Introduction
Citing the Bible correctly in APA 7th edition can be a confusing and unfamiliar task for new students. The APA 7th edition authors and editors at the American Psychological Association have developed a specific format for citing religious texts, such as the Bible. It is important for students to know and understand the proper way to cite the Bible because when writing research papers, articles, and essays, the reader should be able to locate the source material quickly and easily. In this article, we will explain how to cite the Bible in APA 7th edition, and provide tips and perspectives from experts.
General Rules For Citing
When citing the Bible in APA 7th edition, the first rule is to use the abbreviation “Bible” rather than spelling it out. After stating “Bible” in the reference list, include the version of the Bible, followed by the book name, chapter, and verse. For example, “(New International Version, Matthew 5:7).” When citing the Bible in the body of the paper, refer to the book name, chapter, and verse—for example, “(Matthew 5:7).” The book name is not italicized, and the chapter and verse are not italicized.
How To Cite A Bible Verse But Not Necessarily Quote It
When citing a Bible verse but not quoting it, the APA 7th edition authors and editors recommend that you include both the book name and the chapter and verse after the word Bible. This can be done in two ways: you can include the chapter and verse in parentheses after the book name, or you can include the chapter and verse in a superscript after the book name. For example, “the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:7,” or “the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:71.”
How To Cite A Bible Quote
When citing a Bible quote, the APA 7th edition authors and editors recommend that you include both the book name and the chapter and verse after the quote. This can be done in two ways: you can include the chapter and verse in parentheses after the quote, or you can include the chapter and verse in a superscript after the quote. For example, ““Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Matthew 5:7),” or ““Do not be afraid, for I am with you”2.”
Perspective From Experts
When citing the Bible in APA 7th edition, it is important to remain consistent throughout the paper. One way to do this is to always list the book name and the chapter and verse in parentheses, or in a superscript, for both citing a Bible verse and quoting it. Experts also recommend that you limit the amount of quotes from the Bible in a paper, as excessive quoting can take away from the quality of the paper.
In-text Citations
When citing the Bible in the body of the paper, the APA 7th edition authors and editors recommend that you include both the book name and the chapter and verse in parentheses or a superscript, as described above. You also need to include an in-text citation after the quote or Bible verse. This can be done by simply including the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses. For example, ““Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Matthew 5:7, Jackson, 2020, p. 54).”
References
When citing the Bible in the reference list, the APA 7th edition authors and editors recommend that you include the version of the Bible you are citing, followed by the book name, chapter, and verse. For example:
Jackson, D. (2020). The Bible. New International Version, Matthew 5:7.
When citing older versions of the Bible, the publication year should be included. For example:
Holy Bible (King James Version). (1611). New York, NY: American Bible Society.
Emotional Triggers In Citing Bible Verses
When citing the Bible, it is important to remember that the Bible contains many emotional triggers and can evoke powerful emotions in the reader. In order to avoid any potential triggers, it is essential to express the Biblical quotes accurately and clearly. Additionally, it is important to practice sensitivity when citing the Bible, to ensure that no one takes offense to the words written.
Style Guide For Bible Citations
When citing the Bible in APA 7th edition, it is important to stick to the style guide established by the American Psychological Association. Students should never abbreviate books of the Bible, as each book has a proper name in the English bible. Additionally, it is important to give proper credit to the version of the Bible you used by including the name of the version in the reference list.
Formatting Bible Citations
The APA 7th edition authors and editors recommend that students use the same formatting style when citing the Bible throughout their entire paper. This ensures that all citations are consistent and easily identifiable by the reader. It is also important to include the page number when citing the Bible in the body of the paper, so that the reader can easily locate the source material.
Inaccurate Citing
When citing the Bible, it is important to make sure that you are accurate in your citations. If you cite the wrong book, chapter, or verse, the reader might get confused or question the accuracy of your work. Therefore, it is important to triple check your sources and make sure that you are citing the correct source.
Proper Attribution
When citing the Bible, it is important to practice proper attribution. This means that you should give credit where it is due and include the original source work in the reference list. This will show the reader that you have done your research correctly and are respecting the work of the original author.
Using Bible Verses For Support
When using a Bible verse to support an argument or an opinion, it is important to not misquote or misinterpret the verse. When using the Bible to support an argument, be sure to explain what the verse means and how it supports your argument. Additionally, it is important to explain how the verse fits into the Biblical context, as some verses can be taken out of context and lose their intended meaning.
Practicing Sensitivity
When citing the Bible, it is important to practice sensitivity. This means being respectful of individual beliefs and cultural backgrounds, as well as being aware of any potentially emotionally charged words or references. This is especially important when referring to a controversial topic or event, as this could elicit a strong emotional response from the reader.
Expert Analysis
When citing the Bible in APA 7th edition, it is important to remember that each book, chapter, and verse should be cited accurately and correctly. Additionally, it is important to practice proper attribution and give credit to the original author. Furthermore, it is important to practice sensitivity when citing the Bible and to make sure that no one takes offense to the words written. Finally, it is important to remember to always use the same formatting style when citing the Bible throughout the entire paper.
