How to Cite the Bible in APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago

The Bible is a formidable opponent when it comes to writing. How are you supposed to cite the different elements in the Bible? How does it vary with each citation style? The list of questions goes on and on. However, don’t sweat it. Breaking down how to cite Bible verse is as easy as A, B, C.

First In-Text Citation or Parenthetical Reference

There are different places that you might choose to cite Bible verses. One place is with in-text or parenthetical citations. Looking at how to break down each style makes it easier. After the first reference, you remove the translation.

 

 

 

 

How to Cite a Bible Quote

Just like every word has its own arrangement, each citation style has its own way to set up a quote. Look at each in turn to figure out the proper way to quote in the style you need.

APA Style

The APA quote citation indicates the book chapter, verse and translation.

• “Quote” (Psalm 25:4, The New King James Version)
• In Psalm 25:4 (The New King James Version) it says, “Quote.”

MLA Style

MLA format has some unique rules when using this format for quotes. Typically, you don’t italicize or underline different versions of the Bible, but you will italicize individual editions of the Bible like The New Oxford Annotated Bible.

• In The New Oxford Annotated Bible, “Quote” (Ps. 25.4).
• Psalm 25.4 states, “Quote” (The King James Version).

Chicago/Turabian Style

Since Turabian is the student version of Chicago, they typically follow the same format. Quotation marks will be around the quoted material because it isn’t your material. In either the sentence or the citation, include the book, chapter, verse(s) and translation in the first mention. The books will be abbreviated, and the citation will be placed at the end of the sentence. For example:

• Jesus said, “Quote” (John 8:31–32 KJV).
• “Quote,” as illustrated by God (Ps. 25:1 KJV).

Harvard Style

The Harvard style includes the quote and the citation. However, if you are quoting whole chapters, you’ll want to separate them with a hyphen.

• “Quote” (John 8:31).
• “Quote chapter” (John 8-10).

Citing in the Footnotes

MLA, APA and Harvard styles opt to use parenthetical citations rather than using footnotes for sources. However, if you do use footnotes in the text, you include a superscript number in the body of the text. Typically, this is included after the punctuation mark, if possible. The citation for the footnote will be found at the bottom of the page with a corresponding superscript number. Citation will follow the parenthetical citation in most instances.

Example:

• In Text: In the book of John, it is shown that …. according to God.¹
• Citation: ¹John 8:31 (King James Standard Version)

Chicago/Turabian Footnotes

Chicago style does include footnotes. The format of the citation for footnotes is unique.

Example:

1. Ps. 19:13-16 (NRSV)
2. Ps. 25:1 (KJV)

Formatting Works Cited Entry

MLA and Harvard are the only styles that require you to reference a Bible in your works cited list. Each style follows a different format.

MLA Works Cited

Format:

Title of the Bible, the version. Editor. Publication place: Publisher, Year.

Example:

Harvard Works Cited

Format:

The Holy Bible: Translation Year of Publication, Publisher, Place of Publication

Example:

Holy Words

Biblical references can come into play in all different types of professional writing and essays. Now that you know what you’re doing, try it for yourself.