Why do Hebrew people write G-d instead of the whole word, God?

Answer 1

we jewish people treat the name of god as holy, and if it's written on a piece of paper, you can't just throw it away, the paper becomes sacred and you have to burn or bury it to dispose of it. so to avoid that we write g-d in casual references to god.
it's just a matter of respect. we don't think the name IS god, (just like we don't think any human being was ever god), it's not superstition, it's not fear, and it's not to avoid sin. it's just a matter of treating god's name as sacred, and showing it some respect. it's no big deal, really.
it's not because there are no vowels in hebrew. there are vowels in hebrew, they just work different. and it has nothing to do with YHVH, that's a different story. but we don't write the name in hebrew or english if it is casual. we do write the full name in prayerbooks and such.

Answer 2

I am Jewish, and I write it as "G-d" out of respect.

The tetragramatron name of G-d is both unpronounceable and forbidden to pronounce. But writing the word "God" in English isn't. (See? There I just did it.)

Writing G-d's name on a paper makes that paper have to buried if discarded, and requires that we have to take special care in treating it and disposing of it.

Opinions differ as to how far to take all of this, whether it extends to writings about sanctified topics, etc.

But, for me, writing "G-d" instead of "God" reminds me to be mindful, respectful, and make an attempt at sanctifying G-d's name with my speech, writing, and actions.

Some people take this very, very far, (in my opinion) past superstition and into the realm of the absurd. I have seen "HaSh-m", which is an English transliteration of the Hebrew word for "the name".

There are many (70?) names of G-d. According to my best understanding of mainstream Jewish thought (I know of excpetions) only the tetragramatron, and about two others (only the Hebrew versions) *require* burial/special treatment. The others are optional.

I have read works by major, respected, Orthodox Rabbis, with it written "G-d" and others who write it as "God".

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Similarly, you'll often see 'BS"D' or 'b"h' at the top of Jewish written work. It's an acronym for 'with the help of G-d'. Some people think this is required, some think it's hubris to put it on the top of the page.

I think it is not required, but often a helpful reminder that what I write should (aim to) be a sanctification of His name, or at least not a desecration of it. This means that what I write should add to the good in the world, not take away from it.

Answer 3

I just answered this same question earlier today - so I'll paste the same answer here:
It's a sign of respect - a way of setting the word apart, even in its spelling - so that both the person who writes it and the person who reads it sees the difference and hopefully, takes time to reflect upon the One Who Bears the Name.
In Jewish thought, a name is not simply the title by which a person or thing is known - it represents the nature and essence - the character and reputation - of the one named. For this reason, it's believed that a name should be treated with the same respect as the person himself. So - there are some, especially observant Jews, who avoid writing any Name of God casually because of the risk that it might later be somehow defaced - whether purposefully or because someone doesn't know any better.

Answer 4

Actually Gods name is cannot be said because it is not pronounceable. In the ancient texts they used a string of letters that cannot actually be pronounced. Scholars would refer to that string as "YWH" which became Yahweh. The term Jehovah comes from a group of people, non-Jews, that attached vowels to the string to make it pronounceable, but no Jewish denomination has ever used the term Jehovah or Yahweh.

To give God a name would be to give him a human attribute which would be inaccurate. The word God while not really known may have come from the Sanskrit "hu" which means "to invoke". But there is nothing sacrosanct regarding the word "GOD" and no special respect is due it when writing or printing it per our religion. Why a person may do it is a personal choice and probably a show of respect, but it is not required.

Answer 5

Out of reverence fot the true God Jehovah, they wish not to waste the term "God" in any way shape or form so as to bring offense to the almighty. The Hebrews believe in placing the name of God in highest respect, not even writing out the entire name. That is why in hebrew texts the name of the God of Abraham is written as YHWH or JHWH. The hebrew alphabet does not have a J in it so Y is used instead. Their are lots of clues as to why some people use Jehovah over Yahweh.

Answer 6

G-d only knows. :)

Answer 7

It's based on a misinterpretation of the commandment not to take the Lord's name in vain - they think it's somehow 'disrespectful' to speak or write God's name. Many Christians observe the same custom, including (oddly IMO) an unusual number of Masons.

Answer 8

they believe that its taking his name in vain.

notice that when they write G-d, they leave out the vowel. they also do this with Yahweh. they leave out the vowels again, so it looks like this: YHWH

it kind of shows a reverance to His name, but then again they dont believe in Christ, so....

there u have it.

Answer 9

No one gave you a correct answer. The Hebrew language has no vowels. That's also why you see YHWH.

See, it really wouldn't matter if you wrote GOD or G-D it still refers to the same being. Even G-D could still be "disrespected".

Answer 10

Out of respect for the holiness of His name!