Questions about punctuation and grammar

[cih1355]

I am writing a paper for a class at church and I have some questions about punctuation and grammar.

Is it correct to write, "The concept of atonement...", or "The concept of an atonement..."?

Below are two sentences taken from my paper. In the first sentence, does the word hilaskomai need to be surrounded by commas? In the first sentence, does there have to be a comma after the word, "means"? Is it correct grammar to begin a sentence with the word, hilaskomai?

The concept of atonement is identified with a group of words that are related to the Greek word hilaskomai which means, “propitiate, expiate, conciliate, make gracious, or be gracious.” Hilaskomaiis only used twice in the New Testament.

Below are some sentences taken from my paper. Some of my sentences begin with the word, kaphar, or kipper. Is this correct grammar?

Kaphar and Kipper are the Hebrew words that are translated as “atonement” in the Old Testament. Kaphar means, “to cover over, pacify, or make propitiation.” Kaphar can also mean, “to atone, wipe clean, or appease.” Kipper is associated with making a ransom or with making purgation.

 

[Jimmy the Greek]

I personally would not start a sentence with a transliterated Greek word. Instead, I would use something like "This Greek word . . .", or "The word hilaskomai . . ."

If you use italics to set off the Greek word, then I see no need for adding quote marks also. But be consistent. Don't use italics in one place and quote marks in another.

For completeness, I would have footnotes/references to back your quoted meanings.