Background Information
Citing the Bible is the process of giving credit to the book, verse or phrase that has been referenced. Knowing how to cite the Bible correctly makes referencing easy and a part of good academic writing. Bibles are often cited in academic papers, books or articles. It is important to be aware of the various ways to cite the Bible, so that you can do so accurately.
Citing the Bible Using MLA
When citing the Bible according to the MLA (Modern Language Association) style, the title of the book, the chapter and verse numbers and the version should be included in the citation. For example, “Genesis 1:1 (New International Version)”. Additional details can be added such as the publisher or editor. If the reference includes several books, chapters and verses, then this should be noted in the citation including the appropriate abbreviations for each book. For example, “Matthew 5:3-4, Mark 2:17, and John 8:12 (King James Version)”.
Citing the Bible in APA
The APA (American Psychological Association) style requires the book, chapter and verse numbers to be included in the citation. If you are citing several books and verses, they should be separated with a semicolon. For example, “Genesis 1:1; John 3:16 (New International Version)”. Short quotes should be included within quotation marks, while longer quotes should be set off in a block quotation. The Bible should be listed as the author in the citation, unless the specific translation or publication information indicates a different author.
Citing the Bible in Chicago/Turabian Style
The Chicago/Turabian style of citing the Bible is similar to the MLA and APA formats with a few slight variations. The book, chapters and verses should be included in the citation, including the version. If the work is a translation, then the translator should be listed in the citation. For example, “Genesis 1:1 (New International Version, translated by Robert Alter)”. If referencing several books, chapters and verses, they should be listed in the same way as in the MLA style.
Using Bible Passages in Text
When quoting the Bible in your text, the same format should be followed as when citing it in the main text. The same applies to paraphrasing, which should include the specific book, chapter and verse in the same way.
Online Bible Sources
If you are citing an online Bible source, you should include the website address in the citation. The version, translation and any other information about the source should also be included.
Biblical Theology
When studying the Bible from a theological perspective, it is important to cite the Bible in the most accurate way possible. Providing accurate and detailed references forms the foundation of any scientific or academic argument or theory.
Bible Commentaries
When referring to a commentary on a particular passage of the Bible, it is important to provide the specific reprint, authors and publishers of the work.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations can be used when referencing the Bible in the main text of a document or paper. The same format should be used as when citing the Bible in the main text, including the specific book, chapter and verse.
Bible Translations
When citing a Bible translation, it is important to include the translator in the citation. For example, “Genesis 1:1 (New International Version, translated by Robert Alter)”. If a version of the Bible has been used that includes additional information or introductions to the books, then this should be included in the citation as well.
Citing Multiple Verses
When citing multiple books, chapters and verses in a single citation, it is important to list the specific books, chapters and verses in order, including the relevant version or translation. For example, “Romans 6:23; Matthew 5:3-4, 7-8 (New International Version)”.
Creating an Index
Creating an index of references can be a useful way to keep track of Bible passages that have been referenced in an academic paper or essay. An index should contain the full reference to each passage, including the book, chapter and verse. It should also include the relevant version or translation.
Summarizing a Passage
When summarizing a passage of the Bible, it is important to provide a citation that includes the book, chapter and verse, as well as the relevant version or translation. Any additional information should also be included in the citation.
