Why do Jewish people type "G-d" instead of "God"?

Answer 1

Hi,

All other answers that were posted before mine are incorrect.

There is no prohibition in Jewish religious law that prohibits a Jew from writing G-d's name out in full.
If that was the case, then why do all Jewish prayer books (called a "siddur") and other religious books (e.g. Jewish Bible, akak Tanach) have G-d's name printed in the original (in Hebrew) and in English (if there's an English translation)?

Rather, the issue at hand is what is one supposed to do with the paper that G-d's name is written on.
If G-d's name is written in full, and according to many Jewish authorities, this also applies to His name in other languages as well, then one must dispose of the paper properly (i.e. cannot be thrown out with the garbage, recycled, or burnt). To avoid this possible desceration of His name, G-d is written with a "change", in this case, the dash.
For the record, writing on a computer, like we're doing, doesn't count (your computer screen is not a paper), though the custom has carried on.

Answer 2

In the oldest Hebrew manuscripts (from the dead sea scrolls found in 1947)you will see YHWH because the 'Old Testament' are without vowels for ALL words. These were filled in later by scholars for easier understanding. YHWH, sometimes short for Yehovah or Jehovah (the letter J was introduced in the 17th century), may be where this idea was from.

Answer 3

Because "God" is a holy word and they aren't supposed to write it out all the way so that they show respect. They also write YHWH for the word "Jehovah" or "Yahweh" or however people decide to read that--it's just a representation of the unknowable nature of God and humans can't really speak the word.

Answer 4

Because in their religion it is forbidden to say or spell the Lord's name at all as a show of respect to their creator. They feel they aren't worthy. That's also why they spell Yahweh "Yhwh" they cut the vowels out so they can refer to him and not spell the whole name... They also feel Christians take the name too lightly especially with using God's name in vain so it's blasphemous.

Answer 5

It is custom to not write the name of God since they believe He is too Holy to even have His name written down.
It's a form of respect.

Answer 6

Because they don't want to take the name of the Lord in vain. They are just being extra careful not to violate that law.

Answer 7

Cuz there 2 lazy 2 type tha O.. lolz

Answer 8

Jewish Keyboards don't have an 'o' key as that letter is not Kosher

Answer 9

Bc the Hebrew Bible (Old Test) prohibits them from blaspheming the name of God, therefore their logic goes something like this...How can we blaspheme his name if we dont even say it? So they choose, rather than risk blaspheming his name, to not say it (or write it).

Answer 10

I'm a jew who writes GOD not G-D, I don't see what is wrong with it.

I've been trying to find out why we aren't supposed to write the O ;l