By David Ettinger
A Brief Explanation
This is a rant, but not a big one. I promise to contain it.

A brief explanation. Notice the title says “Bible Translations.” These are actually scholarly endeavors compared with “Bible Paraphrases,” which I don’t care for. The Bible translations I will reference are the New American Standard Bible (NASB); Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB); New King James Version (NKJV); English Standard Version (ESV); New International Version (NIV); New English Translation (NET); King James Version (KJV); and the Geneva Bible.
What Irks Me
What irks me most about English translations of the Bible are those which DON’T capitalize pronouns referring to God and Jesus. A pronoun is a word that replaces a noun in a sentence. Example: “Larry was sick all day because he drank expired milk.” The word “he” refers to Larry and spares us from having to write his name twice. Other pronouns include I, me, mine, my, he, his, her, and hers.
In English, we capitalize proper names, but not pronouns; which makes sense. However, any pronoun referring to God or Jesus is no ordinary pronoun! If I am writing about myself, I write “me,” “my,” or “mine.” This is because I am a mere human and don’t merit capitalization.

God, however, is NOT a mere human, and any references to Him should ALWAYS demand a capital letter! When quoting God in the Bible, English translations should ALWAYS capitalize the pronouns referring to Him and Jesus. I love how the NASB puts it in its introduction: “Personal pronouns are capitalized when pertaining to Deity.” No explanation, no apologizing; just a statement of intent. Period!
Those Who Do and Don’t
Here are the versions that DO capitalize pronouns of Deity: NASB, HCSB, and NKJV. Those who don’t: ESV, NIV, NET, KJV, and Geneva. These last two get a pass because the English language was a different entity way back when they were written.
That the NIV doesn’t capitalize pronouns related to God is no surprise as it is the most “liberal” of the major translations. The NET, which is regarded for its scholarship, likely made a “scholarly” decision not to capitalize such pronouns.
The real shock, though, is the ESV, highly regarded as an excellent conservative translation. Of all the modern versions, I would have bet the house on it capitalizing pronouns referring to God and Jesus. I’m baffled it doesn’t.
Doing What’s Right
I work for the magazine Zion’s Fire, established in 1990 and has a worldwide circulation of 70,000. For years I noticed that Christian publishers rarely capitalized the word “gospel” when referring to “the Gospel” (that is, the actual “good news” of salvation rather than the four Gospel books of the New Testament).
I thought this was absurd and could care less that the mega-Christian publishing houses all fell in line with this ridiculous rule. Unfortunately, our magazine did the same. Therefore, in 2002, I decided to fight this. Assembling the magazine staff, I made my case for capitalizing the word “Gospel” and won! We have done so ever since.

That languages such as Hebrew have no capital letters, and the Greek used for the original New Testament contained ALL caps, should have no bearing on English translations. In modern-day English, to highlight importance, we capitalize certain words.
How can English Bible translators not do the same across the board? Love and reverence for God and Jesus should make this a “no brainer”! I understand “scholarly considerations” – I have (a measly) two college degrees in English – but when it comes to showing reverence for God, scholarship should have no bearing.
Pronouns related to Deity in the Bible should ALWAYS be capitalized, and when they release their new editions, the NIV, NET, and especially the ESV should correct this delinquency!
That’s it, rant over. As usual, you’re invited to share your thoughts, and if you disagree with me, I welcome you all the more!
Bruce Cooper
August 14, 2020
I TOTALLY disagree david! Actually I agree but just couldn’t help myself. Blessings brother.
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
NICELY done, bruce. And by the WAY, this blog set the record for the most angry CAPS ever used by me.
Thanks for checking in, and with the humor in tow!
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vicklea
August 14, 2020
Good and educational rant! I just checked the version that I am currently reading and the MEV does capitalize the pronouns.
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Good for them, Vickie, and thanks for letting me know! I never even heard of this version, but because you just “introduced” me to it, I’m going to check it out.
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Hi Vickie, I just read about the MEV’s background and perused a few passages. Looks like an excellent, conservative translation. Will have to explore it more!
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vicklea
August 14, 2020
I like it but I don’t know its background
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Here’s a short link from Bible Gateway. It speaks well of the MEV.
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Modern-English-Version-MEV-Bible/
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thefathersfeet
August 14, 2020
Good and informative post. I am saddened to research and find the NLT that I like to use sometimes doesn’t use capital for deity pronouns. I do like the NASB and they do so that’s good!
You know another thing that bothers me is the capitalization of satan. Yes, I realize all names should be capitalized, but I personally choose to leave his lower case. He doesn’t deserve capital letters in my book.
Thanks for letting us know what irks you! God bless, my brother in Christ. Have a good day.
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Thank you, Donna. I like your point about S(s)atan. When I write about him, I don’t want to give him a capital S, but because it is a formal name, I do. Sort of like Hitler, I suppose.
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
August 14, 2020
And that is why I am and will always be KJVO.
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Thanks, Angel, but KJV doesn’t capitalize the deity pronouns. Is that the point you’re making?
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
August 14, 2020
Because of the thees and thous. Sorry, left that out!
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Got it, thanks. I knew something was missing!
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
August 14, 2020
What do you think of the modern translations that refer to God casually as “you.”
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Not sure what you mean.
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Angel at Watchyourlifeinpictures
August 14, 2020
For instance- “And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, **Thou God seest me:** for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?”
(Gen. 16:13 KJV)
NIV: She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,”
NAS: , “You are a God who sees”;
ESV: “You are a God of seeing”
MSG: “You’re the God who sees me!”
There is a lack of respect in the “you,” to me.
Check out the differences in the “thees and thous” compared to you and you’re.
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Blue Collar Theologian
August 14, 2020
I agree with you 100%. My school used SBL (Society of Biblical Literature) formatting and said format “enforces a “down style” in which words are not capitalized unless necessary (e.g., proper nouns, titles of works, to avoid ambiguity). [However], pronouns referring to the deity should be lowercased. In addition, adjectival forms of capitalized noun forms are generally lowercased.” I made it known from the outset of my first Seminary class that I would rather fail then not capitalize pronouns related to deity. God rewarded me and I graduated summa cum laude (FYI I am NOT bragging or arrogant. I put little stock in my own titles and achievements. I do respect others achievements but Christ defines them, not their title). Thanks for this rant!
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Thanks for sharing this, Mandy (and congrats on your “reward”). I hate when writers and editors chain themselves to outdated stylebooks.
I understand that rules are necessary, but they are also man-made. English is a fluid language which is always changing. I try to keep on top of those changes.
Also, regarding the Deity pronoun issue, it’s a way to show proper respect to God and the Lord Jesus. As I said in the post, God is not just “another” (or “any old”) pronoun.
Can’t stand the old biddies who won’t consider options!
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Blue Collar Theologian
August 14, 2020
SBL is way more strict than APA or MLA. I agree with all that you are saying, trust me! I felt bad for my classmates who did not have English or writing in their Undergrad in regards to citing papers. I also do not understand what has happened to our society’s ability to write (that is another rant for another time in my life!)?! My Professors understood for me it was a reverence, respect, loyalty issue with pronouns. I do not enjoy capitalizing Satan; however, my position is the same as yours! I am thankful our “God is not just “another” (or “any old”) pronoun.” Enjoy your weekend! Will you be able to see your little man?!
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Thank you for the reply, Mandy. Yes, should be spending all day Sunday with Zac! Will go in feeling strong and energetic, will come out worn out, and feeling older than my 62 years!
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Bill Sweeney
August 15, 2020
Congratulations! Great job.
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The Son Of God
August 14, 2020
I’ll take the fifth. 😀
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
It’s yours.
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Sheila D.Currie Blake
August 14, 2020
You are so right. but even with my publishers during editing they changed all my capital Him or He (referring to God) to common h’s. Not sure why.
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dettinger47
August 14, 2020
Publishers are bound to their own style guides, and therefore must edit all authors’ text to fit that. Thank you, Sheila!
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Sonrisa (Crissy)
August 15, 2020
Totally and absolutely agree!
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dettinger47
August 15, 2020
Thank you, Crissy.
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Tom
August 15, 2020
Excellent, David! I capitalize “Gospel” and pronouns referring to God. I also capitalize “Bible” and “Scripture.” Off topic, I’m curious if you’ve had any experience with the KJV 1611-Onlyists?
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dettinger47
August 15, 2020
Yes. In fact, there’s one in the comments section. Very nice, and a self-proclaimed KJV-Onlyist.
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Tom
August 15, 2020
I generally avoid debates with KJV 1611-Onlyists. Some are very adamant and make it a primary issue even involving salvation, i.e., if the Bible verses used to “lead you to Christ” weren’t KJV then you can’t be genuinely saved.
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dettinger47
August 15, 2020
Definitely, Tom. They’re a different breed which can’t be argued with.
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Bill Sweeney
August 15, 2020
Great post, David. I have been a NASB snob for the last thirty years 🙂
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dettinger47
August 15, 2020
I was a longtime NIV (1984 version) reader (since 1986) until someone gave me a NASB in 2011. Loved it and have been reading NASB ever since. Thank you, Bill.
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gifted50
August 15, 2020
I agree — so I capitalize mine.
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May I Help Ministries
August 15, 2020
Thanks for sharing this.
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mrsmariposa2014
August 16, 2020
Amen! This irks me, too! In my writings, I aim to always give the Lord His due!
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dettinger47
August 16, 2020
Same here!
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seekingdivineperspective
August 17, 2020
I have always used the capitalized pronouns for God, because that was the way I learned it when I learned to write, back before the Flood. When I saw them not capitalized in my NIV Bible I just figured that was one of those rules that’s been changed, but in my own writing I still capitalize His pronouns. 😉
I agree about the other, too. There’s “good news,” but the Gospel is “Good News!” (Or even “GOOD NEWS!”)
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dettinger47
August 17, 2020
It seems quite natural, but large swathes of Christians don’t see it that way. Where have they gone wrong!!!!!
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bryan johnston
August 18, 2020
Thank you and i agree that ALL Names of God/Christ/Holy Spirit should be capitalised (at least the FIRST letter.) Ditto subsequent pronouns referring to these Names.
However i also agree with Donna that ‘satan’/’devil’/’lucifer’ etc should NEVER be capitalised – no exceptions (EXCEPT my own created epithet for him which is ‘Supreme Sovereign Scumbag of the Universe.’)
Why so? Because the author of ALL crimes against humanity, including the ‘SHOAR’/Jewish Holocaust and the slaughter of millions of innocent unborn children in their mothers’ wombs, deserves ZERO respect. Simples!
So then, with respect to satan’s eternal destiny (as stated in Revelation 20 verse 10) it should read as follows : “And the devil who deceived them shall be cast into the LAKE OF FIRE and BRIMSTONE, along with the beast and false prophet and they SHALL be TORMENTED DAY and NIGHT FOREVER and EVER.” AMEN.
OK, rant over. Thanks for your tolerance/forbearance. Shalom/God bless+++
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dettinger47
August 18, 2020
Thank you, Bryan. Excellent points!
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