Background Information
Citing the Bible properly in MLA (Modern Language Association) style is an essential skill for any college student and is important to understand when writing a research paper or essay. Knowing how to cite the bible correctly is a useful knowledge that every student should have. It is also important to note that there are different MLA guidelines for quoting verses from the bible and citing bible versions such as the New International Version or the King James Version. In this article, we will be focusing on how to cite the bible using MLA style.
Citing Bible Verses In-Text
When quoting the bible in-text, it is important to use the correct format. Generally, the in-text citation should include the book, chapter and verse number, and should all be together in parentheses with no spaces. For example, when quoting Genesis 1:1, the format would be “(Genesis 1:1).” In addition, the in-text citation should be places in parenthesis after the quote and before the ending quotation marks. Moreover, it is important to note that short quotes should be presented in quotation marks, while long quotes should be presented as block quotes.
Citing Bible Versions In-Text
When citing a bible version, it is important to include the version name, the editor and the year it was published. The in-text citation should be presented in parentheses, with the name of the bible in italics, followed by a comma and the name of the editor, as well as the year it was published. For example, when citing the New International Version, the format would be “(New International Version, Stanley 1977).”
Citing Bible Verses In A Works Cited Page
When citing the bible verses on a works cited page, it is important to use the correct format. Generally, the entry in the works cited page should include the bible version name, the editor, the year it was published and the publication information. The citation should be presented in italics, followed by a comma and the name of the editor, as well as the year it was published, followed by a comma and the publisher information. For example, when citing the New International Version, the format would be “New International Version, Stanley 1997, Oxford University Press.”
Citing Multiple Versions Of The Bible In The Works Cited Page
When citing multiple versions of the bible in the works cited page, each version should be listed separately. Each version should follow the same format, with the version name, the editor, the year it was published, and the publication information. For example, when citing the New International Version and the King James Version, the format would be “New International Version, Stanley 1997, Oxford University Press” and “King James Version, Fisher 2005, Oxford University Press.”
Using Abbreviations In-Text and On The Works Cited Page
When citing the bible in-text and on the works cited page, it is important to use the correct abbreviations. Generally, it is recommended to use the abbreviations for the books of the bible as listed in the MLA Handbook. Some examples of common abbreviations include “Gen” for Genesis, “Exod” for Exodus and “John” for John. Moreover, when referring to multiple books of the bible, it is important to list them in alphabetical order, separated by semi-colons, as well as periods or commas depending on the context.
Citing Apocryphal Books In-Text and On The Works Cited Page
When citing apocryphal books, such as the Book of Enoch, it is important to use the correct format. Generally, the in-text citation should include the title of the book, followed by the chapter and verse number, and should be listed in parentheses with no spaces. For example, when quoting Enoch 6:1, the format would be “(Enoch 6:1).” In addition, when citing apocryphal books on the works cited page, it is important to include the title of the book, the editor and the year it was published, followed by the publisher information.
Summaries and Secondary Sources
When citing summarised or secondary sources of the bible, it is important to include the name of the book, the author and the year it was published. In addition, it is important to include the page number if it is given. For example, when citing a summarised source, the format would be “Smith 2017, p. 23.” Moreover, when citing a secondary source, it is important to include the name of the book, the author, the year it was published, followed by the publication information. For example, when citing a secondary source, the format would be “Smith 2017, Oxford University Press.”
Digital Translations
When citing digital translations of the bible, it is important to include the name of the website, the date it was accessed and the URL. Generally, the in-text citation should be listed in parentheses, with the name of the website, followed by a comma and the date it was accessed, as well as the URL in angle brackets. For example, when citing the Bible Gateway website, the format would be “(Bible Gateway, 2018
When To Cite
When citing the bible, it is important to understand when it is necessary to cite. Generally, it is important to cite the bible when it is being quoted or paraphrased. Moreover, it is important to include a citation when summarising or making an interpretation of the bible, or when using the bible to prove a point. In addition, it is important to include citations when writing about different versions of the bible, and when using digital translations.
Cross References
When citing multiple bible verses or referring to other books or chapters in the bible, it is important to use the correct format. Generally, it is recommended to list the books or chapters being referred to in parenthesis, with a hyphen to separate them. For example, when referring to Genesis 1 and Exodus 2, the format would be “(Genesis 1-Exodus 2).”
Best Practices
When citing the bible, it is important to use the correct format. Furthermore, when citing the bible in-text, it is important to include the book, chapter and verse number in parentheses, with no spaces. Moreover, when citing bible versions in-text and on the works cited page, it is important to include the version name, the editor and the year it was published. In addition, when citing summarised or secondary sources of the bible, it is important to include the name of the book, the author, the year it was published and the page number if applicable. Finally, when citing digital translations, it is important to include the name of the website, the date it was accessed and the URL.
