Background of APA
The American Psychological Association (APA) is an organization of over 200,000 professionals in the field of psychology and related sciences, including psychiatrists, physicists, sociologists and biologists. The APA developed the APA Style, which is a writing style guide widely used by professionals, researchers, and students in the United States and around the world. The APA Style uses both in-text citations and a reference list to document sources cited in the text of a paper.
How to Cite the Bible in APA
When citing the Bible in any academic paper, the primary source should be the original text. Occasionally, a scholarly edition of the Bible, such as the New Oxford Annotated Bible, might be cited. The APA does not provide specific information on how to cite the Bible, so it is recommended to use the citation style for resources with no author or an unknown author. Here is how to cite the Bible in APA.
• In-Text Citations: Include the book, chapter and verse immediately after the quotation or reference within parentheses. Place any notes after the verse, rather than in parentheses.
• Reference List: On the References page include a reference for the Bible with the title in italics. Include the name of the version at the end of the reference.
Example:
In-Text Citation:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, King James Version).
Reference list:
The Holy Bible. (Year of Publication). Title of version. Publisher.
Citing Original Authors of Bible Stories in APA
While citing the Bible in a paper, it is also important to cite any authors mentioned in the Bible. For instance, if citing the story of David and Goliath, the original author of the text must be attributed; in this case, 1 Samuel 17.
• In-Text Citation: Include both the book and chapter number of the Bible source, followed by the author name and year in parentheses, followed by a colon and the verse number.
• Reference List: Include the author name in the reference list; the Bible itself should not be listed in the reference list.
Example:
In-Text Citation:
The story of David and Goliath was recorded by the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 17 (1 Sam 17; Holman Bible Staff, 2014).
Reference List:
Holman Bible Staff. (2014). Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard version. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
In-Text Quotations
When quoting the Bible directly in the text, include the reference in parentheses and the version of the Bible that you are referencing. In text quotations should be followed by a period.
Example:
“And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20, King James Version).
Citing Bible Verse Ranges
When referring to several verses in the text, give the citations in one reference, separated by commas and form a range.
Example:
In-Text Citation
Paul’s letters to the Romans emphasize the importance of faith (Romans 4:13-14,16, 18-19; New Revised Standard Version).
Reference List
New Revised Standard Version. (Year of publication). The New Revised Standard version of the bible. Publisher.
Editing Bible Passages
It is important to note that when quoting a Bible verse, it should be given in the original language. If a person wants to paraphrase a Bible passage, that should be noted clearly in the text.
Example:
Paul said “all things work for the good of those who love God” (Rom. 8:28, Nations Standard). Paul was saying that God uses all of life’s circumstances for the betterment of those devoted to Him.
Citing Multiple Versions of the Bible
When citing multiple versions of the Bible, but referring to the same passage of scripture, list each version in the in-text citation and include the versions in the reference list.
Example:
In-Text Citation
The importance of friendship is found in Proverbs 18:24, which is stated as “there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Pro 18:24, King James Version; New International Version).
Reference List
King James Version. (Year of Publication). The King James version of the Bible. Publisher.
New International Version. (Year of publication). The New International version of the Bible. Publisher.
Alternate Bible Citation Forms
References to books of the Bible may be shortened after the first full citation.
• In-Text Citation: Include only the book name, chapter and verse.
• Reference List: No changes to the reference list.
Example:
In-Text Citation
John 3:16 is a well known verse among Christians (John 3:16).
Reference List
The Holy Bible. (Year of Publication). Title of version. Publisher.
Citing a Bible Verse Mentioned in a Work
When citing a Bible verse as mentioned in a work by an author, list the source both in the in-text citation and the reference list.
• In-Text Citation: Include the name of the author of the work, the year of publication, and the verse number.
• Reference List: Include both sources in the reference list.
Example:
In-Text Citation
Smith (2018) noted that “each person is made in the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 1:27).
Reference List
Smith, A. (2018). Theology of the Bible. Publisher.
The Holy Bible. (Year of Publication). Title of version. Publisher.
Using Biblical Resources
When citing non-biblical resources, such as encyclopedias, commentaries or ancient manuscripts, use the APA Style rules for citing and referencing sources.
• In-Text Citation: Include the author name, publication year and page number.
• Reference List: Include an entry for the resource in the reference list
Example:
In-Text Citation
The Book of Job is widely accepted as one of the oldest books in the Bible (Mieder, 2018, p. 8).
Reference List
Mieder, W. (2018). The New Testament and the Bible: History, Canonicity and Criticism. Cambridge University Press.
Citing Passages on Online Bible Sites
When citing Bible passages from an online source, include the website URL in the in-text citation.
• In-Text Citation: Include the website URL and the Bible version used.
• Reference List: Include an entry for the source in the reference list.
Example:
In-Text Citation
Proverbs 4:7 states “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (www.biblegateway.com, King James Version).
Reference List
BibleGateway. (Year of Publication). BibleGateway.com. Retrieved from website URL.
King James Version. (Year of Publication). The King James version of the Bible. Publisher.
