To cite the Bible, the general approach depends on the citation style you are using, but common elements include the book name (often abbreviated), chapter number, and verse number, without page numbers. Here are guidelines for major styles:
Common Citation Elements
- Include the abbreviated book name.
- Include chapter and verse numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 1 Cor. 13:4).
- Do not use page numbers.
- Include the version or translation of the Bible used, especially in formal citations.
APA Style (7th Edition)
- In-text citation: Use the abbreviated book title, chapter, and verse, plus the Bible version and year if relevant. Example: (English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Josh. 2:7).
- Reference list entry: Include the Bible version as the title, publication year, publisher, and URL if online. Example: English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
- For classic versions, include original publication year in parentheses after the reprint year.
- Page numbers are not used
MLA Style (9th Edition)
- In-text citation: Include the Bible title (italicized) on first citation, then book name, chapter, and verse separated by a period (not a colon). Example first citation: (New International Version , Gen. 2.1), subsequent citations: (Gen. 2.5).
- Works Cited entry: Include the Bible title, editor (if applicable), publisher, year, and URL if online. Example: The ESV Bible. Crossway, 2001, www.esv.org/.
- Abbreviate book names in in-text citations; use an en dash for verse ranges
Chicago/Turabian Style
- Use book name, chapter, and verse with a colon (e.g., John 3:16).
- Book names are spelled out and not italicized.
- Include Bible version in parentheses when citing in-text.
- The Bible is usually not included in the bibliography unless a specific edition is cited
General Format Example
- In-text: (Book Chapter:Verse), e.g., (John 3:16).
- Include version name when relevant, e.g., (John 3:16, New International Version).
- No page numbers are used.
Summary Table
Style| In-text Citation Format| Reference List Entry Example| Notes
---|---|---|---
APA| (Book Abbrev. Chapter:Verse, Version, Year)| English Standard Version
Bible. (2001). ESV Online. URL| Include version, no pages
MLA| (Bible Title, Book Chapter.Verse)| The ESV Bible. Crossway, 2001,
www.esv.org/| Use period between chapter & verse,
italicize Bible title
Chicago| (Book Chapter:Verse [Version])| Usually no bibliography entry for
Bible| Spell out book names, no italics
By following these conventions, you can correctly cite the Bible according to the style required
