Question about capitalization

[Alissa Nesson]

Hello friends, I have a question about whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “D” in “Devil” when referring to the actual Devil from the Bible.

I have been all over the internet about this and I have found places that say it’s always capitalized and I’ve found other places that say it’s never capitalized. I came across one page asking why the Bible only capitalizes Devil in certain books of the Bible. The author of the book I reviewed writes it with the capitalization in his story. I’m currently arguing about it. The editor for my review says that it’s never capitalized, even after I sent a link to a page that says it is. I’ve asked the admin to weigh in. The title of the Devil should have the capitalization because it’s a title and not a common noun like in “the little devils” or something like that. I don’t know what to expect to hear back at this point, but I am interested in what you all think about this. Thanks!

Alissa

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

In my opinion, and I'm far from being an expert, I would capitalize Devil as I would capitalize God.

[Alissa Nesson]

In my opinion, and I'm far from being an expert, I would capitalize Devil as I would capitalize God.

Thanks, Shirley!

[Ludovica Peruzzi]

Regardless of whether it's usually capitalized or not, I feel like if the book you're reviewing capitalizes it then it only makes sense for you to capitalize it in your review, as well.

[Alissa Nesson]

Regardless of whether it's usually capitalized or not, I feel like if the book you're reviewing capitalizes it then it only makes sense for you to capitalize it in your review, as well.

You would think! Thanks!

[Diana Lowery]

I hope the admins weigh in favorably.

[Alissa Nesson]

I hope the admins weigh in favorably.

Thank you! Me too!

[Gerry Steen]

Hello friends, I have a question about whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “D” in “Devil” when referring to the actual Devil from the Bible.

I have been all over the internet about this and I have found places that say it’s always capitalized and I’ve found other places that say it’s never capitalized. I came across one page asking why the Bible only capitalizes Devil in certain books of the Bible. The author of the book I reviewed writes it with the capitalization in his story. I’m currently arguing about it. The editor for my review says that it’s never capitalized, even after I sent a link to a page that says it is. I’ve asked the admin to weigh in. The title of the Devil should have the capitalization because it’s a title and not a common noun like in “the little devils” or something like that. I don’t know what to expect to hear back at this point, but I am interested in what you all think about this. Thanks!

Alissa

Hi, Alissa. In the Collins English dictionary, third edition updated 1994 it is written regarding devil- "n.1. Theol. (often cap.)".
I understand this to mean that in theology the word devil is often capitalized. Sometimes a dictionary can solve these squabbles. If you have another dictionary, check and see what it says and let me know if it says the same thing. Have a fabulous day!

[Alissa Nesson]

Hello friends, I have a question about whether you would consider it an error if someone capitalizes the “D” in “Devil” when referring to the actual Devil from the Bible.

I have been all over the internet about this and I have found places that say it’s always capitalized and I’ve found other places that say it’s never capitalized. I came across one page asking why the Bible only capitalizes Devil in certain books of the Bible. The author of the book I reviewed writes it with the capitalization in his story. I’m currently arguing about it. The editor for my review says that it’s never capitalized, even after I sent a link to a page that says it is. I’ve asked the admin to weigh in. The title of the Devil should have the capitalization because it’s a title and not a common noun like in “the little devils” or something like that. I don’t know what to expect to hear back at this point, but I am interested in what you all think about this. Thanks!

Alissa

Hi, Alissa. In the Collins English dictionary, third edition updated 1994 it is written regarding devil- "n.1. Theol. (often cap.)".
I understand this to mean that in theology the word devil is often capitalized. Sometimes a dictionary can solve these squabbles. If you have another dictionary, check and see what it says and let me know if it says the same thing. Have a fabulous day!

Thank you, Gerry! There’s nothing more I can do now but wait, but I appreciate the suggestion for next time.