Why do some Jews write G-D instead of God?

Language and writing are powerful reflections of culture, belief, and reverence. Among the many traditions in Judaism, one that often piques the curiosity of outsiders—and sometimes even those within the Jewish faith—is the practice of writing "G-D" instead of "God." This seemingly small variation is deeply rooted in centuries of religious tradition, reverence, and interpretation of sacred texts.

The Reverence for God’s Name in Judaism

The Ten Commandments, as found in the Torah (Exodus 20:7), command: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." Over centuries of interpretation, this commandment has come to be understood not only as a prohibition against swearing or using God’s name disrespectfully, but also as a mandate to treat the written name of God with utmost sanctity.

In Hebrew, the four-letter name of God—the Tetragrammaton, spelled Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh (יהוה)—is considered so holy that it is never pronounced as written. Alternative names (such as "Adonai" or "HaShem") are used in prayer or conversation. This reverence extends to other Hebrew names for God, such as "Elohim" and "El Shaddai." Jewish law (halacha) developed over time to extend this respect to the written form as well, especially in sacred texts.

From Hebrew to English: Extending the Custom

The question then arises: how did this Hebrew custom come to affect the way God’s name is written in English? As Jewish communities adapted to new languages and cultures throughout the diaspora, the principle of reverence remained. Many Jews, particularly those with traditional or Orthodox backgrounds, began to apply this respect to English as well. This meant avoiding writing out "God" in a way that could be disrespected, erased, or discarded.

This approach is particularly significant in written materials that could be treated carelessly. For example, a piece of paper with God’s full name written on it might inadvertently be thrown away or destroyed, an act that could be interpreted as disrespectful. By omitting the central letter and writing "G-D," Jews symbolically avoid the risk of desecrating the divine name. This practice is most common in religious or educational contexts but can sometimes be seen in everyday correspondence as well.

The Halachic Reasoning: Jewish Law and Written Names

The halachic (Jewish legal) basis for this practice is nuanced. Jewish law strictly prohibits erasing or destroying any of the seven Hebrew names of God, requiring that such texts be treated with care—often stored in a genizah (a repository for sacred texts) before burial. However, most authorities agree that the prohibition does not technically apply to translations or secular languages, such as English.

Despite this, many Jews choose to extend the same caution to the English name, viewing it as a sign of respect and a continuation of the tradition. For some, writing "G-D" is a personal act of piety; for others, it’s a communal norm, especially in Orthodox or observant circles. Not all Jewish denominations follow this practice—many Reform, Conservative, or secular Jews write "God" without hesitation, seeing the halachic restrictions as applicable only to Hebrew names.

Cultural Identity and Contemporary Practice

The use of "G-D" has also become a marker of Jewish identity and tradition. For some, it is a daily reminder of the sanctity of the divine, and of their connection to generations who approached God’s name with awe and caution. For others, it’s a way of signaling adherence to tradition, or simply respecting the sensitivities of more observant family and community members.

In today’s digital age, the practice has adapted to new media. Emails, text messages, and online forums frequented by observant Jews often reflect this custom. Yet, many Jewish scholars and rabbis clarify that the prohibition against erasing God’s name does not extend to digital writing, since nothing physical is being destroyed. Even so, out of tradition and habit, many still write "G-D" online as an act of respect.