What is the pilcrow symbol used for?

Asked by: Norene Bode PhD  |  Last update: April 12, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (13 votes)

In typography, the pilcrow (¶) is a grapheme used to identify a paragraph. In editorial production the pilcrow typographic character is also known as the paragraph mark, the paragraph sign, the paragraph symbol, the paraph, and the blind P. This page uses IPA notation for orthographic or other linguistic analysis.

What does the pilcrow mean in the Bible?

The pilcrow (¶) has an interesting history, and was gradually derived from the capitulum used by monks to mark new chapters and later used for new paragraphs or sentence markers, as the writer / scribe determined appropriate.

What does pilcro mean?

A pilcrow (¶) is a typographical symbol, also called a paragraph mark, used to show the start of a new paragraph, often appearing as a stylized 'q' or a backward 'D', and it historically marked new sections in text before indentation became standard, with its name evolving from Greek paragraphos (to write beside) through Old French.
 

What does the backwards p mean in the Bible?

The symbol ¶ is a typographical editing symbol which has been taken into modern word processing. It just means paragraph. So before King James Bible it means sends a message to the typesetter - or in this case the word processor to start a new paragraph here.

What is the history of the pilcrow symbol?

It originally comes from the Greek paragraphos(para, “beside” and graphein, “to write”), which led to the Old French paragraph, which evolved into pelagraphe and then pelagreffe. Somehow, the word transformed into the Middle English pylcrafte and eventually became the “pilcrow.”

Using the pilcrow/paragraph marks/formatting marks in Word

19 related questions found

What does a pilcrow represent?

In typography, the pilcrow (¶) is a grapheme used to identify a paragraph. In editorial production the pilcrow typographic character is also known as the paragraph mark, the paragraph sign, the paragraph symbol, the paraph, and the blind P.

What is the oldest symbol in human history?

Israeli and French archaeologists have found what may be one of humans' earliest known uses of symbols: six lines inscribed on a bovine bone some 120,000 years ago.

What does the Trump Bible contain?

The "Trump Bible," officially the God Bless the USA Bible, is a special edition of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible that includes America's foundational documents, the Pledge of Allegiance, and lyrics to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," blending religious text with patriotic and political symbols. It's promoted as a way to bring faith back to America, featuring the KJV text alongside the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge, often with patriotic imagery like flags and eagles. 

What are the 4 P's of God?

And once we're self-aware, we'll realize just how much we need Jesus and the salvation that He offers us. It's then that we truly understand what a special gift it is to be pardoned by the Almighty God. The four P's—Peace, Purpose, Power and Pardon—are available to us through Jesus Christ.

What's the difference between pilcrow and section symbol?

The section sign is frequently used along with the pilcrow (or paragraph sign), ¶, to reference a specific paragraph within a section of a document. However, some jurisdictions prefer the sign be avoided, and rather that the word "section" be written out in full.

What is the difference between a pilcrow and a reverse pilcrow?

According to this article, the reverse pilcrow is used for right-to-left writing and is common when writing by hand: The reverse pilcrow (⁋) is used in the same manner as the original and is often used to indicate text that reads right to left.

What is the Mark of Jesus?

The cross to Him was the token of God's will for Him, and He gloried in doing the will of His Father. Do we? That, supremely, is the mark of the Lord Jesus which should be upon all His followers.

What does Jesus say about the crow?

Luke 22:34 English Standard Version 2025 (ESV)

Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Does the Bible say not to use symbols?

The Old Testament is very clear that images must not be venerated. However, Scripture basically never speaks of the veneration of images except in context of worshiping an idol. So how can it be so clear? Simply because the reasons offered against worshiping idols also apply to the veneration of images.

Which disciple was boiled alive?

The Apostle John (also known as John the Evangelist or the Beloved Disciple) is the apostle traditionally believed to have been thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil by Emperor Domitian in Rome but miraculously emerged unharmed, leading to his exile on the island of Patmos. This event, recorded in early Christian tradition but not the Bible, highlights his faith and resilience before he eventually died peacefully as the oldest apostle. 

Which apostle was sawed in half?

The apostle said to have been sawed in half was Simon the Zealot, one of the twelve apostles, whose martyrdom tradition describes as being sawn in half lengthwise, often depicted in art with a saw as his attribute. He is also known as Simon the Cananaean and preached in Persia with St. Jude. 

What were Paul's last words?

Paul's last words in the Bible, found primarily in 2 Timothy 4, reflect his imminent death, declaring, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith," and anticipating the crown of righteousness awaiting him; he also gives final instructions to Timothy, asking him to come soon and bring Mark, while warning against false teachers like Alexander the Coppersmith, concluding his final letter with a poignant, "The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you". 

What word is written 365 times in the Bible?

There isn't a single word mentioned exactly 365 times, but the popular spiritual claim is that the phrase "Fear not" (or "do not be afraid") appears about 365 times, once for each day of the year, as a divine encouragement, though actual counts vary by Bible version and translation, with some finding closer to 100 or so, while others find many more instances when including synonyms and different forms like "do not fear" or "be not afraid". 

Which president did not use the Bible to take the oath of office?

Several U.S. Presidents did not use a Bible for their oath, including John Quincy Adams (used a law book), Theodore Roosevelt (used no book at his first swearing-in), and Lyndon B. Johnson (used a Catholic missal), with Calvin Coolidge also noting he didn't use one, adhering to Vermont tradition. The Constitution doesn't require a Bible, allowing for these variations, often signifying a belief in secularism or responding to unique circumstances. 

What religion is Trump and what church does he go to?

Donald Trump identifies as a Christian, having shifted from his upbringing as a Presbyterian to now identifying as a nondenominational Christian, though he has strong ties to Protestantism, particularly the teachings of Norman Vincent Peale. He attends church sporadically, primarily for major holidays like Christmas and Easter, though his public appearances and comments suggest an alignment with evangelical beliefs, but he doesn't have a consistent church home, often due to security and travel, with critics questioning his active practice despite his public affirmations of faith. 

What does the symbol (@) mean?

In contemporary English usage, @ is a commercial symbol, meaning at and at the rate of or at the price of. It has rarely been used in financial ledgers, and is not used in standard typography.

What is the symbol of the serpent that eats its tail?

The Ouroboros is an ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. The name originates from within Greek language; (oura) meaning "tail" and (boros) meaning"eating", thus "he who eats the tail".