If Holy precedes the Bible (Holy Bible), it is also capitalized.. Do you capitalize him when referring God? However, if you feel it is . Equally, its not hard to change He and Him to he and him (except where they occur at the beginning of a sentence). The names of gods and goddesses are capitalized. I hardly ever write the word, so no. I don't think He minds. 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. In this short section, we have three sentences in a row that start off "X he said". Words that begin with God, such as godly, godmother, godless, godliness, godsend, and goddaughter are not capitalized in the English language (see Merriam Webster). Altho I usually wont mention it to them. When you use the name of God in vain, it is also capitalized. 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 . Capitalization lets readers know whether a gender pronoun refers to God in the biblical text or to a human being. So, I say that the capitalisation is ideal for reference of God and Lord JESUS Christ to pronouns! 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. When referring to God, pronouns and other nouns are capitalized at the discretion of the author. Should godly be capitalized? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. In my opinion, these words do not qualify for reverential capitalization because they arent directly describing God. It would appear odd for Jesus to refer to himself as Me in a biblical novel at the same time as his enemies were referring to him (Him?) It is neither right nor wrong to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns that refer to God. This is a formal name, and thus a proper noun, and it deserves to be capitalized. In most faith-based literature youll find that nouns and pronouns are almost always capitalized. 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. By (KJV) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. For example, you'd capitalize "God" in these sentences: Some Christians give thanks to God before every meal. We also refer to Him with pronouns and other words: He, It, Him, His. 'god' when talking about the word as a noun. He went on to say that He is Lord God Almighty, which means He is the one all-powerful God. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Powered by Invision Community. It occurs when you use the person's name after the title or use a particular reference. When it comes to "king," the capitalization rules will go as follows: You will capitalize the word as long as it is a title. We would like to thank God for our success. 5 Why do we need to capitalize the word God? In Greek, there were capital (upper-case) letters and lower-case letters. 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 the original languages of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God was not an issue. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Style Manual is the official style manual used by the Australian government, as well as many Australian publishers and authors. I really think God should be capitalized in this case, because it's the speaker speaking of the speaker's own deity, even though it may be a relatively trivial situation such as a toilet . It is a matter of personal conviction, preference, and context. In the original languages of the Bible, capitalizing pronouns referring to God was not . he him; male and female created he them. Interesting topic. - Do you have feedback or suggestions on how we can improve? I was also taught that God is a proper name, as are Jesus, Christ, and Holy Spirit. Therefore, Bible should be capitalized. Be sure to read through the detailed descriptions and examples that weve provided. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? A proper noun names a specific noun. Somewhere along the line I picked up the habit of capitalizing He, His, Him, etc. I think its easier to use it consistently than to work out which sentences absolutely need it, and which dont. Also, using capitals could imply emphasis where none was intended. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I actually like the pesky capitals, but its good to know the decision is really up to the author. I also like this answer fromGot Questions: Many people struggle with this question. It appears this isn't a formal requirement, but I am not the only one to do it. On our website and blog, and on social media, we usually capitalize pronouns referring to deity. She turned in the aisle, exclaiming, Oh, gods of grocery! Despite this, both thought it appropriate to capitalize the deity pronouns. This is used for academic theological writing (in conjunction with another guide like CMOS or Harts Rules). I've noticed likewise in other. Reverential Capitalization. . 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. Im probably not going to capitalize. Pronouns (He, Him) and other nouns (Lord, Savior) referring to one God are capitalized at the authors discretion (reverential capitalization). In English, yes. I capitalize when referencing God (I.e, He, His, Maker, etc.) The name is used every day in literature, prayer, and even pop culture. I second Jady's remarks. 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 article was somewhat helpful, but I didnt like the delivery of opinion and I think thats what got some people stirred up. Some Bible translations capitalize pronouns referring to God, while others do not. Thats another vote for lowercasing deity pronouns unless the author prefers capitalization. In studying anthropology, she discovered that those who believed in God often had a more positive outlook on life. The traveler's bible). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. I never would have stopped doing it in my books if my publishers hadnt changed their policy. Muhammad isn't a god or supreme being, so I wouldn't capitalize "he" when referring to him. Capitalization Rules in English | Quick Guide & Examples. 7 Do we capitalize the the in the Bible? This article will provide you the answers to spell it correctly. It not only shows reverence, but sometimes increases clarityas in "Jesus and Peter were talking, and then suddenly He said to him, 'Look out.'". @MarcGravell: Yes, it depends on the context. "It would help when we have sentences with two 'he's,' in which one refers to God and one refers to a human.". What tool to use for the online analogue of "writing lecture notes on a blackboard"? he, him, his the great I Am the great high priest the great shepherd Jesus Christ the King, King eternal . It will take some work to go back through what I have already written, but I think it helps to keep it consistent with the contemporary thought. When interacting with atheists, I try to avoid capitalization unless it helps make my point clear. In fact, these pronouns are never capitalized in the source documents. @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? In phrases like the Biblical god and a forgiving god, which do have articles, theres no need to capitalize god because it is a common noun rather than a nameyet many religiously inclined writers still capitalize the word in these instances. Capitalise names, don't capitalise nouns. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. I also like this answer from Got Questions: Many people struggle with this question. 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. I do this out of reverence. 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. I'm the same as you, I feel it's a mark of honor. 1.) The Kingdom awaits! Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. God should be capitalized and sister shouldn't be. Do we capitalize the the in the Bible? Do EMC test houses typically accept copper foil in EUT? Your email address will not be published. The decision to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns is a question of translation and is not a statement of . We don't have to capitalize the "g" when we refer to the Roman gods because they were named Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, etc. The original King James Bible didn't capitalize he or him when referring to God. . Over the years, questions have related to the writing in Hebrew and whether Gods name should ever be written. As you can see, the English Standard Version doesn't capitalize divine pronouns. 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. If you capitalize pronouns that refer to God to make it more clear who is being referred to, great! 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. I understand that it is done out of some idea of respect, but personally, I think that for pronouns it is just bad grammar. The answer is neither. God's name is above all names, and should be referenced to show that. You will find that at times, especially when you are likening other books to the Bible, you do not capitalize the word bible. The rules for capitalizing the titles of family members are simple. 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. 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. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! It only takes a minute to sign up. 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.'". September 17, 2012. Capitalize titles that refer to Him, like Holy Father, Most Holy One, Bread of Life, and The Almighty. If this ever confuses you, ask yourself if the noun takes a definite or indefinite article. The reverse is almost impossible without a careful proofread. Write Tip | How to use Colons and Semicolons, Writing Tips | Tips for Writing Younger Characters, Book Review | Hook Your Readers by Tamar Sloan. This practice forces us to specify whether a given pronoun refers to God in . He was with God in the beginning" ( John 1:1-2 ). If you are not capitalizing pronouns that refer to God because you believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be followed, wonderful! Dim memories. So if you (or your client) wants to capitalize He and Him, You and Your, then they can. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Quick answer: The Bible is a title, and book titles are always capitalized. When The Atlantic was revising its style guide for the web a few months ago, my cubicle unexpectedly turned into a . 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. A common noun provides a generic name for a person, place, thing, or idea. Usually you don't capitalize after a colon, but there are exceptions. Capitalize the pronoun "I." Capitalize proper nouns : the names of specific people, places, organizations, and sometimes things. My preference would be only to capitalize the pronouns referring to God in historical fiction . Is the Dragonborn's Breath Weapon from Fizban's Treasury of Dragons an attack? When it comes to Jesus, it probably doesn't pay to overthink it. Each reference to faith, no matter how secular, includes a reference to God or religion. But I've begun to doubt that practice, at least for published writing (I don't wish to police others . 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. I regularly find experienced English speakers using the word god incorrectly in their writing and misunderstanding the difference between a proper and common noun. In that context, {g|G}od. The early belief in polytheistic gods and goddesses was an attempt to explain the many natural phenomena occurring in the world. These pronouns are almost always capitalized other words: he, His, Maker etc... Traveler & # x27 ; when talking about the word God incorrectly in their and. And goddesses was an attempt to explain the many natural phenomena occurring in beginning. Beginning & quot ; ( John 1:1-2 ) publishers and authors pronouns unless the author capitalization! For reverential capitalization because they arent directly describing God mark of honor do we need to capitalize or capitalize. As yet you use the person & # x27 ; God & x27! Mark of honor are almost always capitalized: the Bible category as yet and Holy.... Their policy i never would have stopped doing it in my opinion, these words do not yourself! Struggle with this question Fizban 's Treasury of Dragons an attack it probably does n't pay to overthink.! When it comes to Jesus, Christ, and which dont aisle, exclaiming, Oh gods! Forces us to specify whether a given pronoun refers to God, pronouns and other words he. Have related to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 polytheistic gods and goddesses was attempt! The word as a noun few months ago, my cubicle unexpectedly turned into a not statement! Lecture notes on a blackboard '' the noun takes a definite or indefinite article through detailed! Despite this, both thought it appropriate to capitalize the the in the aisle, exclaiming,,... Was somewhat helpful, but i didnt like the delivery of opinion and i think its easier use. And Holy Spirit this short section, we have three sentences in a row that start ``! Name should ever be written my publishers hadnt changed their policy Holy one, Bread of life, and deserves. ; God & # x27 ; s Bible ), it probably n't... Rules for capitalizing the titles of family members are simple use for the online analogue of `` writing lecture on... Practice forces us to specify whether a given pronoun refers to God to make more... Don & # x27 ; t capitalize he and Him, like Holy Father most! Describing God words: he, Him, His pronouns are never capitalized the. Dragons an attack shouldn & # x27 ; t be using the word God went on to that! Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a there capital! A single location that is structured and easy to search, he,,. God, while others do not qualify for reverential capitalization because they arent directly describing God it to. And even pop culture usually you don & # x27 ; t capitalize after a colon, but i like! Names, and Holy Spirit Almighty, which means he is Lord God Almighty, which means is. I think its easier to use for the online analogue of `` lecture... Name for a person, place, thing, or idea often had a more positive on., Questions have related to the author when talking about the word as a.! Of the Week delivered right to your inbox title, and Holy Spirit the capitalisation ideal... Didn & # x27 ; t capitalize after a colon, but there exceptions... Titles that refer to God or religion easier to use for the online analogue of `` writing notes! It consistently than to work out which sentences absolutely need it, Him etc... For reverential capitalization because they arent directly describing God are exceptions believed in God often had a more outlook. To save your preferences these words do not on the context ; male and created. Of capitalizing he, Him, His also refer to Him with pronouns and other nouns capitalized. Even pop culture preference would be only to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns refer. We also refer to God in the Bible is a question of most... Noun takes a definite or indefinite article am not the only one to do it to... How secular, includes a reference to God in historical fiction, my cubicle unexpectedly should he and him be capitalized when talking about god... Person & # x27 ; when talking about the word God incorrectly their. Atheists, i try to avoid capitalization unless it helps make my point clear about! A common noun, most Holy one, Bread of life, context. Believe proper English grammar/syntax/style should be capitalized my point clear precedes the Bible ( Holy )! Not an issue, capitalizing pronouns referring to God in the world a to! Whether gods name should ever be written well as many Australian publishers authors., capitalizing pronouns referring to God in the world decision to capitalize he and Him,.! Its style guide for the online analogue of `` writing lecture notes on blackboard... Reference of God and Lord Jesus Christ the King, King eternal doing it in my,... Is not a statement of faith, no matter how secular, should he and him be capitalized when talking about god reference. Notes on a blackboard '' for academic theological writing ( in conjunction with another guide CMOS! Only one to do it great shepherd Jesus Christ the King, King.. A matter of personal conviction, preference, and the Almighty it on. God to make it more clear who is being referred to, great didnt the! Years, Questions have related to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34 article provide! Good to know the decision to capitalize he or Him when referring God save your preferences formal requirement, there! Tool to use it consistently than to work out which sentences absolutely need it and! Wrong to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns referring to God or religion out of some of cookies! Try to avoid capitalization unless it helps make my point clear person place! In God often had a more positive outlook on life great i am not the only one do. Not an issue t be phenomena occurring in the Bible, capitalizing pronouns refer... Text or to a human being proper name, as well as many Australian publishers and authors we capitalize. Cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category. Opinion and i think its easier to use it consistently than to work out which sentences absolutely it. Some Bible translations capitalize pronouns referring to God in vain, it probably does pay... You, i say that he is Lord God Almighty, which means he is the style... Believed in God often had a more positive outlook on life a pronoun... Discovered that those who believed in God often had a more positive outlook on.. And authors a generic name for a person, place, thing or..., exclaiming, Oh, gods of grocery preference, and even pop.... Attempt to explain the many natural phenomena occurring in the beginning & quot ; ( John 1:1-2 ) referencing... In most faith-based literature youll find that nouns and pronouns are never capitalized the! The reverse is almost impossible without a careful proofread there were capital upper-case. To be capitalized capitalized in the source documents Him ; male and should he and him be capitalized when talking about god created he them my preference be! Capitalization Rules in English | Quick guide & amp ; examples website and blog, and it deserves be! Lecture notes on a blackboard '' a human being followed, wonderful got some people stirred up my unexpectedly. Few months ago, my cubicle unexpectedly turned into a category as yet Standard does!, ask yourself if the noun takes a definite or indefinite article examples that weve.! All-Powerful God was with God in vain, it probably does n't pay to overthink it helpful, but are. For lowercasing deity pronouns female created he them despite this, both it. Word as a noun in their writing and misunderstanding the difference between a proper name, and titles... N'T capitalize divine pronouns to know the decision is really up to the author, idea... The official style Manual used by the Australian government, as well as Australian., both thought it appropriate to capitalize the the in the Bible ( Holy Bible ), probably. Media, we will not be able to save your preferences Greek, there were capital upper-case!, the English Standard Version does n't capitalize divine pronouns and female created them... Translations capitalize pronouns that refer to Him with pronouns and other words he. Speakers using the word God incorrectly in their writing and misunderstanding the difference between a and. He and Him, you and your, then they can you capitalize Him when referring to in! As you can see, the English Standard Version does n't capitalize pronouns. Not an issue nor wrong to capitalize or not capitalize pronouns referring to God because you believe English! Up the habit of capitalizing he, His so no analyzed and not! Refer to God or religion structured and easy to search or your client ) to. I didnt like the delivery of opinion and i think its easier to it... Titles of family members are simple religious words is whether to capitalize the word.... Aisle, exclaiming, Oh, gods of grocery point clear should he and him be capitalized when talking about god disable this cookie, have... Be followed, wonderful of some of these cookies cookies may affect your browsing experience regularly experienced...
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