Should the word “Gentile” be capitalized?












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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.










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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.










    share|improve this question



























      12












      12








      12


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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.










      share|improve this question















      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






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      edited Jan 4 '12 at 21:59









      Marthaª

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      asked Jan 4 '12 at 13:01









      Jonn

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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’.






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            4














            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.






            share|improve this answer































              2














              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.






              share|improve this answer































                1














                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.






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                  1














                  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.






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                    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.






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                    • 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



















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                    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.






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                    • 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 at 19:23



















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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.






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                      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





















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                    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.






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                      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











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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’.






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                      7














                      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’.






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                        7






                        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’.






                        share|improve this answer












                        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’.







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                        answered Jan 4 '12 at 17:21









                        Barrie England

                        128k10202347




                        128k10202347

























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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.






                            share|improve this answer




























                              4














                              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.






                              share|improve this answer


























                                4












                                4








                                4






                                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.






                                share|improve this answer














                                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.







                                share|improve this answer














                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer








                                edited Sep 20 at 15:17

























                                answered Sep 13 at 18:32









                                Michael

                                513




                                513























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                                    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.






                                    share|improve this answer




























                                      2














                                      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.






                                      share|improve this answer


























                                        2












                                        2








                                        2






                                        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.






                                        share|improve this answer














                                        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.







                                        share|improve this answer














                                        share|improve this answer



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                                        edited Jan 4 '12 at 20:07

























                                        answered Jan 4 '12 at 13:20









                                        speedyGonzales

                                        2,14461838




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                                            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.






                                            share|improve this answer


























                                              1














                                              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.






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                                                1








                                                1






                                                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.






                                                share|improve this answer












                                                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.







                                                share|improve this answer












                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer










                                                answered Jan 4 '12 at 13:41









                                                kiamlaluno

                                                43.4k56181295




                                                43.4k56181295























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                                                    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.






                                                    share|improve this answer


























                                                      1














                                                      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.






                                                      share|improve this answer
























                                                        1












                                                        1








                                                        1






                                                        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.






                                                        share|improve this answer












                                                        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.







                                                        share|improve this answer












                                                        share|improve this answer



                                                        share|improve this answer










                                                        answered Mar 11 at 19:06









                                                        Steve Brudney

                                                        111




                                                        111























                                                            0














                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer

















                                                            • 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
















                                                            0














                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer

















                                                            • 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














                                                            0












                                                            0








                                                            0






                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                            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.







                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                            share|improve this answer










                                                            answered Dec 26 '16 at 22:18









                                                            Michael 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














                                                            • 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











                                                            0














                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer








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                                                            Ruth is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                            • 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 at 19:23
















                                                            0














                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                            New contributor




                                                            Ruth is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.


















                                                            • 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 at 19:23














                                                            0












                                                            0








                                                            0






                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                            New contributor




                                                            Ruth is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                                            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.







                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                            New contributor




                                                            Ruth is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                            share|improve this answer






                                                            New contributor




                                                            Ruth is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                                            answered Dec 19 at 19:16









                                                            Ruth

                                                            1




                                                            1




                                                            New contributor




                                                            Ruth is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.





                                                            New contributor





                                                            Ruth is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                                            Ruth is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                            Check out our Code of Conduct.












                                                            • 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 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 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 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 at 19:23











                                                            -1














                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer

















                                                            • 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


















                                                            -1














                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer

















                                                            • 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
















                                                            -1












                                                            -1








                                                            -1






                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                            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.







                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                            share|improve this answer










                                                            answered Feb 12 '13 at 16:07









                                                            allan

                                                            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
















                                                            • 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













                                                            -4














                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer

















                                                            • 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
















                                                            -4














                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer

















                                                            • 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














                                                            -4












                                                            -4








                                                            -4






                                                            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.






                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                            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.







                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                            share|improve this answer










                                                            answered Sep 12 '13 at 8:18









                                                            Dave

                                                            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














                                                            • 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


















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