To cite the Bible in MLA format, follow these guidelines:
Works Cited Entry
- Italicize the title of the Bible.
- Include the version you are using.
- Provide publication information such as publisher and year.
- For online versions, include the URL (without "https://").
Examples:
- The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
- The ESV Study Bible. Crossway, 2012.
- New International Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/, accessed 10 Sept. 2020.
In-Text Citation
- The first in-text citation should include the Bible version (italicized), followed by the book (abbreviated if long), chapter, and verse(s).
- Use a period to separate chapter and verse (e.g., Gen. 1.1).
- Use an en dash for verse ranges (e.g., Gen. 1.1–3).
- Subsequent citations can omit the version if you use the same one throughout.
Example first citation: (English Standard Version, Eph. 2.8–9) Subsequent citations: (Eph. 2.8–9) If citing multiple versions, include the version each time to clarify
Summary
- Italicize The Bible and the version in Works Cited.
- In-text citations: (Version, Book Chapter.Verse).
- Subsequent citations: (Book Chapter.Verse).
- Include URLs for online sources.
This method ensures clarity and proper credit to the specific Bible version used in your paper.
