When reading the Bible, the word “lord” can be found in three different forms: LORD, Lord, and lord. The complete capitalization, standard capitalization, and non-capitalization isn’t consistent within all the various translations either. One could easily become confused by these seeming discrepancies.
Why is Lord capitalized sometimes and sometimes not? Why is it in all capitals in some translations and not in others? Why is there such a difference in the capitalization of the single word lord?
The first thing to know about the word “lord” in the Bible is that it’s not just one word in the original language. The three varying presentations of the word are to differentiate between them.
When the word “lord” is found in all lower-case letters, it’s representing the word ʼâdôwn, aw-done’, or (shortened) ʼâdôn; from an unused root (meaning to rule).
The usage of this word is referring to men and not to God. For example, in Genesis 31:35, Rachel uses it when addressing her father, “Rachel said to her father, ‘Don't be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my period.’ So he searched but could not find the household gods.”
In modern terms, we can understand this usage of lord as a male boss or an authority figure. The word we use today is sir.
When the word “Lord” is found in standard capitalization, it’s representing the word 'ădônây, ad-o-noy’, the Lord (used as a proper name of God only): (my) Lord.
Two examples here are when David is addressing God.
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples (Psalm 57:9).
And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant (2 Samuel, 7:28 NKJV).
This can be compared to how we speak to God today using the name Jesus, or Father.
When the word LORD is found in all capital letters, it’s representing the word yeh-ho-vaw'; (the) self-Existent or Eternal, the Jewish national name of God.
Transliterating the word from Hebrew to English we get the letters yhwh or jhvh. This is what is called a Tetragrammaton, meaning four letters or four consonants.
The Jews held this name of God as sacred and did not pronounce it. Scribes later inserted vowels giving us the names Yahweh and Jehovah.
Here are three examples of its usage.
This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens (Genesis 2:4).
The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day (Genesis 18:1).
A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing (Psalm 23:1).
Using the complete capitalization of LORD is to convey the proper name, or title for God as complete Creator and ever present one.
There are times when the words are translated differently. This is generally in an effort to convey greater clarity and understanding.
Some translations use the word sir instead of lord, or my lords. For example, this verse with Rachel speaking to her father,
Rachel said to her father, “Do not be angry with me, sir, but I am not able to stand up in your presence; I am having my monthly period.” Laban searched but did not find his household gods (Genesis 31:35, GNT).
The American Standard Version uses the word Jehovah instead of LORD.
And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; (Genesis 18:1, ASV).
You can find the Hebrew Tetragrammaton sometimes translated into four different words: LORD, Jehovah, Yahweh, and Lord. For example, here in Genesis 15:1,
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (NIV).
After these things the word of Jehovah came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, thy exceeding great reward” (DBT).
After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (WEB).
Now when these things were done, the word of the Lord came to Abram by a vision, saying: “Fear not, Abram, I am thy protector, and thy reward exceeding great” (DRB).
All these translations point to the original meaning. The best way to know if you’re understanding the scriptures correctly is to study them and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
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Danielle Bernock is an international, award-winning author, coach, and speaker who helps people embrace their value and heal their souls through the power of the love of God. She’s written Emerging With Wings, A Bird Named Payn, Love’s Manifesto, Because You Matter, and hosts the Victorious Souls Podcast. A long-time follower of Christ, Danielle lives with her husband in Michigan near her adult children and grandchildren. For more information or to connect with Danielle https://www.daniellebernock.com/