god's word: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Religious, formal, occasionally literary or ironic.
Quick answer
What does “god's word” mean?
A phrase referring to the Bible or the teachings and commands believed by Christians to be directly revealed by God.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phrase referring to the Bible or the teachings and commands believed by Christians to be directly revealed by God.
Any statement, text, or principle regarded by a group as having supreme, unquestionable authority; divine revelation. In secular contexts, can be used ironically for an authoritative pronouncement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage frequency may be slightly higher in the US due to greater prevalence of evangelical discourse in public life.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is religious authority. Potential for ironic/secular use exists in both but may be more common in UK media/culture.
Frequency
More frequent in religious communities in both regions. General public usage is low outside of specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “god's word” in a Sentence
[Subject] preaches/teaches God's Word.[Subject] lives by God's Word.According to God's Word, [clause].It is written in God's Word that [clause].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “god's word” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They sought to God's-word their entire curriculum, which caused controversy.
- (Note: Extremely rare and non-standard usage, presented for illustration only)
American English
- (No standard verb use exists)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb use exists)
American English
- (No standard adverb use exists)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjective use exists. Attributive noun use: 'a God's-Word principle')
American English
- (No standard adjective use exists)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in explicitly faith-based organisations ('Our company principles are based on God's Word').
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, or historical contexts. Avoided in secular academic writing.
Everyday
Primarily within religious communities. Can be used ironically ('Don't take his memo as God's Word!').
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields outside of theology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “god's word”
- Incorrect apostrophe: 'Gods word' or 'Gods' Word'.
- Using lowercase 'g' in a religious context ('god's word' implies a polytheistic or generic deity).
- Treating it as a countable noun ('a God's Word').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The 'G' in 'God' is almost always capitalised when referring to the monotheistic deity. 'Word' is often capitalised when it is a direct reference to the Bible or Christ (the Word), but not always when used more generally for divine teaching.
Only if the essay is within Theology, Religious Studies, or a historical context. In secular academic writing, use neutral terms like 'the Bible', 'scripture', or 'sacred texts'.
They are essentially synonymous. 'God's Word' is slightly more common as a fixed phrase. 'The word of God' can sometimes have a slightly more poetic or general feel (e.g., 'he felt he heard the word of God').
Use it to describe a rule, statement, or person's opinion that is being treated with exaggerated or unwarranted authority. Example: 'The boss issued his new policy, and we're all supposed to treat it like God's Word.'
A phrase referring to the Bible or the teachings and commands believed by Christians to be directly revealed by God.
God's word is usually religious, formal, occasionally literary or ironic. in register.
God's word: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɒdz wɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɑːdz wɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take someone's word as gospel (secular derivative)”
- “The gospel truth (secular derivative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a holy book with 'GOD' stamped on it, and words shining out from its pages. The 's shows possession: the Word that belongs to God.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOD'S WORD IS A FOUNDATION (to build a life upon). GOD'S WORD IS LIGHT (to guide a path). GOD'S WORD IS FOOD (to nourish the spirit).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'God's Word' most likely to be used NON-ironically?