How to Cite the Bible in Academic Writing: MLA, APA, and Chicago Styles

The Bible is a source that is frequently cited in academic writing for its profound spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. Whether you are conducting a literary analysis, religious study, or comparative theological research, properly citing the Bible in your work is crucial. This article will guide you through the processes of citing the Bible in three widely used citation styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago/Turabian.

MLA Style: A Comprehensive Guide

When citing the Bible in MLA style, it is essential to provide detailed information about the specific version and edition used. This includes the title of the edition, the editor's name (if applicable), the publisher, and the publication year. Additionally, you should include the URL and your date of access for online versions of the Bible. Here are the steps detailed:

Works Cited Entry

Title and Edition: Start by providing the title of the specific version of the Bible used, written in italics and in title case. Follow with the editor's name, if available. Publisher and Year: After the editor's name, include the name of the publisher, followed by a comma and the year of publication. End with a period. Online Versions: For online versions, list the name of the website as the publisher, followed by the URL and your date of access.

Here is an example:

The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Edited by Michael D. Coogan. Oxford University Press, 2007.

New International Version. Bible Gateway. Accessed 29 Jan. 2019.

First In-Text Citation

The first time you reference the Bible in your paper, include an in-text citation that includes the name of the version, the book, chapter, and verse, all in parentheses. Abbreviate the names of books where applicable. For example:

New International Version, Rom. 12.2.

Note that once you have cited the version name in the first instance, you do not need to repeat it for subsequent citations, unless you switch to a different version.

Example:

New International Version, Rom. 12.2. The same book and chapter and verse without repeating the version name.

APA Style: Concise but Clear

In APA style, the first time you refer to the Bible in your text, include the book, chapter, and verse in parentheses. After that, you only need to include the book and chapter and verse, as long as you are using the same version of the Bible. Here are the key points:

First In-Text Citation

For the first citation, provide the book, chapter, and verse followed by the name of the version. Use a colon between the book, chapter, and verse, and list the version in regular font. For example:

(New International Version: Rom. 12:2)

Subsequent Citations

When using the same version of the Bible for additional citations, provide only the book, chapter, and verse. If you switch to a different version and are comparing translations, include the new version in the parentheses.

Example:

(Rom. 12:2)

(New Revised Standard Version: Rom. 12:2)

Reference List Entry

While APA does not require a full reference list entry at the end of the paper, if your instructor or editor requires one, the entry should be formatted as a book citation. Include the title of the version, edition, editor, publisher, and year of publication.

The New Oxford Annotated Bible. 2007. Michael D. Coogan, Ed. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Chicago/Turabian Style: Footnotes and Bibliography

In Chicago/Turabian style, footnotes are used to provide references. The structure of the citation depends on whether it is an online or print version.

Oxford Bibliography Entry

Book and Chapter/Verse: Start your footnote with the name of the book, abbreviated using the Chicago/Turabian abbreviations, followed by the chapter and verse, then a colon. Separate multiple citations with a semicolon. Version Name: After the book and chapter/verse, include the name of the version used.

Here is an example:

1 Cor. 13:4: Revised Standard Version

If citing several books or chapters in the same footnote, separate them with a semicolon:

1 Cor. 13:4; 15:12-29: Revised Standard Version

A comprehensive list of abbreviations can be found at Henry Buhl Library: Common Abbreviations for Books of the Bible -- Chicago: Home.

Bibliography Entry

Chicago and Turabian styles do not require a separate bibliography for the Bible. However, if requested by your editor or instructor, format it as a standard book entry. For example:

Coogan, Michael D., ed. The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.

Conclusion:

Properly citing the Bible in your academic writing is crucial for maintaining the credibility of your research. Whether it is the MLA, APA, or Chicago style, ensure that you follow the guidelines closely. By providing accurate and detailed citations, you enhance the trustworthiness of your work and contribute to a scholarly discourse.