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How to Cite the Bible in APA

The Bible is a frequently used source of information for many types of papers, but is referencing it the same as citing a book? This page will help you format citations for the Bible based on APA 7th edition guidelines.

Guide overview

Citing a bible (print or ebook), citing a translated bible, citing a bible on a website, apa in-text bible citations, apa reference page entry for a bible.

Reference page citations for the Bible are similar to that of a book; however, Bible texts are treated as not having an author.

However, if an editor or translator contributed to the text, then they must be included following the same citation conventions as a book.

In terms of dates, you must include the current version’s date after the title. For the original publication date, include the republished date only (if provided), as the date of publication for the Bible and for other religious texts is uncertain.

Reference page structure:

Bible name. (Year published). Publisher. URL (Original work published year)

Reference page PRINT Bible example:

King James Bible. (2019). Christian Art Publishers. (Original work published 1769)

Bible name (Translator’s F. M. Last name, Trans.). (Year published). Publisher.

Reference page example:

The holy Bible translated from the Latin Vulgate (R. Challoner, Trans.). (2017). Andesite Press.

If there is no site/page published date, use “n.d.” which stands for “no date.”

Bible name. (Year published). Publisher or Website Name. URL (Original work published year)

Holy Bible – American Standard Version. (n.d.). Holy-Bible.online. https://holy-bible.online/asv.php (Original work published 1901)

In-Text Citation Structure:

When quoting or paraphrasing specific excerpts from the text, use the name/version of the Bible, the year(s) (remember to write the original publication year, a slash, and then the year of the version you are using), the chapter name, the verse, and then the line.

( Version name , Year, Chapter name line:verse)

In-Text Citation Example:

The Bible extols the virtues of love; “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” ( King James Bible , 1769/2019, 1 Corinthians 13:4).

APA Formatting Guide

APA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Multiple Authors
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Parenthetical Citations
• Reference Page
• Sample Paper
• APA 7 Updates
• View APA Guide

Citation Examples

• Book Chapter
• Journal Article
• Magazine Article
• Newspaper Article
• Website (no author)
• View all APA Examples

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To cite a bible verse in APA style, it is important that you know some basic information such as the bible version, year, chapter number, verse number, and/or URL (uniform resource locator). The templates for in-text citations and reference list entry of a bible verse along with examples are given below:

In-text citation templates and examples:

Set the bible version in italics along with the year. Include the biblical abbreviation for the book, chapter number, and verse number. There is no need to include the page number.

Bible version (Year, Book Name Chapter #:Verse #)

GOD’S WORD Translation (1995, Ruth 4:1)

Parenthetical:

( Bible Version , Publication Year, Book Name Chapter #:Verse #)

( GOD’S WORD Translation , 1995, Ruth 4:1)

Reference list entry template and example:

Title of the Bible Version . (Year). Publisher. URL

GOD’S WORD Translation . (1995). Bible Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/gw/ruth/4.html

The Bible is italicized both in the in-text citation and in the reference list entry.

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APA Style (7th Edition) Citation Guide: Biblical Sources

• Introduction
• Journal Articles
• Magazine/Newspaper Articles
• Books & Ebooks
• Government & Legal Documents
• Biblical Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Films/Videos/TV Shows
• How to Cite: Other
• Additional Help

Table of Contents

Bible dictionary, single-volume commentary, multi-volume bible commentary, book-length commentary in a series.

Citing the Bible  

Bible Chapters and Verses

Note: All citations should be double spaced and have a hanging indent in a Reference List.

A "hanging indent" means that each subsequent line after the first line of your citation should be indented by 0.5 inches.

This Microsoft support page contains instructions about how to format a hanging indent in a paper.

In the Body of a Paper

Books, Journals, Reports, Webpages, etc.: When you refer to titles of a “stand-alone work,” as the APA calls them on their APA Style website, such as books, journals, reports, and webpages, you should italicize them. Capitalize words as you would for an article title in a reference, e.g., In the book Crying in H Mart: A memoir , author Michelle Zauner (2021) describes her biracial origin and its impact on her identity.

Article or Chapter: When you refer to the title of a part of a work, such as an article or a chapter, put quotation marks around the title and capitalize it as you would for a journal title in a reference, e.g., In the chapter “Where’s the Wine,” Zauner (2021) describes how she decided to become a musician.

The APA Sample Paper below has more information about formatting your paper.

• APA 7th ed. Sample Paper

Entry Author's Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication).  Title of entry. In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial if Given. Last Name (Ed.), Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle (edition if given and is not first edition, Vol. volume#, pp. first page-last page). Publisher Name.

Sarna, N. M. (2008). Exodus, book of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible dictionary (Vol. 2, pp. 689- 700). Yale University Press.

In-Text Paraphrase:

(Author's Last Name, Year)

Example: (Sarna, 2008) 

In-Text Quote:

(Author's Last Name, Year, p. Page Number)

(Sarna, 2008, p. 690)

Entry Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given., & Second Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial. (Year of publication). Title of chapter. In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name & Second Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name (Eds.), Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle (edition if given and is not first edition, Vol. volume#, pp. first page-last page). Publisher. DOI (if available) or URL

Browning, W. R. F. (2009). Daniel, book of. In A Dictionary of the Bible (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199543984.001.0001/acref9780199543984-e-485

Example: (Browning, 2009) 

(Author's Last Name, Year) - if the online source does not provide page numbers then omit the page number from the in-text citation

(Browning, 2009) 

A single-volume commentary is a book that contains chapters covering each of the books of the Bible.

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name & Second Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name (Eds.), Title of book: Subtitle if given (edition if given and is not first edition, pp. first page-last page). Publisher Name.

Perkins, P. (1990). The gospel according to John. In R. E. Brown, J. A. Firzmyer, & R. E. Murphy (Eds.),  The new Jerome biblical commentary (pp. 942-85) .  Prentice-Hall.

Example: (Perkins, 1990)

(Perkins, 1990, p. 955) 

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name & Second Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name (Eds.), Title of book: Subtitle if given (edition if given and is not first edition). Publisher Name. DOI (if available) or URL

Franklin, E. (2001). Luke. In J. Barton and J. Muddiman (Eds.),  Oxford Bible commentary . Oxford University Press. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/uportland/reader.action?docID=10269141

Example: (Franklin, 2001)

(Author's Last Name, Year, p. Page Number) -  if the online source does not provide page numbers then omit the page number from the in-text citation

(Franklin, 2001) 

A multi-volume commentary is a set of multiple books that contains chapters covering each of the books of the Bible.

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). Title of chapter. In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name (Ed.), Title of book: Subtitle if given (edition if given and is not first edition, Vol. volume#, pp. first page-last page). Publisher Name.

Perkins, P. (1994). Mark. In L. E. Keck (Ed.), The new interpreter’s Bible (Vol. 8, pp. 507-734). Abingdon Press.

Example: (Perkins, 1994) 

(Perkins, 1994, p. 601) 

A book-length commentary is a book that includes commentary on just one book of the Bible (and sometimes only part of one book of the Bible).

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). Title of book: Subtitle if given .  Title of series. Publisher Name.

Vinson, R. B. (2008). Luke . Smyth & Helwys Bible commentary. Smyth & Helwys. 

Example: (Vinson, 2008) 

(Vinson, 2008, p. 302)

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). Title of book: Subtitle if given . Title of series. Publisher Name. DOI (if available) or URL

Vinson, R. B. (2008). Luke . Smyth & Helwys Bible commentary. Smyth & Helwys. https://login.uportland.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=942774&sit e=ehost-live&scope=site

Citing the Bible

Citing the Version of the Bible

The first time you paraphrase or quote from the Bible, identify which version of the Bible that you used. Include both the original and republished publication dates in the reference. You do not need to repeat the version name in subsequent references. Then cite the Bible in your reference list.

Version of the Bible . (Year of publication). Publisher Name.

Version of the Bible . (Year of publication). Publisher Name. URL. (Original work published Earlier year of publication)

King James Bible . (2017). King James Bible Online . https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769)

In the body of your paper, include a sentence similar to this:

The researchers consulted the Bible ( King James Version , 1769/2017) to provide items for the development of their religious values assessment.

Citing Biblical Chapters and Verses

When referring to books of the Bible within the body of your paper:

• Example: Genesis, Luke 4, Revelation 1-3
• Example: Exod 2:1-3; Matt 13:12

Note: it isn't necessary to add a period after the abbreviated book name. Include a space between the book name and the chapter number, and include a colon between the chapter number and the verse(s).

Citing Introductions, Annotations, or Supplemental Content in the Bible

Bibles that have annotations, introductions, or other supplemental content should cite the editors in place of authors. If the supplemental content is written by someone other than the editors of the book, then cite the content as a chapter within a book.

Carr, D. M. (2010). Introduction to Genesis. In M. D. Coogan, M. Z. Brettler, C. Newsom, & P. Perkins (Eds.),  The new Oxford annotated Bible with apocrypha: New revised standard version (pp. 7-11). Oxford University Press. 

Kaiser, W. C., Jr., & Garrett, D. (Eds.). (2006).  NIV archaeological study Bible: An illustrated walk through biblical history and culture . Zondervan.

In-Text citations:

(Carr, 2010)

(Carr, 2010, p. 8)

(Kaiser & Garrett, 2006, Genesis 1:20)

(Kaiser & Garrett, 2006, footnote to Genesis 1:12, p. 4)

See the APA "Religious Work References" page for more guidance.

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• Next: Secondary Sources >>
• Last Updated: Aug 1, 2024 1:58 PM
• URL: https://libguides.up.edu/apa

The holy script

How To Mla Cite The Bible

MLA Citation Examples for Bible

The Bible is a central text in the history and culture of Western society, influential even to this day. When writing an essay or research paper, citing The Bible is an important part of properly attributing an author or book in order to avoid plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) has specific guidelines on how to cite The Bible in your essay or paper. When citing The Bible using the MLA format, start with the book name, followed by the chapter and verse. For example: “Galatians 5:1”. The title of The Bible should be italicized and only the first word of the book title should be capitalized. As with all MLA citations, the author’s name (which in this case would be “God”) is only included in the citation if mentioned in the sentence. When citing from the Old Testament, use the terms “Hebrew Bible” or “Tanakh.” For the New Testament, use the term “New Testament.” To cite both the Old and New Testament, use “Hebrew Bible/Old Testament” and “New Testament.” Both citations should be italicized. For example: “In the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, we read in Genesis that God created the universe… In the New Testament, Jesus is described as being the son of God.” If you are citing multiple versions of The Bible, include the version name in the citation. For example: “In the King James Version of The Bible, the phrase appears as “John 3:16”. When citing from different versions of The Bible, include the version name in your reference list. Including the version name in your in-text citation is not necessary. Furthermore, for works that reference passages from different books and/or have multiple authors, include only the book name, chapter and verse in the citation.

When To Quote The Bible

When writing an essay or research paper, it is important to include quotes from The Bible to support major themes or ideas. Quoting a verse from the Bible demonstrates that an author is versed in scripture and is able to use it to support a study or lend credibility to an argument. When quoting The Bible, use the version name in parentheses after the citation. For example: (King James Version). Also, include the chapter and verse in the sentence itself, rather than in parentheses. Finally, add quotation marks around sentences taken directly from The Bible, but don’t forget to cite it at the end of the sentence.

Quoting Bible Translations

If you are quoting a Bible translation, the citation format will depend on the reference style used. For example, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA) use different citation formats. In the APA style, start with the book name, followed by the chapter and verse. Put a period at the end of the verse to finish the citation. When quoting multiple pages, list the start and end page numbers in the citation. For example: (John 3:16, p. 91-92). In the MLA style, start with the book name and chapter and verse. Include the translation name in parenthesis, followed by a period to finish the citation. Alternatively, if you are referencing a specific version of The Bible, use the version name in the citation itself. For example: “John 3:16 (King James Version).”

Using First or Third Person in The Bible Citations

When introducing a quote from The Bible, avoid writing it in first person. Instead, refer to it in third person. For example, say: “According to the King James Version, John 3:16 reads…” instead of “I read in the King James Version that John 3:16 reads…”

Including The Bible in Reference Lists and Bibliographies

If you are including The Bible in a bibliography or reference list, the citation should start with the translation name, followed by the reference information. For example: King James Version. John 3:16. You do not include a page number in The Bible citation. If you are writing a research paper that includes multiple versions of The Bible, include all version names and the reference information in the bibliography.

Using Other Sources to Interpret The Bible

When citing an interpretation of The Bible from an outside source, list the author’s name and the source’s title in the citation. For example: “According to Smith (2020), John 3:16 reads…”

In-Text Citations for Paraphrased Sections

When paraphrasing an idea from The Bible, it is important to include an in-text citation. Start with the book name, followed by the chapter and verse. For example: “John 3:16”.

Citing Multiple Verses

When citing multiple verses, list them all in the same citation. List each book name, chapter and verse, separating each one with a semicolon. For example: “In John 3:16 we read; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son”; and in Matthew 5:28 we read “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart”. In Summary The Bible is a central text in the history and culture of Western society and as such, it is important to properly cite it. When citing The Bible, start with the book name followed by the chapter and verse. Remember to italicize the title and only capitalize the first word. When quoting it within a sentence, include the translation name in parenthesis, followed by the chapter and verse. When quoting multiple pages, list the start and end page numbers in the citation. Lastly, when introducing a quote from The Bible avoid writing it in first person. Instead, refer to it in third person.

Marcos Reyna

Marcos Reyna is a Christian author and speaker. He is dedicated to helping create disciples of Christ through spreading the power of the gospel to others. He has written several books and articles on a variety of theological topics, including matters of faith, worship, biblical studies, practical ethics, and social justice. A trained theologian and devotee of spiritual writing, Marcos has a mission to spread Christian love everywhere. He lives with his family in Nashville, TN where he spends his days encouraging others to seek Christ's grace in all things.

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MLA Writing Guide: Citing the Bible

• Formatting for Individual Papers
• Formatting for Group Papers
• In-text Citations
• Article Examples
• Book/eBook Examples
• Citing the Bible

What follows below are some examples of how to cite the Bible in MLA. For more detailed information and examples, please see Liberty University's Writing Center MLA citation examples or MLA's style site .

In-text Citation

Include the version (ESV, NIV, ASB, etc.) followed by the book, chapter, and verse(s). 

Paul explains salvation when he says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" ( English Standard Version , Eph. 2:8-9). 

You do not need to list the version in subsequent in-text citations as long as you are using the same Bible version throughout your paper.

Works Cited

Physical Bible:

The Bible . Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998. 

The ESV Study Bible . Crossway, 2012.

Electronic Bible :

New International Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist. Accessed 10 September 2020.

Bible App :

English Standard Version. ESV Bible, app version 4.1.1. Crossway. 2021.

• << Previous: Book/eBook Examples
• Last Updated: Aug 28, 2023 2:29 PM
• URL: https://libguides.liberty.edu/MLAguide

How to Cite the Bible in MLA Style

Citing the Bible in MLA style is essential for students and researchers working with religious texts. This guide will cover the basic elements of an MLA Bible citation, including book, chapter, and verse, and how to handle different versions of the Bible and in-text citations.

Versions and Editions of the Bible

Identifying different versions.

The Bible exists in multiple versions, including the King James Version (KJV), New International Version (NIV), and English Standard Version (ESV). Each version uses different wording, which can affect text interpretation.

Why Editions Matter

Bible editions can vary within the same version, often including study notes or commentaries. Identify your specific edition for accurate citations, especially when using study Bibles with additional annotations.

Citing the Bible in the Works Cited Page

Format for print editions.

When citing a print edition of the Bible, the MLA format typically includes the title, version, publisher, and year of publication. For example:

The Holy Bible, New International Version . Zondervan, 2011.

This format clearly identifies the version and provides publication details for readers.

Format for Online Editions

Citing online editions of the Bible involves additional details such as the website and the date of access. For example:

The Holy Bible, New International Version . Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible. Accessed 5 June 2024.

This citation ensures readers can locate the exact online resource you used.

In-Text Citations for Bible References

Parenthetical citations.

In-text citations for the Bible require the book, chapter, and verse. Parenthetical citations are succinct and placed directly after the referenced text. For example:

(James 2:14-17)

This format helps readers quickly find the cited passage.

Integrating Citations in the Text

Integrating Bible citations within your text can enhance readability. Instead of using a parenthetical citation, you can weave the reference into your sentence. For example:

According to James 2:14-17, faith without works is dead.

This method maintains the flow of your writing while providing necessary citations.

Special Cases in Bible Citations

Citing multiple books or chapters.

When citing multiple books or chapters from the Bible, you can list each reference separately. For example:

(Matt. 5:16; John 3:16)

This approach ensures clarity and precision in your citations.

Citing Study Bibles and Annotated Editions

Study Bibles and annotated editions include additional material that requires special attention. When citing these, you must include the additional author or editor information. For example:

The NIV Study Bible , edited by Kenneth L. Barker, Zondervan, 2011.

This citation acknowledges the contributions of the editor or commentator.

Online Citation Tools and Resources

WriterBuddy can simplify the citation process. It can generate accurate citations based on MLA guidelines, saving time and ensuring precision.

How do I cite the Bible in MLA format?

To cite the Bible in MLA format, include the version, book, chapter, and verse. For example: ( New International Version , John 3:16).

Do I need to include the publication year for online Bible citations in MLA?

Yes, when citing online versions of the Bible, include the version, website, and date of access. For example: The Holy Bible, New International Version . Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible. Accessed 5 June 2024.

How do I handle multiple Bible citations in a single text?

When citing multiple books or chapters from the Bible, list each reference separately in your in-text citations, like this: (Matt. 5:16; John 3:16).

What should I do if I’m citing a study Bible or an annotated edition?

Include the editor’s or commentator’s information in your citation. For example: The NIV Study Bible , edited by Kenneth L. Barker, Zondervan, 2011.

Mastering MLA citation for the Bible will enhance the credibility of your academic work and ensure proper attribution of religious texts. Remember to include the version of the Bible you’re using, cite book, chapter, and verse, and format your in-text citations correctly.

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How to Cite the Bible

Last Updated: July 12, 2024

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. This article has been viewed 367,352 times.

When used as a reference in research papers or articles, the Bible and other classic works have a different citation format than other works. The specifics also vary depending on whether you're using the Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), or Chicago/Turabian citation styles. Turabian is the student's version of the Chicago manual, which is more extensive. Neither APA nor Chicago requires a full citation entry in your reference list at the end of your paper. However, your instructor or editor may want one. [1] X Research source

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• Example: The New Oxford Annotated Bible.

Variation: If the version you used has a specific author listed, lead with the author's name, then provide the title of the version. For example: Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language.

• Example: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Edited by Michael D. Coogan,

• Example: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Edited by Michael D. Coogan, Oxford University Press, 2007.

MLA Works Cited Entry Format:

Title of Version in Title Case . Edited by First Name A. Last Name, Publisher, Year.

• Example: New International Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed 29 Jan. 2019.

• Example: ( New International Version , Rom. 12.2).

• In-text citations are designed to point your readers to the full citation listed in your Works Cited. If you used several different versions of the Bible as sources, let your readers know when you've switched to a different version by adding the name of the version to the parenthetical citation.

• For example: "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father" (Matt. 5:16 New Living Translation).

• For example: "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father" (Matt. 5:16).
• If you switch to a different version, for example, if you were comparing translations, then you would list the different version in the parenthetical citation.

Tip: If you're using the same version and you list the book, chapter, and verse in the body of your paper, no parenthetical citation is needed.

• For example, your reference list entry might look like this: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. (2007). M. D. Coogan (Ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Chicago/Turabian

• Example: 1 Cor. 13:4
• If you're citing several books or chapters of the same book in the same footnote, separate those citations with a semi-colon. For example: 1 Cor. 13:4; 15:12-29.
• A list of abbreviations used in Chicago or Turabian style can be found at http://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/BibleAbbrevChicago if you don't have a copy of the manual handy.

Tip: Chicago has a list of traditional abbreviations as well as another list of shorter abbreviations. Typically you can use either as long as you use the same one consistently. However, you may want to ask your editor or instructor which they prefer.

• Example: 1 Cor. 13:4 Revised Standard Version
• After your first footnote, there's no need to add the name of the version unless you switch to a different version, such as if you were comparing translations.

• For example, your bibliography entry might be formatted like this: Coogan, Michael D., ed. The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
• ↑ https://www.messiah.edu/download/downloads/id/1647/bible_cite.pdf
• ↑ http://libanswers.hiu.edu/faq/40591
• ↑ https://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/c.php?g=339562&p=2286667
• ↑ https://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/c.php?g=339562&p=2286666

Community Q&A

• If you're using an annotated or study Bible and quote or paraphrase an annotation or study guide notes, cite the book as you would any other book. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• When mentioning the Bible generally in the body of your paper, the title is capitalized but not italicized or underlined. However, if you are mentioning a specific annotated or study Bible with its own title, format the title the same as you would titles to other books (usually in italics). Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Some versions of the Bible use Roman numerals for books of the Bible. Don't use Roman numerals either in your paper or in your citations. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

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About This Article

If you want to cite the Bible using MLA format, start with the title of the specific version of the Bible you used in italics. Then, include the editor's name, if listed, the name of the publisher, and the year it was published. You will also want to list the URL and the date you accessed the site, if you are citing an online Bible. To write your first in-text citation in MLA format, follow the quote with the italicized title of the Bible that you used, followed by a comma, then the book, chapter, and verse. After the first citation, your subsequent citations won't need to include the title. For more advice, including how to cite the bible in APA format, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Cite the Bible in MLA Style

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 81,978 times.

The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is commonly used in the humanities and liberal arts. In MLA style, you'll use a parenthetical in-text citation to direct the reader to a more complete listing in your reference page at the end of your work. Citing the Bible can be a little tricky, but the key is to just include as much information as you can find in the correct order.

Creating an In-text Citation

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (.

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( HarperCollins Study Bible,
• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (The Bible,
• If you use the same Bible throughout, you can leave off the Bible name after you cite it the first time.
• (New Revised Standard Version, [3] X Research source

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark
• A longer book, such as Ezekiel, might look like this: ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Ezek.

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.31
• ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.30-33
• ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.31,34
• ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.31-13.2

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.31).

Creating a Bibliographical Entry

• HarperCollins Study Bible.

• HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version,

• HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version. Edited by Rebecca James,

• HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version, New York: HarperCollins,

• HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version, New York: HarperCollins, 1993.

Making a Bibliographical Entry for an Online Bible

• New Revised Standard Version.

• New Revised Standard Version. Bible Gateway,

• New Revised Standard Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12&version=NRSV .

• New Revised Standard Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12&version=NRSV . Accessed 28 Sept. 2018.

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• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_in_text_citations_the_basics.html
• ↑ https://www.jbu.edu/assets/writing-center/resource/How_to_Cite_the_Bible.pdf
• ↑ http://libanswers.hiu.edu/faq/40591
• ↑ https://library.uph.edu/citations/bible
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_works_cited_page_books.html
• ↑ https://style.mla.org/category/ask-the-mla/?s=bible
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_works_cited_electronic_sources.html

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How to Cite the Bible

Gen 12:27 ( NJPS ) or Gen 12:27 ( NJB ); Rom 5:12-21 ( NRSV ) or Rom 5:12-21 ( KJV ).

Or, in an in-text citation:  (Rom 5:12-21 NRSV ) or (Gen 12:27 NJPS )  

Use the abbreviation for the English version you are using.  NJPS for New Jewish Publication Society , NAB for New American Bible , NJB for the New Jerusalem Bible , etc. 

If you will use the same version throughout, you can include a footnote or endnote to that effect the first time you use a biblical citation.

If you are quoting biblical verses that are the same in many versions of the Bible, you do not need to cite the Jewish Study Bible or the New Oxford Annotated or the HarperCollins Study Bible in the in-text citation.

If a biblical book is the first word in a sentence, do not abbreviate it.  Example:  "We see this in Rom 5:12 ( NRSV )..."   But when it comes first in the sentence:  "Romans 5:12 shows us this...."

The Bible - Using MLA

It is advisable simply to cite by chapter/verses with Scripture abbreviation, chapter/verse placed parenthetically in your text. Do not use an endnote. In the bibliography, list the version/translation of the Bible as given on the title page, making sure the version/translation is indicated even if not actually given on the title page proper. You can add it on your own. When citing more than one Bible version in your paper, consult your instructor.  

Follow Bible book title abbreviations as in MLA or as recommended by your instructor 

Within the text of your paper:

(Gen 22:10) (1 Cor 13:5)  

In your paper's bibliography (you must indicate the version): 

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. New York: Oxford University, 1996.  

  How to Cite the Bible: MLA

General Guidelines:  Books and versions of the Bible are not underlined, italicized, or put in quotation marks.  But the titles of individual published editions of the Bible are underlined or italicized.

Example:   The King James Version of the Bible was originally published in 1611. 

Example:  The Catholic Study Bible includes an introduction to each book of the Bible.

  Parenthetical References

       • Books of the Bible are abbreviated; see the MLA Handbook for common abbreviations. Example: (Phil. 3.8) • A period, not a colon, separates chapter and verse. • When you first refer to a particular translation, include the name, a comma, and then the passage. Examples: New Jerusalem Bible , Ezek. 2.6-8 • After this, only include the scripture reference, unless you switch translations.

  *** Information taken from MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers , 7 th ed., 2009, sections 6.4.8, 7.7.1, and 5.6.2.

Common Abbreviations for Bible Reference Sources

Jewish Publication Society Torah Commentary - JPS Torah Commentary

Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible - IDB

New Jerome Biblical Commentary - NJBC

Anchor Bible Dictionary - ABD

Harper's Bible Commentary (1988) - HBC

HarperCollins Bible Dictionary - HBD

New Interpreter's Bible - NIB

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible - EDB

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - ISBE

Abbreviations for Selected Apocryphal Works

Selected Apocryphal Works 

  1 Information taken from MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed., 2009, section 7.7.1.

MLA - Citing Bible Reference Sources

How to cite encyclopedia or dictionary entries:  

To find entry authors, look at the end of the entry -- often "signed" by contributor. Cite unsigned articles by title only.

Bibliography (entry author, set editor, multi-volume):    

Klauck, Hans-Josef. "Lord's Supper." The Anchor Bible Dictionary . Ed. David Noel Freedman. Vol. 2. New York: Doubleday, 1992.  

Endnote or footnote:  

8. Hans-Josef Klauck, "Lord's Supper," The Anchor Bible Dictionary , ed. David Noel Freedman, vol. 2 (New York: Doubleday, 1992) 485.  

In-text citation:  (Klauck 485)  

Note  that quotations around entry title. From the book itself be sure to record publishing data and editor(s) from title page of the whole work. Also note that normal word order style is used for editor's name.

How to cite a Concordance:  

               (Author of Article)                Last Name, First Name. “Title of Entry.” Title of Concordance . Ed. Name of Editor, if applicable. Edition, if applicable. City of Pub.: Publisher, Year.    Medium of Publication.

               Example:

               Goodrick, Edward W., and John R. Kohlberger III.  “Mount.” The New Concordance of the Bible. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1990. Print.

*** For further information, see 5.5.7 (p. 160-61)

How to cite a Bible Commentary in a larger work:  

See Books above for series volume by individual author. In a large work like a commentary with many essays on specific books or chapters, it is often the case that individual commentaries are written by different scholars and the overall work itself has a 'general' editor.  In these cases, this general editor is NOT the author. In MLA style the editor need not be listed but, for clarity, many students add the general editor after the book title.

Bibliography:  

Option 1: Weems, Renita J. "Song of Songs." The New Interpreter's Bible . Vol. 5. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.

Option 2: Weems, Renita J. "Song of Songs." The New Interpreter's Bible . Ed. Leander E. Keck. Vol. 5. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.

(See the most current MLA Handbook for detailed full citation discussion, a list of all elements (in order), and punctuation rules, and for endnotes or footnotes, or the in-text citation option.)

How to cite an essay in a collection:    

Many items in books featuring articles that are indexed by the ATLA Religion Database are essays that are contributions to published works -- in a 'collection.'  Cite these essays as a "part" of a collected work.  Use quotation marks around the essay title.  Be sure to include all full data for the collection in which the essay appears.

Bibliography (authors, editor, multi-volume). Note abbreviations for editors, editions, and volume numbers.  

Ewbank, Michael B, and H. Aityni. "The Difference Diversity Makes." Saints, Sovereigns, and Scholars . Ed. Robert A. Herrera. Vol. 2. New York: Peter Lang, 1993.  

11. Michael B. Ewbank and H. Aityni, "The Difference Diversity Makes," Saints, Sovereigns, and Scholars , ed. Robert A. Herrera, vol. 2. (New York: Peter Lang, 1993) 13-14.. 

In-text citation (Ewbank 16-17)   

How to cite a chapter in an edited book in a multi-volume work:   (Such as the New Interpreter’s Bible .) 

Last Name, First Name. “Title of Chapter.” Title of Commentary . Edition, if applicable. City of Pub.: Publisher, Year. Inclusive Page #s of chapter. Medium of Publication. Vol. # of Title of Work , Ed. Editor of Work.  # of vols. Inclusive publication dates.  

Example:   

Longenecker, Richard N.  “Acts.” John and Acts . Minneapolis: Liturgical Press, 1981. 205-573.  Print.  Vol. 9 of The Expositor’s Bible Commentary . Ed. Frank E. Gæbelein. 12  vols. 1976-92.  

*** For further information, see 5.5.6 (pp. 157-60) & 5.5.14 (pp. 168-70) of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. 

How to cite a book in a Series: (Such as the Anchor Yale Bible Series)).

Last Name, First Name. Title of Commentary . Ed. Name of Series Editor.  City of Pub.: Publisher, Year. Medium of Publication. Name of Series. Number in series, if available.

Example:  

Fox, Michael V. Proverbs : a New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. New York: Doubleday, 2000. Print. The Anchor Yal Bible Ser. 18A-B.  

             *** For further information, see 5.5.15 (pp. 170) of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed.

The Bible - Society of Biblical Literature Handbook of Style

The Society of Biblical Literature has posted an online style guide for students on the web.  This guide will explain most of the specifics you need.  It is a pdf at  

https://www.sbl-site.org/assets/pdfs/pubs/SBLHSsupp2015-02.pdf You'll need to scroll down past the preface and title page.

Or you can find an unabridged print copy in the Ireland Library Reference Room at:

Emory University's SBL Citation Builder

• Emory University's SBL Citation Builder SBL style is designed for students and scholars writing in the disciplines of ancient Near Eastern studies, Biblical studies, and studies of early Christianity.
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How to Cite the Bible in MLA Style

Citing the Bible poses special challenges. The Modern Language Association (MLA) requires the name of the book of the Bible and chapter and verse numbers; you should also know the version’s name. You may need additional information, including publication data and translators’ names, but the Bible is never cited with an author.

Citing the Bible in the Text

When you reference the Bible in the text, you must cite the translation, book title, chapter and verse, explains Michelle Spomer, associate professor with Azusa Pacific University libraries. Italicize the translation name, and abbreviate the book name. For instance, an essay quotes from the book of Matthew: “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.” This quote is from the New International Version, so the parenthetical citation would look like this: (New International Version, Mat. 9:10) . The second time you refer to this passage, only cite the book, chapter and verse: (Mat. 9:10) .

Printed Bible in the Works Cited

Title your list of references “Works Cited”; it begins on the a new page after the end of the essay, according to Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab. Each entry uses a hanging indent, with second and subsequent lines indented a half-inch; most word processors will include this setting. Put your references in alphabetical order, and italicize the full title of the translation you are using. If that version gives an editor’s name, include that information next, followed by the place of publication and publisher’s name, and the date of publication and format. A full entry would look like this: New International Version Quickview Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012. Print.

Online Bible in the Works Cited

Citing an online edition of the Bible is very similar to citing a hard copy. In addition to naming the translation, include the name of the website and the date you accessed it. If your quote was from the Bible published online by Bible Gateway, your citation would look like this: New International Version. Bible Gateway. Web. January 29, 2015. Under normal circumstances, MLA style does not call for including the URL, or Web address, in the citation. As the Purdue Online Writing Lab explains, however, if your instructor or editor prefers it, you may include the URL at the end of the listing inside angle brackets, like this: https://www.biblegateway.com

The Bible in Footnotes or Endnotes

The MLA discourages endnotes and footnotes, according to the Purdue Online Writing Lab. Depending on the type of research you’re doing, however, you may need brief notes that further explain a point, provide context or give additional sources. MLA-style endnotes go on a separate page, headed “Notes,” after the essay text but before the Works Cited; number them consecutively. Footnotes are also numbered consecutively, but they go at the bottom of the page where the numbered citation first appears; if you use footnotes, ask your editor or instructor for specific formatting requirements since the MLA no longer provides detailed guidelines. Treat citations within a note just as you would in-text citations.

Need help with a citation? Try our citation generator .

• Azusa Pacific University Libraries: Library Answers, How Do I Cite the Bible in MLA Format?; Michelle Spomer
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: MLA Style, MLA Works Cited Page, Books
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: MLA Style, MLA Works Cited Page, Electronic Sources (Web Publications)
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: MLA Style, MLA Endnotes and Footnotes

Jennifer Spirko has been writing professionally for more than 20 years, starting at "The Knoxville Journal." She has written for "MetroPulse," "Maryville-Alcoa Daily Times" and "Some" monthly. She has taught writing at North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee. Spirko holds a Master of Arts from the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-on-Avon, England.

How To Properly Quote The Bible

Whether you are religious or not, you have probably come across Bible passages at some point. The Bible is a sacred text for Christians and Jews, but it is also an important historical document, and its many famous quotes have shaped our literature and culture.

So you may find yourself needing to cite the Bible at some point for an essay, article, or even casual writing.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer to citing the Bible: Enclose the book, chapter, and verse in parentheses after the quote, like (John 3:16) . Use abbreviations for books, like Gen. for Genesis.

Formatting Bible Quotations

Book name abbreviations.

When quoting from the Bible, it is important to properly abbreviate the book name. Here are some common examples:

• Genesis – Gen.
• Exodus – Exod.
• Leviticus – Lev.
• Numbers – Num.
• Deuteronomy – Deut.
• Joshua – Josh.
• Judges – Judg.
• Ruth – Ruth
• 1 Samuel – 1 Sam.
• 2 Samuel – 2 Sam.

The first time you reference a book, spell out its full name. For example: “In the Gospel of Matthew 5:3, it says…” Afterward, use the abbreviation. For example: “Jesus also referenced this in Matt. 6:24.” This helps the reader follow along.

Chapter and Verse References

When directly quoting a Bible passage, the reference should include the book name abbreviation, chapter number, colon, and verse number(s). For example:

• John 3:16 – Abbreviation, chapter, colon, verse
• Rom. 12:1-2 – Abbreviation, chapter, colon, range of verses

Chapter and verse numbers should be separated by a colon. Multiple verses should be separated by a dash. Commas and spaces are not used. The chapter and verse reference comes after the quotation. For example:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

If the quote spans multiple paragraphs, place the reference after the last paragraph. The reference should also be placed outside quotation marks and parentheses.

Following these formatting rules clearly communicates to readers where the passage is found in the Bible.

Quoting from Different Versions of the Bible

King james version.

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is an English translation originally published in 1611 . For centuries, it was the most widely used Bible translation in the English-speaking world and had tremendous influence on literature and culture.

Here are some tips for properly quoting the KJV:

• Use the archaic pronouns and verb endings found in the KJV, like “thee,” “thou,” and “-eth.” This helps convey the historical style of the translation.
• When directly quoting a verse, cite the book, chapter, and verse like this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
• If quoting multiple verses, use an ellipsis (…) or separate references for each verse quoted.
• Use brackets when a pronoun reference needs clarification, like changing “he” to “Jesus.”
• Retain any italicized words, archaic spellings, and punctuation found in the original.

The beauty of the King James Version’s language deserves to be carefully quoted to reflect both its historical elegance and scriptural authority.

New International Version

The New International Version (NIV) is a popular modern English Bible translation first published in 1978 and revised in 2011 . Here are some tips for properly quoting the NIV:

• Use contemporary pronouns and verb endings, like “you” and “-s” endings for third person.
• When directly quoting a verse, cite book, chapter, and verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).
• Use an ellipsis (…) when omitting words from within a quoted verse.
• Retain any emphases like italics from the original.
• Clarify pronoun references by using brackets, like “Christ” instead of just “he.”

The NIV’s clear, accessible language makes quoting it straightforward. Just be sure to cite references and retain original formatting.

Other Popular Versions

Many other Bible translations are commonly quoted today, like the English Standard Version (ESV), New Living Translation (NLT), and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Here are some tips that apply when quoting most modern versions:

• Use contemporary grammar and pronouns, but don’t modernize archaic words or names.
• Cite the full name of the version quoted, like “New Living Translation” rather than just the abbreviation.
• When comparing versions, use a table to contrast similar verses side by side.
• Clarify references to “the Lord,” “Christ,” etc. when the meaning is unclear.
• Use quotation marks or block quote formatting for extended passages.

Modern translations aim to make the Bible accessible to contemporary readers. Quoting them well involves retaining their readability while cites references fully. With care, we can insightfully quote God’s word from the wealth of English Bible versions available today.

When to Quote vs Paraphrase

Deciding when to directly quote versus paraphrase the Bible is an important consideration when writing about scripture. Here are some tips on when each approach is most appropriate:

Direct Quotes

Use direct Bible quotes when:

• You want to point to the exact wording of a specific passage
• The phrasing is especially powerful, moving, or memorable
• You are analyzing the meaning of specific words or phrases
• You need to reference a passage that prophesies the coming of Christ or other important events
• The passage is a well-known or oft-quoted section that the reader will recognize

For example, you would want to directly quote John 3:16 instead of paraphrasing:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Paraphrases

Paraphrase Bible passages when:

• You want to simplify complex phrasing or archaic language for clarity
• You need to condense a long or detailed passage to summarize the main point
• You are comparing events across different books or sections
• You want to explain passages to non-Christians unfamiliar with the Bible

For example, you could paraphrase part of Paul’s letter to the Romans 3:23-24:

Paul explains that everyone sins and falls short of God’s glorious standard, yet are justified freely through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.

Finding the right balance of direct Bible quotes and paraphrased explanations requires wisdom and discernment. Study each passage carefully when deciding whether to quote verbatim or rephrase the meaning using your own words.

Both approaches have their place in writing that brings scriptural truths to light.

Using Long Quotes

When quoting long passages from the Bible in an essay or article, it is important to format the quote properly to make it clear that you are citing a direct quote. Here are some tips for formatting long Bible quotes:

For Bible passages that are more than 4 lines long, format them as a block quotation. Start the quote on a new line and indent the entire quote 0.5 inches from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks around the passage. Here is an example:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

(John 3:16-18, NIV)

Citing the Translation

When quoting Scripture, be sure to cite which Bible translation you are using. Abbreviate the title and include it in parentheses after the quote. Common abbreviations include:

• NIV – New International Version
• ESV – English Standard Version
• KJV – King James Version
• NRSV – New Revised Standard Version

Formatting Line Spacing

Add extra spacing above and below long block quotes to separate them from the rest of the text. This improves readability. Many style guides recommend spacing block quotes 0.5 inches from the surrounding text.

For Bible passages less than 4 lines long, format them as a short in-line quotation. Enclose the quote in double quotation marks and cite the translation.

Make sure to properly introduce the quote in the lead up text. Here’s an example:

Jesus clearly explains that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NIV). This demonstrates that spiritual nourishment is important.

Merging Quotes

You can also merge a short quote into the text without using quotation marks. Make sure it fits grammatically into your sentence. For example:

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that no eye has seen what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Using these formatting tips will help ensure your Bible quotes are properly cited and easy for readers to understand within the context of your writing.

Examples of Common Bible Quotes

The Bible contains many memorable and influential quotes that have become an integral part of our culture. Here are some examples of commonly quoted Bible verses and passages:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” – Psalm 23:1

This beloved verse from Psalm 23 has brought comfort and hope to millions of people over the centuries. It poetically expresses the close relationship between God and those who follow him.

“Love your neighbor as yourself” – Matthew 22:39

This command from Jesus simply yet powerfully encapsulates the Christian ethic of selfless love and care for others. It has become a widely known moral principle even among non-Christians.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” – Genesis 1:1

The majestic opening words of the Bible have been memorized by countless Christians. They affirm God’s sovereignty as the divine Creator who brought the universe into being.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16

This concise yet profound verse summarizes the gospel – that God sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and give us salvation. It is often called the “gospel in a nutshell.”

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” – Philippians 4:13

Paul’s uplifting words of encouragement have motivated generations of Christians to press on with fortitude and hope in their faith. The verse emphasizes our dependence on God’s strength.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” – Proverbs 3:5

From the book of wisdom, this call to trust God fully resonates with believers seeking guidance. It speaks to forsaking self-reliance and submitting to God’s good plans.

The Bible’s most significant verses have become touchstones of truth and wisdom for billions of people. Even for those unfamiliar with Scripture, quotes like these often carry profound meaning and influence.

They reflect Christianity’s immense cultural impact over thousands of years.

Quoting scripture can enrich your writing while lending credibility and weight to your ideas. With the right citation format and context, Bible passages blend seamlessly into essays, articles, and other texts.

While different versions and translations exist, the strategies outlined here will help you quote the Bible accurately in your own work.

Amanda Williams is a dedicated Christian writer and blogger who is passionate about sharing Biblical truth and encouraging believers in their faith walks. After working as a youth pastor and Bible teacher for several years, she launched her blog in 2022 to minister to Christians online seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. When she's not creating content or connecting with readers, Amanda enjoys studying theology, being out in nature, baking, and spending time with family. Her goal is to provide practical wisdom and hope from a genuine Christian perspective. Amanda currently resides in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

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• How to Cite the Bible in Chicago Style | Format & Abbreviations

How to Cite the Bible in Chicago Style | Format & Abbreviations

Published on October 31, 2019 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on April 9, 2024.

The Bible is cited differently from other books in Chicago style . Biblical citations can appear either in the text, in parentheses , or in Chicago footnotes or endnotes , but the Bible is not included in your bibliography or reference list .

A Bible citation always includes the book, chapter, and verse. It sometimes also includes the version of the Bible you are using.

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Table of contents

Referring to the bible in your text, abbreviating books of the bible, versions of the bible, citing multiple verses or chapters.

Unlike other book titles, the Bible should not be italicized, but it should always be capitalized:

The same applies to individual books of the Bible and to the names of the Old and New Testaments:

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

When referred to in running text, books of the Bible need not be abbreviated:

However, abbreviations should be used when a Bible citation appears in parentheses or in a note. There are two widely used abbreviation styles: traditional abbreviations and shorter abbreviations.

In the traditional abbreviations, some shorter names are not abbreviated, and a period appears after all names that are abbreviated.

In the shorter abbreviations, all names are abbreviated, usually to two or three letters, and no period is used.

Use one or the other consistently, not a mix of the two. A full list of the traditional and shorter abbreviations for each book can be found here .

Bible verse and chapter numbering, as well as the text itself, vary between different versions, so it’s important to specify which version you are citing.

This doesn’t mean identifying the specific publisher, but rather which version of the Bible text they are using. For example, with the Oxford World’s Classics edition of the Authorized King James Bible, you’d specify “Authorized Version,” not “Oxford University Press” or similar.

Include the Bible version in parentheses after your citation:

If it is part of a parenthetical citation, put the version in square brackets instead:

Citing from only one Bible version

If you cite from the same Bible version throughout your text, you can note this with your first citation and then leave out the version in subsequent citations:

Footnotes example

1. Gen. 4:9 (Hebrew Bible; all subsequent citations are from this version). 2. Job 4:5.

Citing from multiple Bible versions

If you cite from multiple different versions of the Bible, specify which version with each citation, but use abbreviations for the second and subsequent citations of each version:

1. Gen. 4:9 (Hebrew Bible). 2. Job 4:5 (HB). 3. Mark 1:2 (English Revised Version).

Information on standard abbreviations for various Bible versions can be found here .

If a citation refers to multiple verses or chapters, use an en dash to indicate the range:

When citing a range of verses within one chapter, do not repeat the chapter number:

• Thess. 5:2–5:4
• Thess. 5:2–4

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2024, April 09). How to Cite the Bible in Chicago Style | Format & Abbreviations. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/chicago-style/bible-citations/

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Using the Bible in Academic Writing

• Post author By Collin Kavanaugh
• Post date March 26, 2021
• 1 Comment on Using the Bible in Academic Writing

This post was co-authored by Collin Kavanaugh, Abby Long, and Monica Colón.

A common misconception about writing in a Christian academic setting (such as Wheaton) is that you’re expected to reference the Bible in all of your writing assignments. While it’s effective to incorporate in some genres of writing, scripture isn’t appropriate evidence for every scholarly writing occasion.

This post will help you identify when to use biblical references and how to do so persuasively for your genre and audience.

Identify Your Rhetorical Purpose

Before you decide whether or not scripture is an appropriate source for your assignment, determine your rhetorical purpose for writing. Is it to reflect on your personal experiences? Make an ethical claim? Advance an historical interpretation? Explicate scripture? Further a scientific hypothesis? Conduct a literary analysis? Evaluate a social policy?

Referencing scripture may or may not be an effective persuasive strategy for your purpose. Next, consider your intended audience.

Identify Your Audience

When writing for a general academic audience, you can’t assume that your readers will share your religious beliefs. Therefore, the Bible may not be considered an undeniable source of information. Appeals to the Bible’s moral, ethical, or historical authority may be unconvincing to many in a general academic audience. 

While scripture may not serve as persuasive evidence for a general audience, biblical allusions can be appropriate in some cases. However, when writing to a wider audience, consider whether the biblical reference is well-known or more obscure. If the allusion is unfamiliar to most readers, contextualize it with a brief explanation to make sure your audience knows what you are referencing and why you are making that particular reference.

If you are writing for a more narrow audience with a shared belief in scriptural authority, such as a Wheaton College professor or your classmates, it may be appropriate to reference the Bible, depending on the genre of your piece. 

Identify Your Genre Norms

Genres within different academic disciplines, such as the sciences, humanities, and biblical studies, all call for different ways of interacting with scripture. Having a firm sense of your genre  will guide your use of the Bible in a particular paper. Outside of exegetical and applied biblical studies, the Bible is generally not seen as a persuasive source of authority for academic arguments. 

Academic research papers. When writing a scholarly research paper, avoid using the Bible as evidence for an empirical argument. One notable exception is when your argument centers on analysis of the practices, behaviors, or policies of the church or a group of Christians. The key here is to illustrate how a particular theological interpretation of a specific passage, theme, or doctrine has functioned historically to shape the pattern you are analyzing. In this case, you can reference a biblical passage followed by your analysis of the way it has been interpreted and enacted by the group in question.

Scientific writing. As the Rev. Canon Emily McGowin, Ph.D. notes, “In the hard and soft sciences, it’s not appropriate to use the Bible to support one’s theses because the audience, not to mention the broader field of inquiry, doesn’t generally recognize scripture as an authoritative source.”   

Literary analysis. When you notice a biblical allusion in a literary text, you can use it as evidence to support your interpretation of the work. You can also use close reading methods on the Bible as literature itself—though if you’re not familiar with Greek and Hebrew, it’s wise to stay at the narrative level and avoid making claims about the diction and syntax. However, you can examine the linguistic effect of different translation choices in the languages you speak.

Biblical exegesis. When writing an exegetical paper, it is, of course, appropriate to reference the Bible extensively. Carefully select a passage and, if appropriate, conduct an analysis of the word choice, grammar, and syntax in the original language. Be sure to consider the literary and historical contexts of the selected passage. Finally, explore applications of the text. To get started, visit this library subject guide or check out Elements of Biblical Exegesis by Michael Gorman.

Reflective writing. In many general education classes at Wheaton, your professor may assign a personal theological reflection, either as a stand-alone piece or as a section of another assignment. In these cases, you can bring in biblical anecdotes, verses, or concepts that you find meaningful and explain their personal significance. Still, you’ll want to avoid making overly complex or prescriptive claims if you haven’t done much interpretive work on the passage in question.

Guidelines for Using the Bible in Your Writing

If using the Bible is appropriate for your rhetorical purpose, audience, and genre, consider these tips. 

Avoid “prooftexting.” Prooftexting is when you take a verse or phrase from the Bible completely out of context to support your point, and it is generally considered a misuse of scripture. While it can be tempting to simply drop in a Bible verse, it is important to carefully consider the context, meaning, and purpose of the verse so you do not undermine your integrity through misapplications of scripture. 

Justify your use of scripture. When writing for a general academic audience, the Rev. Dr. McGowin points out that “you’re going to need to explain and make a case for why the Bible is relevant to the subject in question. Also, you’re going to have to give more contextual information for the scriptural reference.”

Dive into commentaries. If your argument rests on an interpretation of scripture, it is essential that you explore the ways the passage has been interpreted in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Look to biblical commentaries to learn more about the history of the passage in question.

Cite the Bible correctly. Most citation guides have specific rules for citing sacred texts such as the Bible. Look up the manual for your particular citation style for specific guidance about abbreviations, in-text citations, reference page entries, and/or footnotes. (Note: The Writing Center is working on an online resource for this, and we will link it here when it’s live.) If you are unsure about your recommended citation style, check with your professor or academic department. Finally, feel free to make an appointment at the Writing Center to get assistance!

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics

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Guidelines for referring to the works of others in your text using MLA style are covered throughout the  MLA Handbook  and in chapter 7 of the  MLA Style Manual . Both books provide extensive examples, so it's a good idea to consult them if you want to become even more familiar with MLA guidelines or if you have a particular reference question.

Basic in-text citation rules

In MLA Style, referring to the works of others in your text is done using parenthetical citations . This method involves providing relevant source information in parentheses whenever a sentence uses a quotation or paraphrase. Usually, the simplest way to do this is to put all of the source information in parentheses at the end of the sentence (i.e., just before the period). However, as the examples below will illustrate, there are situations where it makes sense to put the parenthetical elsewhere in the sentence, or even to leave information out.

General Guidelines

• The source information required in a parenthetical citation depends (1) upon the source medium (e.g. print, web, DVD) and (2) upon the source’s entry on the Works Cited page.
• Any source information that you provide in-text must correspond to the source information on the Works Cited page. More specifically, whatever signal word or phrase you provide to your readers in the text must be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.

In-text citations: Author-page style

MLA format follows the author-page method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page. The author's name may appear either in the sentence itself or in parentheses following the quotation or paraphrase, but the page number(s) should always appear in the parentheses, not in the text of your sentence. For example:

Both citations in the examples above, (263) and (Wordsworth 263), tell readers that the information in the sentence can be located on page 263 of a work by an author named Wordsworth. If readers want more information about this source, they can turn to the Works Cited page, where, under the name of Wordsworth, they would find the following information:

Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads . Oxford UP, 1967.

In-text citations for print sources with known author

For print sources like books, magazines, scholarly journal articles, and newspapers, provide a signal word or phrase (usually the author’s last name) and a page number. If you provide the signal word/phrase in the sentence, you do not need to include it in the parenthetical citation.

These examples must correspond to an entry that begins with Burke, which will be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of an entry on the Works Cited page:

Burke, Kenneth. Language as Symbolic Action: Essays on Life, Literature, and Method . University of California Press, 1966.

In-text citations for print sources by a corporate author

When a source has a corporate author, it is acceptable to use the name of the corporation followed by the page number for the in-text citation. You should also use abbreviations (e.g., nat'l for national) where appropriate, so as to avoid interrupting the flow of reading with overly long parenthetical citations.

In-text citations for sources with non-standard labeling systems

If a source uses a labeling or numbering system other than page numbers, such as a script or poetry, precede the citation with said label. When citing a poem, for instance, the parenthetical would begin with the word “line”, and then the line number or range. For example, the examination of William Blake’s poem “The Tyger” would be cited as such:

The speaker makes an ardent call for the exploration of the connection between the violence of nature and the divinity of creation. “In what distant deeps or skies. / Burnt the fire of thine eyes," they ask in reference to the tiger as they attempt to reconcile their intimidation with their relationship to creationism (lines 5-6).

Longer labels, such as chapters (ch.) and scenes (sc.), should be abbreviated.

In-text citations for print sources with no known author

When a source has no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of an author name, following these guidelines.

Place the title in quotation marks if it's a short work (such as an article) or italicize it if it's a longer work (e.g. plays, books, television shows, entire Web sites) and provide a page number if it is available.

Titles longer than a standard noun phrase should be shortened into a noun phrase by excluding articles. For example, To the Lighthouse would be shortened to Lighthouse .

If the title cannot be easily shortened into a noun phrase, the title should be cut after the first clause, phrase, or punctuation:

In this example, since the reader does not know the author of the article, an abbreviated title appears in the parenthetical citation, and the full title of the article appears first at the left-hand margin of its respective entry on the Works Cited page. Thus, the writer includes the title in quotation marks as the signal phrase in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader directly to the source on the Works Cited page. The Works Cited entry appears as follows:

"The Impact of Global Warming in North America." Global Warming: Early Signs . 1999. www.climatehotmap.org/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2009.

If the title of the work begins with a quotation mark, such as a title that refers to another work, that quote or quoted title can be used as the shortened title. The single quotation marks must be included in the parenthetical, rather than the double quotation.

Parenthetical citations and Works Cited pages, used in conjunction, allow readers to know which sources you consulted in writing your essay, so that they can either verify your interpretation of the sources or use them in their own scholarly work.

Author-page citation for classic and literary works with multiple editions

Page numbers are always required, but additional citation information can help literary scholars, who may have a different edition of a classic work, like Marx and Engels's  The Communist Manifesto . In such cases, give the page number of your edition (making sure the edition is listed in your Works Cited page, of course) followed by a semicolon, and then the appropriate abbreviations for volume (vol.), book (bk.), part (pt.), chapter (ch.), section (sec.), or paragraph (par.). For example:

Author-page citation for works in an anthology, periodical, or collection

When you cite a work that appears inside a larger source (for instance, an article in a periodical or an essay in a collection), cite the author of the  internal source (i.e., the article or essay). For example, to cite Albert Einstein's article "A Brief Outline of the Theory of Relativity," which was published in  Nature  in 1921, you might write something like this:

See also our page on documenting periodicals in the Works Cited .

Citing authors with same last names

Sometimes more information is necessary to identify the source from which a quotation is taken. For instance, if two or more authors have the same last name, provide both authors' first initials (or even the authors' full name if different authors share initials) in your citation. For example:

Citing a work by multiple authors

For a source with two authors, list the authors’ last names in the text or in the parenthetical citation:

Corresponding Works Cited entry:

Best, David, and Sharon Marcus. “Surface Reading: An Introduction.” Representations , vol. 108, no. 1, Fall 2009, pp. 1-21. JSTOR, doi:10.1525/rep.2009.108.1.1

For a source with three or more authors, list only the first author’s last name, and replace the additional names with et al.

Franck, Caroline, et al. “Agricultural Subsidies and the American Obesity Epidemic.” American Journal of Preventative Medicine , vol. 45, no. 3, Sept. 2013, pp. 327-333.

Citing multiple works by the same author

If you cite more than one work by an author, include a shortened title for the particular work from which you are quoting to distinguish it from the others. Put short titles of books in italics and short titles of articles in quotation marks.

Citing two articles by the same author :

Citing two books by the same author :

Additionally, if the author's name is not mentioned in the sentence, format your citation with the author's name followed by a comma, followed by a shortened title of the work, and, when appropriate, the page number(s):

Citing multivolume works

If you cite from different volumes of a multivolume work, always include the volume number followed by a colon. Put a space after the colon, then provide the page number(s). (If you only cite from one volume, provide only the page number in parentheses.)

Citing the Bible

In your first parenthetical citation, you want to make clear which Bible you're using (and underline or italicize the title), as each version varies in its translation, followed by book (do not italicize or underline), chapter, and verse. For example:

If future references employ the same edition of the Bible you’re using, list only the book, chapter, and verse in the parenthetical citation:

John of Patmos echoes this passage when describing his vision (Rev. 4.6-8).

Citing indirect sources

Sometimes you may have to use an indirect source. An indirect source is a source cited within another source. For such indirect quotations, use "qtd. in" to indicate the source you actually consulted. For example:

Note that, in most cases, a responsible researcher will attempt to find the original source, rather than citing an indirect source.

Citing transcripts, plays, or screenplays

Sources that take the form of a dialogue involving two or more participants have special guidelines for their quotation and citation. Each line of dialogue should begin with the speaker's name written in all capitals and indented half an inch. A period follows the name (e.g., JAMES.) . After the period, write the dialogue. Each successive line after the first should receive an additional indentation. When another person begins speaking, start a new line with that person's name indented only half an inch. Repeat this pattern each time the speaker changes. You can include stage directions in the quote if they appear in the original source.

Conclude with a parenthetical that explains where to find the excerpt in the source. Usually, the author and title of the source can be given in a signal phrase before quoting the excerpt, so the concluding parenthetical will often just contain location information like page numbers or act/scene indicators.

Here is an example from O'Neill's  The Iceman Cometh.

WILLIE. (Pleadingly) Give me a drink, Rocky. Harry said it was all right. God, I need a drink.

ROCKY. Den grab it. It's right under your nose.

WILLIE. (Avidly) Thanks. (He takes the bottle with both twitching hands and tilts it to his lips and gulps down the whiskey in big swallows.) (1.1)

Citing non-print or sources from the Internet

With more and more scholarly work published on the Internet, you may have to cite sources you found in digital environments. While many sources on the Internet should not be used for scholarly work (reference the OWL's  Evaluating Sources of Information  resource), some Web sources are perfectly acceptable for research. When creating in-text citations for electronic, film, or Internet sources, remember that your citation must reference the source on your Works Cited page.

Sometimes writers are confused with how to craft parenthetical citations for electronic sources because of the absence of page numbers. However, these sorts of entries often do not require a page number in the parenthetical citation. For electronic and Internet sources, follow the following guidelines:

• Include in the text the first item that appears in the Work Cited entry that corresponds to the citation (e.g. author name, article name, website name, film name).
• Do not provide paragraph numbers or page numbers based on your Web browser’s print preview function.
• Unless you must list the Web site name in the signal phrase in order to get the reader to the appropriate entry, do not include URLs in-text. Only provide partial URLs such as when the name of the site includes, for example, a domain name, like  CNN.com  or  Forbes.com,  as opposed to writing out http://www.cnn.com or http://www.forbes.com.

Miscellaneous non-print sources

Two types of non-print sources you may encounter are films and lectures/presentations:

In the two examples above “Herzog” (a film’s director) and “Yates” (a presentor) lead the reader to the first item in each citation’s respective entry on the Works Cited page:

Herzog, Werner, dir. Fitzcarraldo . Perf. Klaus Kinski. Filmverlag der Autoren, 1982.

Yates, Jane. "Invention in Rhetoric and Composition." Gaps Addressed: Future Work in Rhetoric and Composition, CCCC, Palmer House Hilton, 2002. Address.

Electronic sources

Electronic sources may include web pages and online news or magazine articles:

In the first example (an online magazine article), the writer has chosen not to include the author name in-text; however, two entries from the same author appear in the Works Cited. Thus, the writer includes both the author’s last name and the article title in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader to the appropriate entry on the Works Cited page (see below).

In the second example (a web page), a parenthetical citation is not necessary because the page does not list an author, and the title of the article, “MLA Formatting and Style Guide,” is used as a signal phrase within the sentence. If the title of the article was not named in the sentence, an abbreviated version would appear in a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence. Both corresponding Works Cited entries are as follows:

Taylor, Rumsey. "Fitzcarraldo." Slant , 13 Jun. 2003, www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/fitzcarraldo/. Accessed 29 Sep. 2009. 

"MLA Formatting and Style Guide." The Purdue OWL , 2 Aug. 2016, owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/. Accessed 2 April 2018.

Multiple citations

To cite multiple sources in the same parenthetical reference, separate the citations by a semi-colon:

Time-based media sources

When creating in-text citations for media that has a runtime, such as a movie or podcast, include the range of hours, minutes and seconds you plan to reference. For example: (00:02:15-00:02:35).

When a citation is not needed

Common sense and ethics should determine your need for documenting sources. You do not need to give sources for familiar proverbs, well-known quotations, or common knowledge (For example, it is expected that U.S. citizens know that George Washington was the first President.). Remember that citing sources is a rhetorical task, and, as such, can vary based on your audience. If you’re writing for an expert audience of a scholarly journal, for example, you may need to deal with expectations of what constitutes “common knowledge” that differ from common norms.

Other Sources

The MLA Handbook describes how to cite many different kinds of authors and content creators. However, you may occasionally encounter a source or author category that the handbook does not describe, making the best way to proceed can be unclear.

In these cases, it's typically acceptable to apply the general principles of MLA citation to the new kind of source in a way that's consistent and sensible. A good way to do this is to simply use the standard MLA directions for a type of source that resembles the source you want to cite.

You may also want to investigate whether a third-party organization has provided directions for how to cite this kind of source. For example, Norquest College provides guidelines for citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers⁠ —an author category that does not appear in the MLA Handbook . In cases like this, however, it's a good idea to ask your instructor or supervisor whether using third-party citation guidelines might present problems.

Citing the Bible and other Biblical Resources

• Turabian Style
• Chicago Style
• Citing Bible Commentaries

A Note on Citing Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, & Concordances

• Print Examples
• Database Examples
• Web Examples
• Citing Bible Atlases
• Citation Key

A General Note About Citing Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, & Concordances

• Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and concordances are treated the same in each style manual.
• To find the best example, there are two questions to ask yourself
• How did you access it?
• Is the entry signed or unsigned?

Find the Best Citation Example using these Prompts

Signed vs. Unsigned Entries

What is the difference?

• Signed entries have an author(s) listed (usually at the end of the entry).
• Unsigned entries have no author listed with the entry.
• << Previous: Citing Bible Commentaries
• Next: Print Examples >>
• Last Updated: Feb 16, 2024 2:38 PM
• URL: https://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/citebible

Appropriate Level of Citation

The number of sources you cite in your paper depends on the purpose of your work. For most papers, cite one or two of the most representative sources for each key point. Literature review papers, however, typically include a more exhaustive list of references.

Provide appropriate credit to the source (e.g., by using an in-text citation) whenever you do the following:

• paraphrase (i.e., state in your own words) the ideas of others
• directly quote the words of others
• refer to data or data sets
• reprint or adapt a table or figure, even images from the internet that are free or licensed in the Creative Commons
• reprint a long text passage or commercially copyrighted test item

Avoid both undercitation and overcitation. Undercitation can lead to plagiarism and/or self-plagiarism . Overcitation can be distracting and is unnecessary.

For example, it is considered overcitation to repeat the same citation in every sentence when the source and topic have not changed. Instead, when paraphrasing a key point in more than one sentence within a paragraph, cite the source in the first sentence in which it is relevant and do not repeat the citation in subsequent sentences as long as the source remains clear and unchanged.

Figure 8.1 in Chapter 8 of the Publication Manual provides an example of an appropriate level of citation.

Determining the appropriate level of citation is covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 8.1 and the Concise Guide Section 8.1

Related handouts

• In-Text Citation Checklist (PDF, 227KB)
• Six Steps to Proper Citation (PDF, 112KB)

From the APA Style blog

How to cite your own translations

If you translate a passage from one language into another on your own in your paper, your translation is considered a paraphrase, not a direct quotation.

Key takeaways from the Psi Chi webinar So You Need to Write a Literature Review

This blog post describes key tasks in writing an effective literature review and provides strategies for approaching those tasks.

How to cite a work with a nonrecoverable source

In most cases, nonrecoverable sources such as personal emails, nonarchived social media livestreams (or deleted and unarchived social media posts), classroom lectures, unrecorded webinars or presentations, and intranet sources should be cited only in the text as personal communications.

The “outdated sources” myth

The “outdated sources” myth is that sources must have been published recently, such as the last 5 to 10 years. There is no timeliness requirement in APA Style.

From COVID-19 to demands for social justice: Citing contemporary sources for current events

The guidance in the seventh edition of the Publication Manual makes the process of citing contemporary sources found online easier than ever before.

Citing classical and religious works

A classical or religious work is cited as either a book or a webpage, depending on what version of the source you are using. This post includes details and examples.

Academic Writer—APA’s essential teaching resource for higher education instructors

Academic Writer’s advanced authoring technology and digital learning tools allow students to take a hands-on approach to learning the scholarly research and writing process.

APA Style webinar on citing works in text

Attend the webinar, “Citing Works in Text Using Seventh Edition APA Style,” on July 14, 2020, to learn the keys to accurately and consistently citing sources in APA Style.

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