Hershel Goyette
Jan 16, 2025
Is the word “hell” capitalized?
I'm writing a religious essay and need clarification on whether the word "hell" should be capitalized. While it’s not typically treated with reverence, it is the name of a place, which has left me unsure. Could someone help clarify this? Thank you!
10 Answers
It depends on the context.
When it clearly refers to the place where Satan lives, it is capitalized.
In all other cases it is not.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"When Hell freezes over"
The only place in the Bible where hell is capitalized is if it starts a sentence.
Here is an example of hell used in the middle of a sentence in the Bible. If any teachers give you a hassle about it. Point this out to them and remind them that the King James Version Bible is written in perfect Kings English.
Revelation 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
In English the name of all places is capitalized. It has to do with grammar, not respect.
If it’s just a general reference to "hell", as in a state of mind, then no, don’t capitalize.
If it’s a reference to the actual location of Hell, that is, the American South, then yes, capitalize it.
It usually isn’t, and neither is heaven. This might be because they aren’t physical places; or it might just be a hangover from a time before place-names were capitalised. I go with what I feel like at the time; but be consistent in your essay.
Hell is not a proper name. House, field, hill, street are also not written in capitals. So also is hell
May God Bless you
Yes, it refers to a place. Fictional or not, it is still a place. Like Valhalla or Elysium.
‘God’ would not be capitalised unless you were referring to the god of a particular religion.
Depends, if you’re talking about the place then I would say yes, if you’re saying it as in “What the hell?” Then I think not.
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