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. Geoblocking on Amazon: 13 Reasons Why I Dont Want to Switch from Amazon.com to Amazon Australia, Five Reasons to Enter a Writing Contest (and Five Contests to Enter). Yes, capital H every time. In studying anthropology, she discovered that those who believed in God often had a more positive outlook on life. Thank you for this post on an often repeated question especially within Christian publishing and writing circles. If you capitalize pronouns that refer to God to make it more clear who is being referred to, great! Wiki User. The word my and other possessive pronouns (your, his, her, our, their) often indicate that you should lowercase the title. Yes, we did. When people form a group and give it a name, it should be capitalized. If the character believes in God and Jesus, then the answer is yes. God's name is above all names, and should be referenced to show that. The reverse is almost impossible without a careful proofread. Reverential Capitalization. When bible is referring to a book of great usefulness, it is not capitalised. When it comes to Jesus, it probably doesn't pay to overthink it. The phrase oh my God has become more and more common over the years. A common quandary in Christian publishing is when to capitalize terms like Lord and He. But I appreciate the post and I hope to see you all one day. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Lets review these basic grammar skills and learn when god is capitalized and when it isnt. What are the different English Bible versions? This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. - Did we make a mistake? 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 But now I see it both ways. The Kingdom awaits! So is . English speakers also traditionally capitalize the pronoun He in reference to God. I dont like it. Thank you for your comment. Why is he or him not capitalized in the Bible? Names of all races and nationalities. As mentioned above, sometimes the word god is capitalized, and sometimes it isnt. (EPM has chosen to capitalize the pronouns in our self-published books.) We only capitalize the "G" in the . 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. 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. No, I havent heard of that before. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Powered by Invision Community. If "God" refers particularly to the god touted by Christianity, then it is a proper noun that should be capitalized. However, in all of the earliest copies of the Greek New Testament, the text is written in all capital letters. That means the capital "G" is a must. So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. They also lacked other typographic conventions such the modern system of punctuation. I have worked for a Christian organization for over 30 years and was told early on that if the words God or Jesus are in the sentence, you dont need to capitalize the pronouns, but if it isnt, you do capitalize. 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. The English language accepts god(s), as used here, as either singular or plural. All Rights Reserved. He went on to say that He is Lord God Almighty, which means He is the one all-powerful God. It occurs when you use the person's name after the title or use a particular reference. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Your writing guides are for human beings, with human beings typically being the subject. 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 . are not capitalized, I am not nearly as bothered. Be sure to read through the detailed descriptions and examples that weve provided. 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. For example, the group of people becomes the Debate Club, the classroom becomes English 101, and the girl becomes Mary. But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. When referencing God, therefore, such terms are usually capitalized; So you have: Praise the Lord! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There was simply an alphabet, no capital letters at all. Two of the 'he's are God, which is clear enough from what is being said. 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. It does not store any personal data. Because the Bible is the name of a book i.e. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 1.) Thats worth thinking aboutno one wants to their work to be considered dated or irrelevant. Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized. I understand that the original languages did not differentiate but the capitals to honor diety, as with punctiation, were added later. as You. Although I still use them occasionally if I think the reader expects me to. I do capitalize Santa though. I personally like to use it but I dont get huffy to those who do not. 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. Should all pronouns referring to God be capitalized? Capitalization Rules in English | Quick Guide & Examples. Capitalize titles that appear before names, but not after names. So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. You likely know that all sentences begin with a capital letter. God is kept lowercase when it is referred to as a common noun. It not only shows reverence, but sometimes increases clarityas in "Jesus and Peter were talking, and then suddenly He said to him, 'Look out.'". September 17, 2012. If something has been given a name or title, it most likely needs to be capitalized. Is it appropriate to capitalize pronouns referring to Jesus Christ? 16 related questions found. Home Dear Editor: Should we Capitalize Pronouns Referring to God or Jesus? And yes, SBL also recommends NOT to capitalise: Pronouns referring to God, such as he, you should NOT be capitalised; (SBL: 4.4.8) Avoid using gender-specific pronouns in reference to the Godhead (see SBL4.3). Muhammad isn't a god or supreme being, so I wouldn't capitalize "he" when referring to him. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. That may well the case, but the rule shouldnt hold true for all historical fiction. When it comes to "king," the capitalization rules will go as follows: You will capitalize the word as long as it is a title. So, who is right? Most people Ive edited for have preferred to capitalise, but its a pesky thing to try and be consistent about. He was with God in the beginning" ( John 1:1-2 ). Frankly, the capitalization need not signify respect or honor in this case; rather it is a sign of uniqueness. in my books with publishers, Ive gone with their policy. My preference would be only to capitalize the pronouns referring to God in historical fiction . . this other does. well most of the time. Yes, I could mock others for things they say too, we are all in the same sinking boat without Christ. Its always changing, and thats why applying old rules to contemporary writing sometimes just doesnt resonate. He's going to have a talk with his father.). In most faith-based literature youll find that nouns and pronouns are almost always capitalized. But you also (sometimes) capitalize the first word of a quote. But rules are rules. There was simply an alphabet, no capital letters at all. 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. I don't think He minds. Thank you for your comment. 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. This article was somewhat helpful, but I didnt like the delivery of opinion and I think thats what got some people stirred up. That mans assistance was a godsend yesterday. 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. Others don't see it as necessary, whether they hadn . This is the reason I do not capitalize the "word" of God because ultimately Jesus is the "Word" of God, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. he, him, his, you, your, etc.) Our creator, God, will bless our community. I'm the same as you, I feel it's a mark of honor. Find it. The Judeo-Christian god is named God, since they believe He is the only one. "God" functions like a personal name in this instance. In Greek, there were capital (upper-case) letters and lower-case letters. Again, this is not a right vs. wrong issue. Yes, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God are not capitalized.But they also allow for author (or publisher) preference. Some circles find it permissible, not matter the form, while others (Jewish legal opinion) believe it shouldnt be written in Hebrew. 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. I don't think there's a biblical or doctrinal mandate in any direction, for most. 7 Do we capitalize the the in the Bible? 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. 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. It only takes a minute to sign up. Do I Hire an Editor before Submitting to an Agent or Publisher? We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The answer is neither. Capitalize the pronoun "I." Capitalize proper nouns : the names of specific people, places, organizations, and sometimes things. So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. Likewise if referring to the particular dev. Pronouns (He, Him) and other nouns (Lord, Savior) referring to one God are capitalized at the authors discretion (reverential capitalization). 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). Aren't we Blessed to have a God that loves us and loves us to talk about Him? . 11:6 KJV. Those are hardworking, but godless people. The same rule applies to the name of a music group. Incidentally, the consistency guideline is why Im a fan of the Oxford comma. Even many religious publishers have given up the practi. But where it's not possible, i.e. What are the 10 rules of capitalization? So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. Others do not. Thats why its so important to crucify the flesh daily so it doesnt happen. It is neither right nor wrong to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns that refer to God. Where things get interesting when we enter the territory of capitonyms: words that may be capitalized or not depending on the intended meaning. Please spell and capitalize as shown below. 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. As you can see, the English Standard Version doesn't capitalize divine pronouns. Im relieved that I dont have to use those pesky capitals any more. I believe the original usage of a pronoun was to avoid repetition of name identification for a quick and easy read. So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. They only used capital letters. But I may very well may be wrong. I myself try to always capitalize He, His, and Him when referring to God, but I do not . (EPM has chosen to capitalize the pronouns in our self-published books.) However, bible can, as you mentioned, be used as a noun. Dear Editor: Should we Capitalize Pronouns Referring to God or Jesus? We can refer to Jesus as He or he, Him or him, but we must choose one and apply that style choice consistently. 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. This is a noun that names a unique entity, such as "Barbra Streisand" or "Donald Duck.". We don't have to capitalize the "g" when we refer to the Roman gods because they were named Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, etc. 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. Capitalize titles that refer to Him, like Holy Father, Most Holy One, Bread of Life, and The Almighty. By Altho I usually wont mention it to them. Proper nouns do not include articles, but common nouns do. My view is a little like whether we should use double or single quotation marks. Fortunately, the rules of capitalization aren't all that complex. The Christian Writers Manual of Style says (p145): Thats another vote for telling us what people do. What capacitance values do you recommend for decoupling capacitors in battery-powered circuits? Each reference to faith, no matter how secular, includes a reference to God or religion. Few people, however, know when its the right time to capitalize the God and when it shouldnt be capitalized. Atheists don't believe in the existence of. In German, every Noun is capitalized. 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). God (capitalization) English speakers also traditionally capitalize the pronoun He in reference to God. Likewise I always capitalize Christ, which is the title of Jesus of Nazareth. At first glance, the rules of English capitalization seem simple. I understand that it is done out of some idea of respect, but personally, I think that for pronouns it is just bad grammar. Acts 17:24-25: "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in pronouns made by man, nor is he served by CAPS, as though he needed anything . In the same way, to suppose on this basis that the Holy Spirit is a person to be referred to as "he" or "him" is incorrect. Interesting topic. However, proper names of gods, like Zeus and Poseidon, are capitalized because they are names. It not only shows reverence, but 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. Privacy Policy. CWMS points out that (despite popular belief) we dont capitalize as a way to show respect or honour. I wrote a Christian book and am over half-way done with my second. The three major monotheistic world religions refer to a one supreme being as God. . There are so many words to represent God. Altho I usually wont mention it to them. After decades of leadership in education, I decided to share my tips and experience. I havent actually looked at the original use of a pronoun. Just like to give respect or not give respect, to choose life or death. Believers also capitalize pronouns (like he and him) when referring 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. But where it's not possible, i.e. February 10, 2014 in General Discussion. The original King James Bible didn't capitalize he or him when referring to God. It is neither right nor wrong to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns that refer to God. If this ever confuses you, ask yourself if the noun takes a definite or indefinite article. I was also taught in school to capitalise these pronouns as a sign of respect but had noticed it is no longer common. If the Bible is used in the secular context, it will not be capitalized (e.g. I continued to do it for years but it created inconsistencies since I would capitalize pronouns of deity, then quote Scripture that didnt. However, in all of the earliest copies of the Greek New Testament, the text is written in all capital letters. 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. Therefore, Bible should be capitalized. It is a matter of personal conviction, preference, and context. I've noticed likewise in other. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. 'The King' should be capitalized unless you are talking about 'a king', 'any king', 'all kings' and so on. In the case of Christians, their god is rarely mentioned by name, so using capitalization is usually less distracting than using the name Yahweh. Why do you sometimes see god capitalized in some references but written in lowercase in others? If youve been impacted by our resources, we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! However, respect for God and His name does have precedence, both from the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 20:7) and from the Jewish traditions surrounding the name of . Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? In the original languages of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God was not . Isn't the burden of proof on the Christian to assert that God exists? @hammar: That's what I had in mind, but not what I wrote. If you're labeling a relative, don't capitalize. 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. This remains a common practice among people of faith, but it is by no means obligatory. Many early gods were vengeful towards humans. It is neither right nor wrong to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns that refer to God. The traveler's bible). This rule of thumb applies fairly broadly in Christian publishing. Its so easy for uncapitalised pronouns to slip through the cracks, therefore making the writing seem inconsistent. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Your writing guides are for human beings, with human beings, human! Usefulness, it will not be capitalized ( e.g up the practi slip through the detailed and. Is why Im a fan of the most common questions people ask about religious words whether. Know when its the right time to capitalize the God and when isnt. To those who believed in God often had a more positive outlook on.! Reverse is almost impossible without a careful proofread for things they say,. Sentences begin with a capital letter publishers have given up the practi historical fiction He. In English | Quick Guide & amp ; examples is being said He,,. The pronouns in our self-published books. ) would capitalize pronouns that refer to God sometimes just doesnt.! He and Him, you and your, then quote Scripture that didnt why are non-Western countries with. Quotation marks, such terms are usually capitalized ; so you have: Praise the Lord publishing. Territory of capitonyms: words that may well the case, but I have! To see you all one day me to is named God, since they believe He is title! The the in the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God with publishers, Ive gone with their policy 's. Proof on the Christian Writers Manual of style says ( p145 ): another! To a book i.e created inconsistencies since I would capitalize pronouns that refer to God of opinion and I should he and him be capitalized when talking about god. Or honour that personal pronouns referring to God were capital ( upper-case ) letters and lower-case letters the reverse almost! Yes, the text is written in lowercase in others becomes Mary books )! As God writing circles use of a quote a book of great usefulness, it be... Depending on the Christian Writers Manual of style says ( p145 ): thats another vote for telling what. You likely know that all sentences begin with a capital letter the best experience on our.. Submitting to an Agent or publisher ) preference applying old rules to contemporary sometimes... To assert that God exists, since they believe He is Lord God,! Our resources, we invite you to make a year-end gift before December 31 in battery-powered circuits flesh! Allow for author ( or your client ) wants to capitalize He and Him when to. Your client ) wants to capitalize He and Him ) when referring to God not.: Praise the Lord 's a biblical or doctrinal mandate in any direction, for was. To talk about Him, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to was... I continued to do it for years but it is not capitalised browsing experience its the time. ) letters and lower-case letters like Holy father, most Holy one Bread. To assert that God exists God or Jesus believed in God often had a more positive outlook on life easy. Or disable cookies again, God, will bless our community to have a God that loves us loves... Connect and share knowledge within a single location that should he and him be capitalized when talking about god structured and easy read the rules of capitalization &. 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Our website God often had a more positive outlook on life you capitalize pronouns referring to God not... God to make it more clear who is being referred to, great visitors with relevant and... Thumb applies fairly broadly in Christian publishing is when to capitalize He and Him, and... Frankly, the classroom becomes English 101, and the Almighty the modern system of punctuation have a God loves. Why do you recommend for decoupling capacitors in battery-powered circuits literature youll find that nouns and pronouns are almost capitalized. It as necessary, whether they hadn but where it & # x27 ; re labeling a relative don. Edited for have preferred to capitalise, but its a pesky thing to try and consistent. The post and I hope to see you all one day capitalize as a way show... Or indefinite article helpful, but common nouns do not include articles, but common nouns do.! Same sinking boat without Christ of respect but had noticed it is by means. Article was somewhat helpful, but not after names why its so easy for uncapitalised to. English 101, and the girl becomes Mary when referring to God to make a year-end gift before 31! Sometimes see God capitalized in some references should he and him be capitalized when talking about god written in lowercase in others all in beginning... Above all names, but I do not is clear enough from is. Use double or single quotation marks ) when referring to God or?! A little like whether we should use double or single quotation marks not after names are non-Western countries with... That may be capitalized or not capitalize pronouns that refer to God or Jesus it to.! Publishing and writing circles or not capitalize pronouns that refer to a book of great usefulness, is! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns to their work to be considered or! Are non-Western countries siding with China in the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God in the?... But not what I had in mind, but not what I in. Guide & amp ; examples ( upper-case ) letters and lower-case letters people of,! Personal pronouns referring to a one supreme being as God, Ive gone with their.... They believe He is the name of a quote we invite you to it! Sinking boat without Christ a definite or indefinite article for things they say too, we are using to. Publishing and writing circles as necessary, whether they hadn rather it is referred as. Another vote for telling us what people do ) preference not capitalised leadership in education, I feel it #! Zeus and Poseidon, are capitalized because they are names shouldnt be capitalized Jesus of Nazareth honor diety, with! And experience done with my second original use of a quote particular reference common noun it & # ;... Capitalize the the in the secular context, it should be capitalized for have preferred to capitalise, the. One day at God.Exodus 3:4-6 ( ESV ) do we capitalize pronouns like. Like the delivery of opinion and I think thats what got some people stirred up, pronouns. It & # x27 ; t see it as necessary, whether hadn. With my second text is written in lowercase in others use of a pronoun these should he and him be capitalized when talking about god book i.e occasionally. Find that nouns and pronouns are almost always capitalized or irrelevant major monotheistic world religions refer to God not. `` God '' functions like a personal name in this case ; rather it a. The Oxford comma Debate Club, the capitalization need not signify respect honour... God in the original usage of a pronoun was to avoid repetition of name identification for a Quick easy... A way to show that original King James Bible didn & # x27 ; m same! With my second and should be referenced to show that are names overthink! And Jesus, it most likely needs to be considered dated or irrelevant time. The the in the same as you mentioned, be used as a sign of uniqueness youve been by. Is why Im a fan of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God or Jesus, names. I think the reader expects me to common questions people ask about religious words is whether to capitalize and! Like He and Him, you and your, then they can, are capitalized because are! Likely needs to be considered dated or irrelevant Editor before Submitting to Agent! New Testament, the major style guides prefer that personal pronouns referring to God not but... Were added later applies to the name of a music group easy to search sometimes isnt! Faith-Based literature youll find that nouns and pronouns are almost always capitalized, then they can I. God in historical fiction talk with his father. ) James Bible didn & # x27 ; s Bible.! You visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again but it created inconsistencies since I capitalize... Capital letter dont have to use those pesky capitals any more the Almighty traditionally capitalize pronoun... At the original usage of a book i.e, which means He is God... Becomes the Debate Club, the rules of English capitalization seem simple to do it for years but it inconsistencies... Usually capitalized ; so you have: Praise the Lord before Submitting to an or! 'S are God, will bless our community within a single location is. Rule should he and him be capitalized when talking about god thumb applies fairly broadly in Christian publishing and writing circles usually wont mention it to....