The Bible is a widely used source for some research, but you need to know how to cite it correctly in both papers and bibliography, as it is not referred to as a normal text. Learn to quote the Bible in the MLA, APA or Turabian format.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Modern Language Association (MLA) format
Step 1. Know how to insert the first quote into the text
The first time you quote the Bible in an essay using the MLA format, you must list the translation name first and then the biblical reference; between the two interpose a comma.
For example: "'So let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in' heaven '. (New Living Translation, Matt. 5.16)"
Step 2. Know how to enter subsequent quotes
When you enter a passage from the same Bible translation for the second time, you just need to carry over the reference to the Scriptures.
For example: (Matt.5.16)
Step 3. Write the abbreviations for the books of the Bible
When citing Bible books, be sure to use the correct abbreviations, as defined in the MLA format.
For example, Genesis is indicated with "Gen.", Leviticus with "Lev." and the First Book of Corinthians with "1 Cor."
Step 4. Use the period to differentiate between chapters and verses of the Bible
Although some textbooks offer some flexibility and you can use the full stop or colons interchangeably, the point must be followed in the MLA format. Check your report thoroughly to be sure all quotes are expressed this way.
For example, instead of using the classic colon to separate the chapter from the verse (5:15), the MLA format includes the period (5.15)
Step 5. Never underline and never italicize individual books or versions of the Bible
When you refer to common versions of this text or to its specific books, there is no need to differentiate them in italics, to underline them or to enclose them in quotation marks. For example: "The King James Version of the Bible was originally published in 1611."
However, the titles of the individual published editions should be written in italics. In this case: "The NIV Bible Study (New International Version) includes an introduction for each book of the Bible."
Step 6. Know how to refer to the Bible in the "Bibliography" of your paper
With the MLA format you must also enter the references of the Bible you used in the "Bibliography" page. These should include: the translation and / or version of the Bible that you used as a source, the name of the author or publisher, information about the publication and whether it is a hard copy or if it can be accessed online. Here are some examples:
-
The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Ed. Michael D. Coogan. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Printed.
The one just above is a classic MLA reference example of the Bible, with the title in italics followed by the publisher's name
-
Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2002. Printed.
This reference is slightly different, because this publication has an author instead of the publisher. In this case, the author's name is placed before the title of the Bible version
-
English Standard Version. Bible Gateway. Online. 25 Oct 2012.
This is an example of a reference to an online version of the Bible
Method 2 of 4: APA format
Step 1. Know how to insert the first quote into the text
According to the APA format, the first reference to a particular scripture must be the book, chapter and verse followed by the version of the Bible from which the quotation is extracted.
- For example: "So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16 New Living Translation).
- Note that there are no commas between the spelling and the version.
Step 2. Know how to enter subsequent quotes
Once you have spelled out the version of the Bible you are using as a source, you don't need to repeat it.
You can simply leave the scripture reference, such as (Matt. 5:16), for all other quotes, unless you change the translation or version of the Bible
Step 3. Use a colon or a period to separate chapters from verses
Both punctuation marks are acceptable as long as you constantly stick to your choice throughout the paper.
-
So you can use interchangeably: (Matt. 5 :
16) or (Matt. 5.
16).
Step 4. Know that, usually, it is not necessary to enter the Bible on the bibliography page
According to the APA standards, you don't have to provide this extra quote and that goes for the other very famous texts as well.
However, if you are writing an essay for a lesson, your teacher may ask for all publication information to be cited, so it is best to ask the teacher first what he or she prefers
Method 3 of 4: Turabian format
Step 1. List the scripture references first and then the translation
When following the Turabian format, you must first write the book, chapter and verse you are referring to and then the version of the Bible you are using. Put a comma to separate the two kinds of information.
For example: "'So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven' (Matt. 5:16, New Living Translation)"
Step 2. Use a colon to separate the biblical chapters from the verses
Although it is quite classic to use a colon, other formats involve the simple period instead. Turabian standards dictate a colon.
For example: (Matt. 5:16)
Step 3. Be consistent with abbreviations
The Turabian format allows for two types of abbreviations in biblical book citations. The first is traditional, the second shorter; choose one and use it for all your work. Consider asking your teacher which one they prefer.
Step 4. Remember that the Turabian standard does not require biblical citations to be included in the bibliography
Unless your professor explicitly requests it, you do not need to enter information from the Bible publication you use.
Method 4 of 4: General Guidelines
Step 1. Know when to underline a quote and when to italicize it
There are times when you need to underline a reference and others when you need to italicize it, finally there are situations where you need to avoid both of these elements.
- When you quote the Bible within your report or presentation, you should never differentiate it from the rest of the text, except by capitalizing the word 'Bible' or the name of the book you are referring to, such as Matthew, Mark or Luke.
- When referring to a specific edition, italicize the title, just like other books. For example: The NIV Study Bible.
Step 2. Include the Bible in your bibliography only when you need to refer to editorial content
Using scripture verses in your report does not mean that you should include it in bibliographic sources. However, if you mention specific notes or comments that refer to certain studies, then you must do so. Remember to write down the title, edition, publisher, place and year.
Step 3. Use abbreviations for books
When reporting specific passages from the Bible, use the correct abbreviations to indicate the book. For example, instead of writing "Matthew 5:16", you should say "Matt. 5:16". Find the right abbreviations using the guides you can find online or in most printed Bibles.
Step 4. Use Arabic numerals
In some traditional writings you can find Roman numerals to indicate books: John II. Instead of going through this style, stick to the Arabic numerals: John 2.
Step 5. Identify the translation you are using
Most term papers stick to a single translation (for example: New Living Translation, New International Version, English Standard Version). Simply write in the first quote which version you are using without repeating it again. If, on the other hand, you constantly change the source of reference, you must enter this information each time.
