The possessive form can be complicated when working with names that end in “S.” We will look into the different rules that we have to follow when using these and shed some light on how to use either “Jesus'” or “Jesus’s.”
Jesus’ Or Jesus’s: Which Is The Correct Possessive Form?
“Jesus'” is correct according to the rules stated in the Associated Press Stylebook, where names that end in “S” must have the “S” dropped after the apostrophe. “Jesus’s” is correct according to the rules stated in the Microsoft and Chicago Manuals of Style.
Both forms are correct possessive forms. However, it depends entirely on the style you write with, and we can look at what the more popular choice is in the graph below.
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “Jesus'” is the more popular choice for the possessive form. Interestingly, this is the opposite of most other English names.
Usually, the “‘s” ending of pronouns is preferred across English languages. However, with “Jesus’,” we drop the extra “S” because it would be too difficult to read. “Jesus’s” has three different “S” sounds when read, which is too difficult for comprehension.
When To Use Jesus’
So, we know that “Jesus'” is the more popular choice of the two. Now let’s look at when the right time to use it is.
You should use “Jesus'” as the possessive form of “Jesus.” We do this when “Jesus” is in possession of an object in a sentence, and we write in this way according to the AP Stylebook rules about possessive forms with names and proper nouns.
“Jesus” already comes with two syllables and two “S” sounds. That’s why we drop the extra “S” after the apostrophe and why so many native speakers prefer to write “Jesus'” in this way.
Examples of Jesus’
To show you how it’s used, we can look at the following examples:
- Jesus’ sacrifice was not supposed to be in vain.
- Jesus’ belongings were brought here after we couldn’t locate him again.
- Where are Jesus’ teachings now, then?
- Jesus’ word is holy, and we must do whatever he tells us to.
- This is Jesus’ only friend, but we must treat him with all the respect that he deserves.
“Jesus'” is the possessive form of “Jesus.” An object directly follows “Jesus” in these sentences to show what he is in possession of, and the apostrophe works to show us that he is the owner of something.
When To Use Jesus’s
“Jesus’s” is much less common to see, but that doesn’t mean it’s not correct.
According to the Microsoft Manual of Style and the Chicago Manual of Style, “Jesus’s” is correct as the possessive form. You should keep the “S” after the apostrophe when you’re writing in either of these styles.
In most other cases, we would keep the “S” at the end of the name to help with comprehension. However, in the case of “Jesus,” we need to drop i.
- Jesus’
- Jesus’s
Look how many “S” letters we have in the second example. Now imagine trying to pronounce that. There are two many “S” sounds to come out, which is difficult to read, and why so many people avoid doing it.
Examples of Jesus’s
However, we’ll still share some examples of it in use:
- We are Jesus’s followers.
- Those are Jesus’s disciples.
- Where can I go to learn of Jesus’s teachings?
- Jesus’s word is binding, I’m afraid.
- This isn’t Jesus’s kingdom anymore.
Is There A Preference For Using Jesus’ or Jesus’s In US vs. UK?
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “Jesus'” is still the more popular choice in American English.
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “Jesus'” is also the more popular choice in British English.
Both languages try to avoid using the double “S” ending in the word because they want to keep it as simple as possible. “Jesus'” is the correct possessive form no matter what language you’re using. Both American and British English use it more often than “Jesus’s.”
Final Thoughts
While “Jesus'” and “Jesus’s” are both correct possessive forms of “Jesus,” only “Jesus'” sees common usage. It’s best to follow this rule when writing the possessive form, as the extra “S” in “Jesus’s” is one too many for most people to be happy with reading.
You may also like: Charles’ Or Charles’s? Here’s The Possessive Form (Helpful Examples)
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
