Citing the Bible in APA style requires attention to specific guidelines to ensure consistency and accuracy in academic and scholarly writing. The Bible, as a sacred text, holds a unique place in citation practices, and adhering to APA’s standards ensures proper attribution and allows readers to easily locate and verify the cited material.
When referencing the Bible in the text of your writing, use the abbreviation “Bible” followed by the relevant book, chapter, and verse (e.g., Bible, John 3:16). For the first mention of a particular Bible version, include the full name in parentheses after “Bible” (e.g., Bible (New International Version), John 3:16). Subsequent references to the same version can use the abbreviation “(NIV)” (e.g., Bible (NIV), John 3:17). If no specific version is mentioned, use the abbreviation “NRSV” for the New Revised Standard Version, which is the default version for APA style.
In the reference list, list the Bible entry under “Holy Bible.” Include the publication date, publisher, and location (e.g., Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. (2008). Nashville: Thomas Nelson). If you are citing a specific translation or edition, include that information as well (e.g., Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan). By following these guidelines, you can ensure accurate and consistent citation of the Bible in your academic or scholarly work.
Understanding the APA Formatting System
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a widely used citation and formatting system in the social sciences, including psychology, education, and nursing. When citing the Bible in APA style, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure consistency and clarity in your research paper or other academic work.
The APA formatting system is designed to provide a clear and consistent way to present information in written documents. It includes guidelines for:
- Citations: How to cite sources in the text and in the reference list
- References: How to format the reference list at the end of the document
- Headings: How to use headings and subheadings to organize the document
- Tables and figures: How to format tables and figures
- Page layout: How to set up the margins, font, and spacing of the document
By following the APA formatting system, you can ensure that your research paper or other academic work is well-organized, easy to read, and properly cited.
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Bible Version | Include the specific version of the Bible used, such as the New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV), or King James Version (KJV). |
| Citation Format | In-text citations should include the book, chapter, and verse number(s) of the passage being referenced. For example: (Genesis 1:1) |
| Reference List Entry | The reference list entry should include the following information:
|
Choosing the Correct Bible Version
When citing the Bible in APA style, it is crucial to specify the specific Bible version you are using. This is because different versions may have variations in wording and organization. Here are some guidelines for selecting the appropriate Bible version:
Consider the Purpose of Your Citation
The purpose of your citation will determine the most suitable Bible version. For academic or scholarly writing, it is generally recommended to use a widely accepted and respected version, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or the English Standard Version (ESV). These versions are known for their accuracy and readability.
Check for Style Guide Preferences
If you are submitting your work to a specific journal or publication, refer to their style guide for any specific requirements regarding Bible versions. Some publications may have preferences for particular versions or editions.
Choose a Consistent Version
If you are citing from multiple passages of the Bible, maintain consistency by using the same version throughout your work. This ensures accuracy and avoids confusion for your readers.
Citing the Entire Bible
To cite the entire Bible in an APA format, follow these steps:
- In the text, use the following format:
(Bible, [year of publication]). - In the reference list, include the following information:
- Title: Bible
- Publication year: Use the year of the specific edition you are using.
- Publisher: List the name of the publisher.
- Location: Put “N/A” since the Bible has no specific location of publication.
- Example:
(Bible, 2021). Zondervan. N/A.
Citing Specific Books, Chapters, and Verses from the Bible
To cite a specific book, chapter, and verse from the Bible, follow these steps:
- In the text, use the following format:
- In the reference list, include the following information:
- Title: Bible
- Publication year: Use the year of the specific edition you are using.
- Publisher: List the name of the publisher.
- Location: Put “N/A” since the Bible has no specific location of publication.
- Example:
(Book [chapter]:[verse], [year of publication]).
(Genesis 1:1, 2021). Zondervan. N/A.
| Book | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Genesis | Gen. |
| Exodus | Exod. |
| Leviticus | Lev. |
| Numbers | Num. |
| Deuteronomy | Deut. |
| Joshua | Josh. |
| Judges | Judg. |
| Ruth | Ruth |
| 1 Samuel | 1 Sam. |
| 2 Samuel | 2 Sam. |
| 1 Kings | 1 Kings |
| 2 Kings | 2 Kings |
| 1 Chronicles | 1 Chr. |
| 2 Chronicles | 2 Chr. |
| Ezra | Ezra |
| Nehemiah | Neh. |
| Esther | Esth. |
| Job | Job |
| Psalms | Ps. |
| Proverbs | Prov. |
| Ecclesiastes | Eccl. |
| Song of Solomon | Song |
| Isaiah | Isa. |
| Jeremiah | Jer. |
| Lamentations | Lam. |
| Ezekiel | Ezek. |
| Daniel | Dan. |
| Hosea | Hos. |
| Joel | Joel |
| Amos | Amos |
| Obadiah | Obad. |
| Jonah | Jonah |
| Micah | Mic. |
| Nahum | Nah. |
| Habakkuk | Hab. |
| Zephaniah | Zeph. |
| Haggai | Hag. |
| Zechariah | Zech. |
| Malachi | Mal. |
| Matthew | Matt. |
| Mark | Mark |
| Luke | Luke |
| John | John |
| Acts | Acts |
| Romans | Rom. |
| 1 Corinthians | 1 Cor. |
| 2 Corinthians | 2 Cor. |
| Galatians | Gal. |
| Ephesians | Eph. |
| Philippians | Phil. |
| Colossians | Col. |
| 1 Thessalonians | 1 Thess. |
| 2 Thessalonians | 2 Thess. |
| 1 Timothy | 1 Tim. |
| 2 Timothy | 2 Tim. |
| Titus | Titus |
| Philemon | Philem. |
| Hebrews | Heb. |
| James | James |
| 1 Peter | 1 Pet. |
| 2 Peter | 2 Pet. |
| 1 John | 1 John |
| 2 John | 2 John |
| 3 John | 3 John |
| Jude | Jude |
| Revelation | Rev. |
Citing a Specific Book of the Bible
When citing a specific book of the Bible, the following format should be used:
- Book Title, Chapter:Verse (Version, Year).
For example, to cite the verse “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) from the New International Version of the Bible published in 1984, the citation would be:
| Citation Format |
|---|
| Genesis 1:1 (NIV, 1984). |
When citing multiple books of the Bible, separate each citation with a semicolon:
| Citation Format |
|---|
| Genesis 1:1 (NIV, 1984); Exodus 20:1-5 (NIV, 1984). |
If a range of verses is being cited, use a hyphen between the first and last verse:
| Citation Format |
|---|
| Genesis 1:1-3 (NIV, 1984). |
When citing a specific chapter or verse without a specific version, the following format may be used:
| Citation Format |
|---|
| Gen. 1:1. |
| Genesis 1. |
Note that the abbreviations for the books of the Bible are typically three letters long:
| Book | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Genesis | Gen. |
| Exodus | Exod. |
| Leviticus | Lev. |
| Numbers | Num. |
| Deuteronomy | Deut. |
Citing a Specific Chapter or Verse
When citing a specific chapter or verse from the Bible, include the book name, chapter number, and verse number. For example:
In-text citation:
(John 3:16)
Reference list entry:
Bible. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/
Chapter Only
Use the abbreviation “ch.” before the chapter number. For example:
In-text citation:
(Genesis ch. 1)
Reference list entry:
Bible. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/
Verse Only
Use the abbreviation “v.” before the verse number. For example:
In-text citation:
(Proverbs 3:5)
Reference list entry:
Bible. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/
Range of Verses
Use a hyphen to separate the beginning and ending verse numbers. For example:
In-text citation:
(Matthew 5:1-12)
Reference list entry:
Bible. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/
Book, Chapter, and Verse
Include all three elements without any punctuation in between. For example:
In-text citation:
(Genesis 1:1)
Reference list entry:
Bible. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/
Citing a Passage from the Bible
When citing a passage from the Bible in APA style, it is essential to include the following information:
- Book abbreviation: The standard abbreviation for the book of the Bible from which the passage is taken.
- Chapter number: The chapter number from which the passage is taken.
- Verse number(s): The verse number or range of verse numbers where the passage is located.
- Version (optional): If you are citing from a specific version of the Bible, include the version name in parentheses after the verse number.
Within your text, you can follow these general formats:
In-text citations:
When referring to a specific Bible passage, include the book abbreviation, chapter, and verse(s) in parentheses, as seen in the following example.
(Gen. 1:1)
In a reference list:
Bible citations do not require entries in the reference list.
Exceptions:
There are a few exceptions to these general guidelines:
- If you are citing multiple passages from the same book, you can abbreviate the book name after the first citation.
- If you are citing a range of verses, use a dash to separate the beginning and ending verse numbers.
- If you are citing a passage that spans multiple chapters, include the chapter numbers separated by a colon (:) and the verse numbers separated by a dash.
Example:
The following table provides examples of APA-style Bible citations:
Example Description (Gen. 1:1) The first verse of the book of Genesis (Gen. 1:1-5) The first five verses of the book of Genesis (Gen. 1:1-2:3) The first three chapters of the book of Genesis (Gen. abbr. Bible) The abbreviated book name after the first citation (Gen. 1:1; 2:1) Two specific verses from different chapters Formatting In-Text Citations
When using APA style to cite the Bible in your text, you need to include the book, chapter, and verse number in parentheses after the quoted or paraphrased material.
For example:“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
Books of the Bible
The books of the Bible should be abbreviated using the standard three-letter abbreviations. A complete list of abbreviations can be found in the APA Publication Manual.
Chapters and Verses
Chapters and verses should be separated by a colon (:). If you are citing a range of verses, use a hyphen (-) between the first and last verse numbers. For example:
(Matthew 5:1-10)
Multiple Citations
If you are citing multiple passages from the Bible in a single sentence, separate the citations with a semicolon (;). For example:
(Genesis 1:1; Matthew 5:1-10)
Creating the Reference List Entry
To create a reference list entry for the Bible, follow these steps:
- Include the book name. Use the shortened form of the book names, such as Gen. for Genesis, Exod. for Exodus, and Matt. for Matthew.
- Add the chapter and verse numbers. Separate the chapter and verse numbers with a colon, such as Gen. 1:1 or Matt. 28:19-20.
- Exclude the word “verse” or “verses.” Do not include the term “verse” or “verses” when citing a specific verse or range of verses.
- Spell out any numbers that come before a verse number. For example, write “First Corinthians 13:1” instead of “1 Cor. 13:1.”
- Use parentheses for ranges of verses. To cite a range of verses, use parentheses around the verse numbers, such as Matt. 5:3-10.
- Include only the verses that are directly relevant. If you are citing a passage that spans multiple chapters, include only the relevant verses from each chapter.
- Use “f.” for the following verse. If you are citing a verse and the following verse, use the abbreviation “f.” for the following verse, such as Matt. 5:3f.
- Do not include page numbers. The Bible does not have page numbers, so do not include them in the reference list entry.
- Capitalize the first and last words of book names.
Book Abbreviation Book Name Gen. Genesis Exod. Exodus Matt. Matthew 1 Cor. First Corinthians Sample Citations for the APA Style
When citing the Bible in APA style, use the book abbreviation, followed by period, chapter number, and verse number. For example:
Matthew 22.37
For a range of verses, use a hyphen between the first and last verse numbers:
Matthew 22.37-40
If citing a passage that spans multiple chapters, use a comma between the chapter numbers:
Matthew 22, 23
When citing a specific translation, include the translation in parentheses after the book abbreviation:
Matthew 22.37 (NIV)
For Works with No Author or Publication Date
Use “n.d.” (no date) in place of the publication date:
Matthew 22.37 (n.d.)
For Works with Multiple Verses
Cite each verse individually, separated by semicolons:
Matthew 22.37; Mark 12.30-31; Luke 10.27
For Works with the Same Book and Chapter
Omit the book abbreviation and chapter number for subsequent citations:
Matthew 22.37; 23.5; 24.14
For Works with the Same Chapter and Multiple Verses
Use “et al.” (and others) to indicate additional verses:
Matthew 22.37; et al.
For Works with Multiple Chapters and Verses
Use “and” to indicate consecutive verses within multiple chapters:
Matthew 22.37 and 23.5
For Paraphrases
Use “paraphrase” in place of the verse number:
Matthew 22 paraphrase
For Quotations
Include the verse number after the quotation in parentheses:
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22.39)
Additional Resources
Resource Link APA Citation Guide https://www.apastyle.org/learn/quick-guide-on-referencing-the-bible-in-apa-style LibGuides: Citing the Bible https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/c.php?g=363815&p=2443995 Additional Considerations for Bible Citations
Citing Bible Passages with Multiple Verses
When citing a passage with multiple verses, separate the verse numbers with hyphens (e.g., John 3:16-18). If the verses span multiple chapters, separate the chapter numbers with a colon (e.g., Genesis 1:1-2:3).
Citing Whole Chapters or Books
To cite a whole chapter, include the chapter number and the abbreviation “ch.” (e.g., Romans 8 ch.). To cite a whole book, include only the book name (e.g., Ephesians).
Using Ampersand (&) for Multiple Authors
When citing a biblical passage with multiple authors, use the ampersand (&) to separate their names (e.g., Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John).
Citing Passages with Paraphrases
If you are using a paraphrase, indicate it in brackets after the passage reference (e.g., John 3:16 [NIV]).
Citing Indirect References
If you are referencing a biblical passage mentioned in another source, include the name of the source in parentheses after the passage reference (e.g., John 3:16 [as cited in Smith, 2020]).
Citing Quotations from the Bible
When quoting directly from the Bible, include the passage reference after the quotation in parentheses; for example: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Using Abbreviations for Bible Versions
When specifying the Bible version used in your citation, use the following abbreviations: KJV (King James Version), NIV (New International Version), ESV (English Standard Version), NASB (New American Standard Bible), NKJV (New King James Version).
Bible Version Abbreviation King James Version KJV New International Version NIV English Standard Version ESV New American Standard Bible NASB New King James Version NKJV How to Cite the Bible in APA
When citing the Bible in APA style, follow these guidelines:
**In-Text Citation:**
For a direct quote, include the book, chapter, and verse(s) in parentheses after the quote. For example:
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
For a paraphrase or summary, include the book and chapter (or verse range) in parentheses after the paraphrase. For example:
(Ephesians 2)
**Reference List Entry:**
In the reference list, include the following information:
- The version of the Bible used (e.g., New International Version, King James Version)
- The abbreviated book name
- The chapter (or verse range, if citing a specific passage)
The format should be as follows:
**Version. (Date). **Abbreviations. **Chapter (or verse range).**
For example:
New International Version. (2011). Eph. 2:8-9
People Also Ask About How to Cite the Bible Apa
How do I cite the Bible with no author?
Since the Bible has no specific author, simply omit the author information when citing it in APA style.
How do I cite a specific verse from the Bible?
In-text, include the book, chapter, and verse(s) in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. For example:
(Genesis 1:1)
How do I cite a range of verses from the Bible?
Use a hyphen to indicate a range of verses. For example:
(Matthew 5:1-10)
