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Capitalizing initial letters in pronouns related to God, such as He and Him, is a common tradition in English-speaking Christianity. Choosing this style is usually meant as a gesture of respect. That leads some Christians to wonder about capitalizing the name Satan or titles such as the devil. If capitalizing a word is a form of showing respect, is it proper to capitalize the name of God’s ultimate enemy? Is it better to write Satan in lowercase letters to indicate our disdain for him?
To answer, we should consider both accepted rules of writing and spiritual concerns. According to the rules of capitalization, proper names are capitalized. This would include the word Satan or Beelzebub, as it is the devil’s proper name. Titles such as devil, evil one, and ruler of this world require no capitalization.
In English, all proper nouns are capitalized, including names such as John, Miguel, and Caoimhe. The rule is not meant to venerate the person but to aid understandability and ease of reading. God’s names are capitalized under that principle, and so is Satan’s name. Modern English rules advise capitalizing Satan’s name for that reason. Many modern, God-honoring translations of Scripture use entirely conventional capitalization: Satan is capitalized, not to show respect to the devil but to adhere to the rules of capitalization.
When it comes to pronouns, there is some flexibility. Pronouns referring to God may or may not be capitalized; it is a stylistic decision. It’s quite common to see what’s called “reverential capitalization” in the case of divine pronouns. Some Bible translations have chosen that route:
Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me. (Psalm 69:16, NASB1995)
When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. (John 20:20, NKJV)
Other translations have chosen to keep all pronouns lowercase, even those referring to deity:When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. (John 20:20, NKJV)
Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. (Psalm 69:16, ESV).
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. (John 20:20, NET)
Writers who use reverential capitalization do so to express their faith and honor the Lord. At the same time, there is nothing inherently disrespectful about using the lower case for all pronouns.When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. (John 20:20, NET)
A frequently missed biblical teaching further supports using normal capitalization rules regarding Satan. At least twice, Scripture warns against belittling angelic beings (2 Peter 2:10–12; Jude 1:9–10). Even Michael the archangel did not slander the devil. To actively disrespect Satan—making a point to denigrate his name—touches on that problem. One could see it as taunting a powerful spiritual being. Further, to change the rules of capitalization concerning Satan’s name could be a form of giving him special attention. It’s better to treat his name according to the rules of common language rather than carve out a special exception for him.
We can rest assured that our enemy gets no reverence—and no provocation—when we stick to the conventional rules of capitalization. In the end, Christians are free to use whatever style suits their conscience (Romans 14:23); likewise, they should respect those with different views (Romans 14:1).
