As most SBLHS users know, the handbook includes a list of capitalization and spelling examples in section 4.3.6. The purpose of the list is not to specify that some forms of common terms are correct and all others incorrect; rather, SBLHS 4.3.6 records SBL Press’s preferred spelling and formatting of common terms so that anyone … Continue reading On kaige
General Style
Epigraphs
Authors sometimes wish to include an epigraph (a short quotation) at the beginning of a volume, a chapter, or a chapter section. Such epigraphs serve primarily as decoration; they are related to the content of a book or chapter but stand apart from the main text in terms of content and formatting. According to CMS … Continue reading Epigraphs
Image Captions
Authors frequently include figures in their works (e.g., line drawings, photographs, maps). Each figure should generally be referenced within the body of the work (e.g., see fig. 3), so readers know why it has been included or to what the figure relates. In addition, the figure should be accompanied by a caption that provides a … Continue reading Image Captions
Formatting Headings and Subheadings
Authors often use headings and subheadings to structure their argument. When used effectively, these signals can help guide readers through a long argument. SBLHS 2.1.3.1 provides basic guidelines for formatting headings and subheadings (see also CMS 1.55–1.57). This post will expand those guidelines and provide examples. 1. Hierarchy Since the ultimate goal of headings and … Continue reading Formatting Headings and Subheadings
Usage of the Word Only
Although the SBLHS blog does not often venture into issues of English composition per se, correct word usage and clear sentence construction are both key components of good style and thus worthy of occasional comment. In that spirit, this modest post highlights the improper and proper placement of the word only. Consider, for example, the … Continue reading Usage of the Word Only
X-Person Phrases
Writers in the field often find it necessary to refer to the grammatical form of a given verb, which frequently involves identifying the person (first, second, or third) of the form in question. Without pretending to offer a full discussion of all the ways that authors might present such information, this post offers SBL Press … Continue reading X-Person Phrases
A Single Prime Symbol
Many writing in the field of biblical studies and its cognate disciplines will have reason to use a prime symbol: ′. This single mark is used in various contexts to indicate a number of different things. The following noncomprehensive list identifies some of the more common. A prime symbol can stand for the word feet, … Continue reading A Single Prime Symbol
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
The University of Chicago Press has just released its 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style. The changes offered in this new edition include updated guidelines for the citation of electronic information (including citations of social media, private messages, apps, DOIs, and e-books), expanded discussions of English grammar and syntax, and revised recommendations for … Continue reading The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
Kings, Queens, Pharaohs, and Emperors
Writers frequently struggle to know when a title such as king, queen, pharaoh, emperor, or the like should be capitalized and when it is more properly lowercased. SBLHS 4.3.6 includes all of these terms in a list of capitalization and spelling examples; this post reinforces the guidelines illustrated there by explaining the rationale behind them … Continue reading Kings, Queens, Pharaohs, and Emperors
Platonic Ideas
Early Christian texts were influenced by many cultural forms. One prominent influence was Neoplatonism, a philosophical tradition traditionally accredited to Plotinus (204–270 CE) and loosely based on the philosophical tradition begun by Plato (427–347 BCE). Since many scholars write about the connection between Platonism, Neoplatonism, and early Christianity, it is useful to establish some basic … Continue reading Platonic Ideas
SBL Handbook of Style 