How To Cite A Bible Verse – How To Cite Bible Verse MLA

Academic papers require precise attribution, and citing biblical passages follows a specific format in style guides like APA or MLA. If you have been wondering how to cite a bible verse correctly, you are not alone—many students and writers struggle with this task. The Bible is a unique source because it has books, chapters, and verses rather than page numbers, and it often appears in different translations. This guide will walk you through the exact steps for citing Bible verses in APA, MLA, Chicago, and Turabian styles, ensuring your references are accurate and professional.

Understanding how to cite a bible verse is essential for theology papers, religious studies, or any academic work that references scripture. The rules vary slightly depending on the style guide you are using, but the core elements remain consistent: book name, chapter, verse, and translation. Below, we break down each style with clear examples and practical tips.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In APA Style

APA style, commonly used in psychology and education, has specific guidelines for citing the Bible. The 7th edition of the APA manual requires you to include the book, chapter, and verse, along with the translation. You do not need to list the Bible in your reference list unless you are citing a specific study edition or commentary.

In-Text Citations For APA

For in-text citations, include the book name (abbreviated), chapter, and verse, followed by the translation in parentheses. Use a colon between the chapter and verse. For example:

(John 3:16, New International Version)
(Ps. 23:1, King James Version)

If you mention the translation in the text, you can omit it from the parenthetical citation. For instance: “According to the New International Version, John 3:16 states…”

Reference List Entry For APA

In APA, you only include the Bible in the reference list if you are citing a specific edition or study Bible. The format is:

Title of the Bible. (Year). Publisher. URL (if online)

Example: The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.

Note: Do not italicize the title in the reference list, but do italicize it in the in-text citation.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In MLA Style

MLA style, often used in literature and humanities, treats the Bible as a sacred text with specific formatting rules. The 9th edition of the MLA handbook provides clear instructions for citing verses.

In-Text Citations For MLA

In MLA, include the book name (abbreviated), chapter, and verse, with a period between chapter and verse. Do not use a colon. The translation is optional in the first citation but should be included in the works cited entry. Example:

(John 3.16)
(Ps. 23.1)

If you are using multiple translations, specify the translation in the first citation: (John 3.16, New International Version).

Works Cited Entry For MLA

For the works cited page, list the Bible as a book. The format is:

Title of the Bible. Edited by Editor (if any), Publisher, Year.

Example: The Holy Bible, New International Version. Zondervan, 2011.

If you are citing an online version, include the URL and access date.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In Chicago Style

Chicago style, common in history and religious studies, offers two systems: notes and bibliography (footnotes) and author-date. For the Bible, the notes and bibliography system is more typical.

Footnotes For Chicago Style

In footnotes, include the book name (abbreviated), chapter, verse, and translation. Use a colon between chapter and verse. Example:

John 3:16 (New International Version).
Ps. 23:1 (King James Version).

For subsequent citations, you can use a shortened form: John 3:16.

Bibliography Entry For Chicago Style

In the bibliography, list the Bible as a book. The format is:

Title of the Bible. Translation. Publisher, Year.

Example: The Holy Bible: New International Version. Zondervan, 2011.

If you are using a study Bible, include the editors.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In Turabian Style

Turabian style, based on Chicago, is often used for student papers. The rules are similar but with slight variations for simplicity.

In-Text Citations For Turabian

In Turabian, use footnotes for Bible citations. Include the book name, chapter, verse, and translation. Example:

John 3:16 (NIV).
Ps. 23:1 (KJV).

For the bibliography, follow the same format as Chicago.

Common Mistakes When Citing Bible Verses

Even experienced writers make errors when citing the Bible. Here are some frequent pitfalls to avoid:

Forgetting to include the translation—always specify which version you are using.
Using incorrect abbreviations for book names—check your style guide for standard abbreviations.
Mixing up chapter and verse order—always put chapter first, then verse.
Not italicizing the title in APA or MLA when required.
Assuming the Bible is in the reference list—it is not always necessary.

How To Abbreviate Bible Book Names

Each style guide has its own set of abbreviations for Bible books. Here is a quick reference for common ones:

Genesis: Gen. (APA, MLA, Chicago)
Exodus: Exod. (APA, MLA, Chicago)
Psalms: Ps. (APA, MLA, Chicago)
Matthew: Matt. (APA, MLA, Chicago)
Revelation: Rev. (APA, MLA, Chicago)

For less common books, consult the style guide’s official list.

How To Cite Online Bible Versions

If you are using an online Bible, such as BibleGateway or YouVersion, the citation rules change slightly. Include the URL and access date in most styles.

APA For Online Bible

In APA, include the URL and retrieval date in the reference list. Example:

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). BibleGateway. https://www.biblegateway.com

MLA For Online Bible

In MLA, include the URL and access date in the works cited entry. Example:

The Holy Bible, New International Version. BibleGateway, 2011, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.

Chicago For Online Bible

In Chicago, include the URL in the footnote or bibliography. Example:

John 3:16 (New International Version), BibleGateway, https://www.biblegateway.com.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Footnote

Footnotes are common in Chicago and Turabian styles. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Write the book name in abbreviated form (e.g., John).
Add the chapter number.
Add a colon.
Add the verse number.
Include the translation in parentheses.
End with a period.

Example: John 3:16 (New International Version).

For subsequent citations, you can use a shortened form: John 3:16.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Parenthetical Citation

Parenthetical citations are used in APA and MLA. Here is how to format them:

APA: (Book Abbrev. Chapter:Verse, Translation)
MLA: (Book Abbrev. Chapter.Verse)

Example APA: (John 3:16, NIV). Example MLA: (John 3.16).

How To Cite Multiple Bible Verses

When citing multiple verses, use a hyphen for a range or a comma for separate verses. Example:

John 3:16-18 (range)
John 3:16, 18 (separate verses)

For multiple chapters, use a semicolon: John 3:16; 4:10.

How To Cite A Bible Verse With No Chapter

Some books, like Obadiah or Philemon, have only one chapter. In that case, cite the verse number only. Example:

Obad. 3 (APA)
Obad. 3 (MLA)

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Speech Or Presentation

For oral citations, mention the book, chapter, verse, and translation. Example: “As it says in John 3:16 of the New International Version…”

For slides, use the same format as in-text citations.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Blog Or Online Article

For informal writing, you can use a simple format: “John 3:16 (NIV).” But for academic blogs, follow the style guide.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Research Paper

In research papers, consistency is key. Choose one style guide and stick to it throughout. Always double-check your citations against the guide’s latest edition.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Thesis Or Dissertation

Theses and dissertations often require Chicago or Turabian style. Use footnotes for Bible citations and include a bibliography entry for the translation.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Book Review

In a book review, cite the Bible as you would any other source, following the style guide of the publication.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Sermon

For sermons, you can use a simple format: “John 3:16 (NIV).” If you are publishing the sermon, follow the appropriate style.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Devotional

Devotionals often use informal citations. Include the book, chapter, verse, and translation in parentheses.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Bible Study

For Bible studies, use the same format as academic papers if you are writing for publication.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Journal Article

Journal articles typically use APA or Chicago style. Follow the journal’s guidelines.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Textbook

Textbooks often use MLA or Chicago style. Check the publisher’s requirements.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Legal Document

Legal documents may use Bluebook style, which has its own rules for citing the Bible. Consult a legal citation guide.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Historical Paper

Historical papers often use Chicago style with footnotes. Include the translation and edition.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Literary Analysis

Literary analysis papers often use MLA style. Focus on the book, chapter, and verse.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Religious Studies Paper

Religious studies papers may use any style, but Chicago is common. Include the translation and any commentary.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Philosophy Paper

Philosophy papers often use APA or Chicago. Follow the department’s guidelines.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Psychology Paper

Psychology papers use APA style. Include the translation in the in-text citation.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Sociology Paper

Sociology papers may use APA or ASA style. Check the style guide for specifics.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A History Paper

History papers use Chicago style with footnotes. Include the translation and edition.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Theology Paper

Theology papers often use Turabian or Chicago. Include the translation and any study notes.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Comparative Religion Paper

Comparative religion papers may use MLA or Chicago. Be consistent across all sources.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Sermon Outline

For sermon outlines, use a simple format: “John 3:16 (NIV).”

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Church Bulletin

Church bulletins often use informal citations. Include the book, chapter, verse, and translation.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Newsletter

Newsletters may use a simple format. Follow the publication’s style.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Website

For websites, use the same format as online Bible citations. Include the URL and access date.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A PDF

PDFs are cited like books. Include the title, publisher, and year.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Video

For videos, cite the Bible as a source in the video description or transcript.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Podcast

Podcasts should include the citation in the show notes.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Social Media Post

Social media posts can use a simple format: “John 3:16 (NIV).”

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Email

Emails can use informal citations. Include the book, chapter, verse, and translation.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Letter

Letters can use the same format as emails.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Memo

Memos can use a simple format.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Report

Reports should follow the organization’s style guide.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Proposal

Proposals should follow the style guide of the funding agency.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Grant Application

Grant applications often require APA or Chicago style.

How To Cite A Bible Verse In A Curriculum Vitae

CVs do not typically include Bible citations unless it is a religious studies CV.