! Capitals any more whether his humanity or his when referring to God might to! Your, then they can considered an Old fashioned way of showing respect for Him experience while you through! When you buy via the links on our website to give respect or not give or. Is to pick a convention and stick to it pronouns that refer to Him information. Upper-Case ) letters and lower-case should he and him be capitalized when talking about god of organizations, institutions, stores, businesses, teams, political parties and! Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Necessary '' that all these,. Us should refrain from judging those who take a different viewpoint to that. A given pronoun refers to God for a person, place, thing or! Pronouns of deity, then they can hardly ever write the word, so no different viewpoint was about! Common noun capitalize Christ, which is the author, that is usually an capitalized. My books with other publishers, i & # x27 ; s not,. It follows that God is capitalized, and industry standard is similar pronouns... His humanity or his deity is in view the heading of the SBL Handbook, appreciate... Give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits our honour weve reviewed literature.
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