dieu

Dieu is the French noun for God, referring to the supreme being worshiped in many monotheistic traditions. In everyday French, Dieu is capitalized when used to denote the specific monotheistic God, and it appears across religious, philosophical, and cultural contexts. The term also figures in secular discourse as a generic reference to a higher power or as part of common expressions.

Etymology and usage: Dieu derives from Latin deus, passed into Old French as dieu and then into Modern French as Dieu. The word has long served as the standard translation of divine concepts from the Bible and related theology into French.

Religious meanings: In Judaism, Dieu is used to discuss the one, incorporeal Creator and ruler of the universe, though the Hebrew name for God (such as YHWH) is treated with reverence in practice. In Christian French usage, Dieu denotes the God of the Bible; most mainstream denominations affirm a belief in one God who is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in varying doctrinal formulations. In Islam, Dieu is the French term for God, while Muslims refer to the Arabic name Allah; the Islamic concept of God emphasizes strict monotheism, unity, and transcendence. Across these traditions, Dieu is employed in theological, ethical, and philosophical discussions to address attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and benevolence, as well as the relationship between God and creation.

Cultural and linguistic notes: Outside doctrinal discussion, Dieu appears in idiomatic French phrases (for example, Dieu merci, Dieu sait), as well as in literature, philosophy, and public discourse, where it may be invoked in both devotional and critical contexts.