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Should the word “Gentile” be capitalized?
The 2019 Stack Overflow Developer Survey Results Are InWhich words in a title should be capitalized?When using complete sentences in parenthetical e.g. or i.e. situations, should the first word be capitalized?King James Bible archaic styleHow should the year be capitalized?What is the correct term in English prose for HTML page or html page?Should I capitalize the middle of a sentence broken up by long examples?Capitalization of Technical Terms/Proper NounsWhen naming a keyboard, key, should the key's name be capitalized?Should “people of color” be capitalized?Is “a-okay” acceptable in lowercase?Is the internet still capitalised in 2018?
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I've read some texts and versions of the Bible using the capitalized form of Gentile and others using just a lowercase version. I couldn't find any standards on its usage.
capitalization
add a comment |
I've read some texts and versions of the Bible using the capitalized form of Gentile and others using just a lowercase version. I couldn't find any standards on its usage.
capitalization
add a comment |
I've read some texts and versions of the Bible using the capitalized form of Gentile and others using just a lowercase version. I couldn't find any standards on its usage.
capitalization
I've read some texts and versions of the Bible using the capitalized form of Gentile and others using just a lowercase version. I couldn't find any standards on its usage.
capitalization
capitalization
edited Jan 4 '12 at 21:59
Marthaª
27.5k1088145
27.5k1088145
asked Jan 4 '12 at 13:01
JonnJonn
1,04941517
1,04941517
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10 Answers
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When used as an adjective meaning ‘of or pertaining to any or all of the nations other than the Jewish’, the OED states that ‘it is now usually written with capital initial’. Similarly, it says of the noun meaning ‘one of any nation other than the Jewish’, it is ‘usually with capital G’.
add a comment |
Gentiles are not a specific group. They are everyone who is not Jewish. They do not represent any particular ethnicity, belief system, national group, or ideology — other than being not Jewish.
Words with a similar scope are "pagan," "heathen," and "foreign." Even though "pagan" and "heathen" could be taken as representing a very coarsely defined type of religion, they do not represent distinct groups or belief systems. I think most people would agree that these words should not be capitalized.
The online dictionaries that I checked show "gentile" as a lowercase word, in contrast to other proper nouns such as "Jew" that they display capitalized:
Merriam-Webster (but says, "often capitalized")- Dictionary.com
- Oxford Living Dictionaries
- Cambridge Dictionary
Based on this evidence, it's safe to treat "gentile" as a standard lowercase word.
add a comment |
Quoted from wikipedia :
The term Gentile (from Latin gentilis, by the French "gentil", female: "gentille", meaning of or belonging to a clan or tribe) refers to non-Israelite peoples or nations in English translations of the Bible.
Latin and subsequently English translators selectively used the term gentiles when the context for the base term "peoples" or "nations", Hebrew, גוי (goy) and נכרי (nokhri) in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek word ἔθνη (éthnē) in the New Testament, indicated non-Israelite peoples or nations. The term gentiles is derived from Latin, used for contextual translation, and not an original Hebrew or Greek word from the Bible.
Following Christianization of the Roman Empire, the general implication of the word gentile became "non-Jew".
In short when we are referring to the "non-Jew" people, like a quality, it is lower-cased. When we are speaking about group of people - non-Israelite peoples, it is capitalized.
add a comment |
When it means "a person who is not Jewish," it is written Gentile. When, for example, it means "not belonging to one's own religious community," it is written gentile.
add a comment |
This is more of a sociological and historical answer. "Gentile," when spoken or written by a Jew, is no more a proper noun than if he were to use "foreigner" since all it refers to is non-Jews and we do not capitalize "non-Jews" or "foreigners." So, if some style manual advises capitalizing "gentile," a Jew, in order to assimilate, would probably capitalize it, even while realizing how silly the convention is. Likewise, "Pharisee" is defined in many dictionaries as "hypocrite" although that is hardly what it meant in biblical times and the early centuries CE when there were Pharisees. The way it is sometimes used in the New Testament is in criticizing Pharisees--i.e. it is an opinion. But we do not define the Democratic or Republican party by the other party's criticisms of it. The Pharisees were a sect or party within Judaism.
add a comment |
Chicago Manual of Style, 7.33 says "The names of specific racial, linguistic, tribal, religious, and other groupings of people are capitalized"; thus, as a grouping of people, Gentile is capitalized.
1
Hello, Michael. Sadly, CMOS is inconsistent, advising that 'whites' and 'blacks' be written in lower case. Probably these are not regarded as being as 'specific' as say French, Asian, Buddhist ... And 'G/gentile' is, I'd argue, more akin to 'white' as regards specificity than to 'American'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:12
add a comment |
The Gentiles are described in the Book of Genesis, Chapter Ten (10:5) with capitalization...K.J.V.
The Gentiles are also mentioned in Zechariah, Chapter One (1:15,21)...K.J.V., although verse 15 is written as "Heathen" in the K.J.V.version of the Bible, in other versions of the Bible "Heathen" is referred to as "Gentiles" and "Pagans" are considered to be non-Israelite. Also the New Testament talks about "A people without GOD"...
Ephesians Chapter Two (2:11-12)...K.J.V.
No matter whose tribe we came from, thank GOD for JESUS...
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"- Romans Chapter Three (3:23)...K.J.V.
Hi Ruth, welcome to the site! I don't feel that this answers the original question on whether someone should capitalize 'gentile' or not.
– mkennedy
Dec 19 '18 at 19:23
add a comment |
The standard academic style guide for biblical studies has this:
gentile(s) (noun and adj.)
The SBL Handbook of Style, 2nd ed. (Atlanta, GA: SBL Press, 2014), 42.
Merriam-Webster lists both noun and adjective in lower case, but in both cases adds "often capitalized."
New contributor
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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I don't buy this. Gentile, like Semite, is a proper noun. I note that Semite is always capitalized, yet Gentile should not always be according to some. I think this should be a consistent use and be capitalized when used as a proper noun, and not, when used as an adjective. I find also that every Bible translation that I looked up (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NAB,
ESV, NLT) all follow the same principle in which the word, Gentile, as a proper noun is capitalized.
If you are going to capitalize proper nouns, and capitalize other proper nouns associated with the use of the proper noun of "Gentile," like "Semite," and "Jew," then you need to be consistent with all such usage. I think that the Bible translators recognized this.
3
Welcome to English Language & Usage. Your answer seems to be a response to another answer. This site is not actually a discussion site: it's a Q&A site, which means answers should stand on their own. Consider editing to make your answer stand alone, or moving your answer to a comment, depending on your intentions. Also be aware that comments on a Q&A site should offer constructive suggestions for improving a Q (or A). If what you really wish to do is discuss, come on over to chat.
– MetaEd♦
Feb 12 '13 at 16:51
The question hinges on whether 'G/gentile' is a proper noun or not. Note that the metaphorical usage of jonah is now usually written in lower case. And also that we write Australian etc but foreigner. I'm not saying that non-capitalisation of Gentile is correct (I'd usually capitalise), but Bible translations are written in the relevant modern language and should use standard forms (or add explanatory notes where translators feel it necessary not to do so). Inerrancy does not extend to translations.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:20
add a comment |
This is a religious debate, not proper grammar, which it should be. Gentile is NEVER capitalized unless it is the first word in a sentence. And no, I'm not Jewish.
3
We've got answers that contradict your that provide sources. Would you care to provide anything to back up your opinion?
– Matt E. Эллен♦
Sep 12 '13 at 8:40
add a comment |
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When used as an adjective meaning ‘of or pertaining to any or all of the nations other than the Jewish’, the OED states that ‘it is now usually written with capital initial’. Similarly, it says of the noun meaning ‘one of any nation other than the Jewish’, it is ‘usually with capital G’.
add a comment |
When used as an adjective meaning ‘of or pertaining to any or all of the nations other than the Jewish’, the OED states that ‘it is now usually written with capital initial’. Similarly, it says of the noun meaning ‘one of any nation other than the Jewish’, it is ‘usually with capital G’.
add a comment |
When used as an adjective meaning ‘of or pertaining to any or all of the nations other than the Jewish’, the OED states that ‘it is now usually written with capital initial’. Similarly, it says of the noun meaning ‘one of any nation other than the Jewish’, it is ‘usually with capital G’.
When used as an adjective meaning ‘of or pertaining to any or all of the nations other than the Jewish’, the OED states that ‘it is now usually written with capital initial’. Similarly, it says of the noun meaning ‘one of any nation other than the Jewish’, it is ‘usually with capital G’.
answered Jan 4 '12 at 17:21
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
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129k10205355
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Gentiles are not a specific group. They are everyone who is not Jewish. They do not represent any particular ethnicity, belief system, national group, or ideology — other than being not Jewish.
Words with a similar scope are "pagan," "heathen," and "foreign." Even though "pagan" and "heathen" could be taken as representing a very coarsely defined type of religion, they do not represent distinct groups or belief systems. I think most people would agree that these words should not be capitalized.
The online dictionaries that I checked show "gentile" as a lowercase word, in contrast to other proper nouns such as "Jew" that they display capitalized:
Merriam-Webster (but says, "often capitalized")- Dictionary.com
- Oxford Living Dictionaries
- Cambridge Dictionary
Based on this evidence, it's safe to treat "gentile" as a standard lowercase word.
add a comment |
Gentiles are not a specific group. They are everyone who is not Jewish. They do not represent any particular ethnicity, belief system, national group, or ideology — other than being not Jewish.
Words with a similar scope are "pagan," "heathen," and "foreign." Even though "pagan" and "heathen" could be taken as representing a very coarsely defined type of religion, they do not represent distinct groups or belief systems. I think most people would agree that these words should not be capitalized.
The online dictionaries that I checked show "gentile" as a lowercase word, in contrast to other proper nouns such as "Jew" that they display capitalized:
Merriam-Webster (but says, "often capitalized")- Dictionary.com
- Oxford Living Dictionaries
- Cambridge Dictionary
Based on this evidence, it's safe to treat "gentile" as a standard lowercase word.
add a comment |
Gentiles are not a specific group. They are everyone who is not Jewish. They do not represent any particular ethnicity, belief system, national group, or ideology — other than being not Jewish.
Words with a similar scope are "pagan," "heathen," and "foreign." Even though "pagan" and "heathen" could be taken as representing a very coarsely defined type of religion, they do not represent distinct groups or belief systems. I think most people would agree that these words should not be capitalized.
The online dictionaries that I checked show "gentile" as a lowercase word, in contrast to other proper nouns such as "Jew" that they display capitalized:
Merriam-Webster (but says, "often capitalized")- Dictionary.com
- Oxford Living Dictionaries
- Cambridge Dictionary
Based on this evidence, it's safe to treat "gentile" as a standard lowercase word.
Gentiles are not a specific group. They are everyone who is not Jewish. They do not represent any particular ethnicity, belief system, national group, or ideology — other than being not Jewish.
Words with a similar scope are "pagan," "heathen," and "foreign." Even though "pagan" and "heathen" could be taken as representing a very coarsely defined type of religion, they do not represent distinct groups or belief systems. I think most people would agree that these words should not be capitalized.
The online dictionaries that I checked show "gentile" as a lowercase word, in contrast to other proper nouns such as "Jew" that they display capitalized:
Merriam-Webster (but says, "often capitalized")- Dictionary.com
- Oxford Living Dictionaries
- Cambridge Dictionary
Based on this evidence, it's safe to treat "gentile" as a standard lowercase word.
edited Sep 20 '18 at 15:17
answered Sep 13 '18 at 18:32
MichaelMichael
514
514
add a comment |
add a comment |
Quoted from wikipedia :
The term Gentile (from Latin gentilis, by the French "gentil", female: "gentille", meaning of or belonging to a clan or tribe) refers to non-Israelite peoples or nations in English translations of the Bible.
Latin and subsequently English translators selectively used the term gentiles when the context for the base term "peoples" or "nations", Hebrew, גוי (goy) and נכרי (nokhri) in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek word ἔθνη (éthnē) in the New Testament, indicated non-Israelite peoples or nations. The term gentiles is derived from Latin, used for contextual translation, and not an original Hebrew or Greek word from the Bible.
Following Christianization of the Roman Empire, the general implication of the word gentile became "non-Jew".
In short when we are referring to the "non-Jew" people, like a quality, it is lower-cased. When we are speaking about group of people - non-Israelite peoples, it is capitalized.
add a comment |
Quoted from wikipedia :
The term Gentile (from Latin gentilis, by the French "gentil", female: "gentille", meaning of or belonging to a clan or tribe) refers to non-Israelite peoples or nations in English translations of the Bible.
Latin and subsequently English translators selectively used the term gentiles when the context for the base term "peoples" or "nations", Hebrew, גוי (goy) and נכרי (nokhri) in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek word ἔθνη (éthnē) in the New Testament, indicated non-Israelite peoples or nations. The term gentiles is derived from Latin, used for contextual translation, and not an original Hebrew or Greek word from the Bible.
Following Christianization of the Roman Empire, the general implication of the word gentile became "non-Jew".
In short when we are referring to the "non-Jew" people, like a quality, it is lower-cased. When we are speaking about group of people - non-Israelite peoples, it is capitalized.
add a comment |
Quoted from wikipedia :
The term Gentile (from Latin gentilis, by the French "gentil", female: "gentille", meaning of or belonging to a clan or tribe) refers to non-Israelite peoples or nations in English translations of the Bible.
Latin and subsequently English translators selectively used the term gentiles when the context for the base term "peoples" or "nations", Hebrew, גוי (goy) and נכרי (nokhri) in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek word ἔθνη (éthnē) in the New Testament, indicated non-Israelite peoples or nations. The term gentiles is derived from Latin, used for contextual translation, and not an original Hebrew or Greek word from the Bible.
Following Christianization of the Roman Empire, the general implication of the word gentile became "non-Jew".
In short when we are referring to the "non-Jew" people, like a quality, it is lower-cased. When we are speaking about group of people - non-Israelite peoples, it is capitalized.
Quoted from wikipedia :
The term Gentile (from Latin gentilis, by the French "gentil", female: "gentille", meaning of or belonging to a clan or tribe) refers to non-Israelite peoples or nations in English translations of the Bible.
Latin and subsequently English translators selectively used the term gentiles when the context for the base term "peoples" or "nations", Hebrew, גוי (goy) and נכרי (nokhri) in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek word ἔθνη (éthnē) in the New Testament, indicated non-Israelite peoples or nations. The term gentiles is derived from Latin, used for contextual translation, and not an original Hebrew or Greek word from the Bible.
Following Christianization of the Roman Empire, the general implication of the word gentile became "non-Jew".
In short when we are referring to the "non-Jew" people, like a quality, it is lower-cased. When we are speaking about group of people - non-Israelite peoples, it is capitalized.
edited Jan 4 '12 at 20:07
answered Jan 4 '12 at 13:20
speedyGonzalesspeedyGonzales
2,18461938
2,18461938
add a comment |
add a comment |
When it means "a person who is not Jewish," it is written Gentile. When, for example, it means "not belonging to one's own religious community," it is written gentile.
add a comment |
When it means "a person who is not Jewish," it is written Gentile. When, for example, it means "not belonging to one's own religious community," it is written gentile.
add a comment |
When it means "a person who is not Jewish," it is written Gentile. When, for example, it means "not belonging to one's own religious community," it is written gentile.
When it means "a person who is not Jewish," it is written Gentile. When, for example, it means "not belonging to one's own religious community," it is written gentile.
answered Jan 4 '12 at 13:41
kiamlalunokiamlaluno
43.9k57183296
43.9k57183296
add a comment |
add a comment |
This is more of a sociological and historical answer. "Gentile," when spoken or written by a Jew, is no more a proper noun than if he were to use "foreigner" since all it refers to is non-Jews and we do not capitalize "non-Jews" or "foreigners." So, if some style manual advises capitalizing "gentile," a Jew, in order to assimilate, would probably capitalize it, even while realizing how silly the convention is. Likewise, "Pharisee" is defined in many dictionaries as "hypocrite" although that is hardly what it meant in biblical times and the early centuries CE when there were Pharisees. The way it is sometimes used in the New Testament is in criticizing Pharisees--i.e. it is an opinion. But we do not define the Democratic or Republican party by the other party's criticisms of it. The Pharisees were a sect or party within Judaism.
add a comment |
This is more of a sociological and historical answer. "Gentile," when spoken or written by a Jew, is no more a proper noun than if he were to use "foreigner" since all it refers to is non-Jews and we do not capitalize "non-Jews" or "foreigners." So, if some style manual advises capitalizing "gentile," a Jew, in order to assimilate, would probably capitalize it, even while realizing how silly the convention is. Likewise, "Pharisee" is defined in many dictionaries as "hypocrite" although that is hardly what it meant in biblical times and the early centuries CE when there were Pharisees. The way it is sometimes used in the New Testament is in criticizing Pharisees--i.e. it is an opinion. But we do not define the Democratic or Republican party by the other party's criticisms of it. The Pharisees were a sect or party within Judaism.
add a comment |
This is more of a sociological and historical answer. "Gentile," when spoken or written by a Jew, is no more a proper noun than if he were to use "foreigner" since all it refers to is non-Jews and we do not capitalize "non-Jews" or "foreigners." So, if some style manual advises capitalizing "gentile," a Jew, in order to assimilate, would probably capitalize it, even while realizing how silly the convention is. Likewise, "Pharisee" is defined in many dictionaries as "hypocrite" although that is hardly what it meant in biblical times and the early centuries CE when there were Pharisees. The way it is sometimes used in the New Testament is in criticizing Pharisees--i.e. it is an opinion. But we do not define the Democratic or Republican party by the other party's criticisms of it. The Pharisees were a sect or party within Judaism.
This is more of a sociological and historical answer. "Gentile," when spoken or written by a Jew, is no more a proper noun than if he were to use "foreigner" since all it refers to is non-Jews and we do not capitalize "non-Jews" or "foreigners." So, if some style manual advises capitalizing "gentile," a Jew, in order to assimilate, would probably capitalize it, even while realizing how silly the convention is. Likewise, "Pharisee" is defined in many dictionaries as "hypocrite" although that is hardly what it meant in biblical times and the early centuries CE when there were Pharisees. The way it is sometimes used in the New Testament is in criticizing Pharisees--i.e. it is an opinion. But we do not define the Democratic or Republican party by the other party's criticisms of it. The Pharisees were a sect or party within Judaism.
answered Mar 11 '18 at 19:06
Steve BrudneySteve Brudney
111
111
add a comment |
add a comment |
Chicago Manual of Style, 7.33 says "The names of specific racial, linguistic, tribal, religious, and other groupings of people are capitalized"; thus, as a grouping of people, Gentile is capitalized.
1
Hello, Michael. Sadly, CMOS is inconsistent, advising that 'whites' and 'blacks' be written in lower case. Probably these are not regarded as being as 'specific' as say French, Asian, Buddhist ... And 'G/gentile' is, I'd argue, more akin to 'white' as regards specificity than to 'American'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:12
add a comment |
Chicago Manual of Style, 7.33 says "The names of specific racial, linguistic, tribal, religious, and other groupings of people are capitalized"; thus, as a grouping of people, Gentile is capitalized.
1
Hello, Michael. Sadly, CMOS is inconsistent, advising that 'whites' and 'blacks' be written in lower case. Probably these are not regarded as being as 'specific' as say French, Asian, Buddhist ... And 'G/gentile' is, I'd argue, more akin to 'white' as regards specificity than to 'American'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:12
add a comment |
Chicago Manual of Style, 7.33 says "The names of specific racial, linguistic, tribal, religious, and other groupings of people are capitalized"; thus, as a grouping of people, Gentile is capitalized.
Chicago Manual of Style, 7.33 says "The names of specific racial, linguistic, tribal, religious, and other groupings of people are capitalized"; thus, as a grouping of people, Gentile is capitalized.
answered Dec 26 '16 at 22:18
Michael MendershausenMichael Mendershausen
91
91
1
Hello, Michael. Sadly, CMOS is inconsistent, advising that 'whites' and 'blacks' be written in lower case. Probably these are not regarded as being as 'specific' as say French, Asian, Buddhist ... And 'G/gentile' is, I'd argue, more akin to 'white' as regards specificity than to 'American'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:12
add a comment |
1
Hello, Michael. Sadly, CMOS is inconsistent, advising that 'whites' and 'blacks' be written in lower case. Probably these are not regarded as being as 'specific' as say French, Asian, Buddhist ... And 'G/gentile' is, I'd argue, more akin to 'white' as regards specificity than to 'American'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:12
1
1
Hello, Michael. Sadly, CMOS is inconsistent, advising that 'whites' and 'blacks' be written in lower case. Probably these are not regarded as being as 'specific' as say French, Asian, Buddhist ... And 'G/gentile' is, I'd argue, more akin to 'white' as regards specificity than to 'American'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:12
Hello, Michael. Sadly, CMOS is inconsistent, advising that 'whites' and 'blacks' be written in lower case. Probably these are not regarded as being as 'specific' as say French, Asian, Buddhist ... And 'G/gentile' is, I'd argue, more akin to 'white' as regards specificity than to 'American'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:12
add a comment |
The Gentiles are described in the Book of Genesis, Chapter Ten (10:5) with capitalization...K.J.V.
The Gentiles are also mentioned in Zechariah, Chapter One (1:15,21)...K.J.V., although verse 15 is written as "Heathen" in the K.J.V.version of the Bible, in other versions of the Bible "Heathen" is referred to as "Gentiles" and "Pagans" are considered to be non-Israelite. Also the New Testament talks about "A people without GOD"...
Ephesians Chapter Two (2:11-12)...K.J.V.
No matter whose tribe we came from, thank GOD for JESUS...
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"- Romans Chapter Three (3:23)...K.J.V.
Hi Ruth, welcome to the site! I don't feel that this answers the original question on whether someone should capitalize 'gentile' or not.
– mkennedy
Dec 19 '18 at 19:23
add a comment |
The Gentiles are described in the Book of Genesis, Chapter Ten (10:5) with capitalization...K.J.V.
The Gentiles are also mentioned in Zechariah, Chapter One (1:15,21)...K.J.V., although verse 15 is written as "Heathen" in the K.J.V.version of the Bible, in other versions of the Bible "Heathen" is referred to as "Gentiles" and "Pagans" are considered to be non-Israelite. Also the New Testament talks about "A people without GOD"...
Ephesians Chapter Two (2:11-12)...K.J.V.
No matter whose tribe we came from, thank GOD for JESUS...
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"- Romans Chapter Three (3:23)...K.J.V.
Hi Ruth, welcome to the site! I don't feel that this answers the original question on whether someone should capitalize 'gentile' or not.
– mkennedy
Dec 19 '18 at 19:23
add a comment |
The Gentiles are described in the Book of Genesis, Chapter Ten (10:5) with capitalization...K.J.V.
The Gentiles are also mentioned in Zechariah, Chapter One (1:15,21)...K.J.V., although verse 15 is written as "Heathen" in the K.J.V.version of the Bible, in other versions of the Bible "Heathen" is referred to as "Gentiles" and "Pagans" are considered to be non-Israelite. Also the New Testament talks about "A people without GOD"...
Ephesians Chapter Two (2:11-12)...K.J.V.
No matter whose tribe we came from, thank GOD for JESUS...
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"- Romans Chapter Three (3:23)...K.J.V.
The Gentiles are described in the Book of Genesis, Chapter Ten (10:5) with capitalization...K.J.V.
The Gentiles are also mentioned in Zechariah, Chapter One (1:15,21)...K.J.V., although verse 15 is written as "Heathen" in the K.J.V.version of the Bible, in other versions of the Bible "Heathen" is referred to as "Gentiles" and "Pagans" are considered to be non-Israelite. Also the New Testament talks about "A people without GOD"...
Ephesians Chapter Two (2:11-12)...K.J.V.
No matter whose tribe we came from, thank GOD for JESUS...
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"- Romans Chapter Three (3:23)...K.J.V.
answered Dec 19 '18 at 19:16
RuthRuth
1
1
Hi Ruth, welcome to the site! I don't feel that this answers the original question on whether someone should capitalize 'gentile' or not.
– mkennedy
Dec 19 '18 at 19:23
add a comment |
Hi Ruth, welcome to the site! I don't feel that this answers the original question on whether someone should capitalize 'gentile' or not.
– mkennedy
Dec 19 '18 at 19:23
Hi Ruth, welcome to the site! I don't feel that this answers the original question on whether someone should capitalize 'gentile' or not.
– mkennedy
Dec 19 '18 at 19:23
Hi Ruth, welcome to the site! I don't feel that this answers the original question on whether someone should capitalize 'gentile' or not.
– mkennedy
Dec 19 '18 at 19:23
add a comment |
The standard academic style guide for biblical studies has this:
gentile(s) (noun and adj.)
The SBL Handbook of Style, 2nd ed. (Atlanta, GA: SBL Press, 2014), 42.
Merriam-Webster lists both noun and adjective in lower case, but in both cases adds "often capitalized."
New contributor
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
The standard academic style guide for biblical studies has this:
gentile(s) (noun and adj.)
The SBL Handbook of Style, 2nd ed. (Atlanta, GA: SBL Press, 2014), 42.
Merriam-Webster lists both noun and adjective in lower case, but in both cases adds "often capitalized."
New contributor
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
The standard academic style guide for biblical studies has this:
gentile(s) (noun and adj.)
The SBL Handbook of Style, 2nd ed. (Atlanta, GA: SBL Press, 2014), 42.
Merriam-Webster lists both noun and adjective in lower case, but in both cases adds "often capitalized."
New contributor
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
The standard academic style guide for biblical studies has this:
gentile(s) (noun and adj.)
The SBL Handbook of Style, 2nd ed. (Atlanta, GA: SBL Press, 2014), 42.
Merriam-Webster lists both noun and adjective in lower case, but in both cases adds "often capitalized."
New contributor
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 7 hours ago
Dale BrueggemannDale Brueggemann
1
1
New contributor
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Dale Brueggemann is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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I don't buy this. Gentile, like Semite, is a proper noun. I note that Semite is always capitalized, yet Gentile should not always be according to some. I think this should be a consistent use and be capitalized when used as a proper noun, and not, when used as an adjective. I find also that every Bible translation that I looked up (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NAB,
ESV, NLT) all follow the same principle in which the word, Gentile, as a proper noun is capitalized.
If you are going to capitalize proper nouns, and capitalize other proper nouns associated with the use of the proper noun of "Gentile," like "Semite," and "Jew," then you need to be consistent with all such usage. I think that the Bible translators recognized this.
3
Welcome to English Language & Usage. Your answer seems to be a response to another answer. This site is not actually a discussion site: it's a Q&A site, which means answers should stand on their own. Consider editing to make your answer stand alone, or moving your answer to a comment, depending on your intentions. Also be aware that comments on a Q&A site should offer constructive suggestions for improving a Q (or A). If what you really wish to do is discuss, come on over to chat.
– MetaEd♦
Feb 12 '13 at 16:51
The question hinges on whether 'G/gentile' is a proper noun or not. Note that the metaphorical usage of jonah is now usually written in lower case. And also that we write Australian etc but foreigner. I'm not saying that non-capitalisation of Gentile is correct (I'd usually capitalise), but Bible translations are written in the relevant modern language and should use standard forms (or add explanatory notes where translators feel it necessary not to do so). Inerrancy does not extend to translations.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:20
add a comment |
I don't buy this. Gentile, like Semite, is a proper noun. I note that Semite is always capitalized, yet Gentile should not always be according to some. I think this should be a consistent use and be capitalized when used as a proper noun, and not, when used as an adjective. I find also that every Bible translation that I looked up (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NAB,
ESV, NLT) all follow the same principle in which the word, Gentile, as a proper noun is capitalized.
If you are going to capitalize proper nouns, and capitalize other proper nouns associated with the use of the proper noun of "Gentile," like "Semite," and "Jew," then you need to be consistent with all such usage. I think that the Bible translators recognized this.
3
Welcome to English Language & Usage. Your answer seems to be a response to another answer. This site is not actually a discussion site: it's a Q&A site, which means answers should stand on their own. Consider editing to make your answer stand alone, or moving your answer to a comment, depending on your intentions. Also be aware that comments on a Q&A site should offer constructive suggestions for improving a Q (or A). If what you really wish to do is discuss, come on over to chat.
– MetaEd♦
Feb 12 '13 at 16:51
The question hinges on whether 'G/gentile' is a proper noun or not. Note that the metaphorical usage of jonah is now usually written in lower case. And also that we write Australian etc but foreigner. I'm not saying that non-capitalisation of Gentile is correct (I'd usually capitalise), but Bible translations are written in the relevant modern language and should use standard forms (or add explanatory notes where translators feel it necessary not to do so). Inerrancy does not extend to translations.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:20
add a comment |
I don't buy this. Gentile, like Semite, is a proper noun. I note that Semite is always capitalized, yet Gentile should not always be according to some. I think this should be a consistent use and be capitalized when used as a proper noun, and not, when used as an adjective. I find also that every Bible translation that I looked up (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NAB,
ESV, NLT) all follow the same principle in which the word, Gentile, as a proper noun is capitalized.
If you are going to capitalize proper nouns, and capitalize other proper nouns associated with the use of the proper noun of "Gentile," like "Semite," and "Jew," then you need to be consistent with all such usage. I think that the Bible translators recognized this.
I don't buy this. Gentile, like Semite, is a proper noun. I note that Semite is always capitalized, yet Gentile should not always be according to some. I think this should be a consistent use and be capitalized when used as a proper noun, and not, when used as an adjective. I find also that every Bible translation that I looked up (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NAB,
ESV, NLT) all follow the same principle in which the word, Gentile, as a proper noun is capitalized.
If you are going to capitalize proper nouns, and capitalize other proper nouns associated with the use of the proper noun of "Gentile," like "Semite," and "Jew," then you need to be consistent with all such usage. I think that the Bible translators recognized this.
answered Feb 12 '13 at 16:07
allanallan
71
71
3
Welcome to English Language & Usage. Your answer seems to be a response to another answer. This site is not actually a discussion site: it's a Q&A site, which means answers should stand on their own. Consider editing to make your answer stand alone, or moving your answer to a comment, depending on your intentions. Also be aware that comments on a Q&A site should offer constructive suggestions for improving a Q (or A). If what you really wish to do is discuss, come on over to chat.
– MetaEd♦
Feb 12 '13 at 16:51
The question hinges on whether 'G/gentile' is a proper noun or not. Note that the metaphorical usage of jonah is now usually written in lower case. And also that we write Australian etc but foreigner. I'm not saying that non-capitalisation of Gentile is correct (I'd usually capitalise), but Bible translations are written in the relevant modern language and should use standard forms (or add explanatory notes where translators feel it necessary not to do so). Inerrancy does not extend to translations.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:20
add a comment |
3
Welcome to English Language & Usage. Your answer seems to be a response to another answer. This site is not actually a discussion site: it's a Q&A site, which means answers should stand on their own. Consider editing to make your answer stand alone, or moving your answer to a comment, depending on your intentions. Also be aware that comments on a Q&A site should offer constructive suggestions for improving a Q (or A). If what you really wish to do is discuss, come on over to chat.
– MetaEd♦
Feb 12 '13 at 16:51
The question hinges on whether 'G/gentile' is a proper noun or not. Note that the metaphorical usage of jonah is now usually written in lower case. And also that we write Australian etc but foreigner. I'm not saying that non-capitalisation of Gentile is correct (I'd usually capitalise), but Bible translations are written in the relevant modern language and should use standard forms (or add explanatory notes where translators feel it necessary not to do so). Inerrancy does not extend to translations.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:20
3
3
Welcome to English Language & Usage. Your answer seems to be a response to another answer. This site is not actually a discussion site: it's a Q&A site, which means answers should stand on their own. Consider editing to make your answer stand alone, or moving your answer to a comment, depending on your intentions. Also be aware that comments on a Q&A site should offer constructive suggestions for improving a Q (or A). If what you really wish to do is discuss, come on over to chat.
– MetaEd♦
Feb 12 '13 at 16:51
Welcome to English Language & Usage. Your answer seems to be a response to another answer. This site is not actually a discussion site: it's a Q&A site, which means answers should stand on their own. Consider editing to make your answer stand alone, or moving your answer to a comment, depending on your intentions. Also be aware that comments on a Q&A site should offer constructive suggestions for improving a Q (or A). If what you really wish to do is discuss, come on over to chat.
– MetaEd♦
Feb 12 '13 at 16:51
The question hinges on whether 'G/gentile' is a proper noun or not. Note that the metaphorical usage of jonah is now usually written in lower case. And also that we write Australian etc but foreigner. I'm not saying that non-capitalisation of Gentile is correct (I'd usually capitalise), but Bible translations are written in the relevant modern language and should use standard forms (or add explanatory notes where translators feel it necessary not to do so). Inerrancy does not extend to translations.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:20
The question hinges on whether 'G/gentile' is a proper noun or not. Note that the metaphorical usage of jonah is now usually written in lower case. And also that we write Australian etc but foreigner. I'm not saying that non-capitalisation of Gentile is correct (I'd usually capitalise), but Bible translations are written in the relevant modern language and should use standard forms (or add explanatory notes where translators feel it necessary not to do so). Inerrancy does not extend to translations.
– Edwin Ashworth
Dec 27 '16 at 0:20
add a comment |
This is a religious debate, not proper grammar, which it should be. Gentile is NEVER capitalized unless it is the first word in a sentence. And no, I'm not Jewish.
3
We've got answers that contradict your that provide sources. Would you care to provide anything to back up your opinion?
– Matt E. Эллен♦
Sep 12 '13 at 8:40
add a comment |
This is a religious debate, not proper grammar, which it should be. Gentile is NEVER capitalized unless it is the first word in a sentence. And no, I'm not Jewish.
3
We've got answers that contradict your that provide sources. Would you care to provide anything to back up your opinion?
– Matt E. Эллен♦
Sep 12 '13 at 8:40
add a comment |
This is a religious debate, not proper grammar, which it should be. Gentile is NEVER capitalized unless it is the first word in a sentence. And no, I'm not Jewish.
This is a religious debate, not proper grammar, which it should be. Gentile is NEVER capitalized unless it is the first word in a sentence. And no, I'm not Jewish.
answered Sep 12 '13 at 8:18
DaveDave
1
1
3
We've got answers that contradict your that provide sources. Would you care to provide anything to back up your opinion?
– Matt E. Эллен♦
Sep 12 '13 at 8:40
add a comment |
3
We've got answers that contradict your that provide sources. Would you care to provide anything to back up your opinion?
– Matt E. Эллен♦
Sep 12 '13 at 8:40
3
3
We've got answers that contradict your that provide sources. Would you care to provide anything to back up your opinion?
– Matt E. Эллен♦
Sep 12 '13 at 8:40
We've got answers that contradict your that provide sources. Would you care to provide anything to back up your opinion?
– Matt E. Эллен♦
Sep 12 '13 at 8:40
add a comment |
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