In the realm of academic writing, citing the Bible using the American Psychological Association (APA) style is a common task for scholars and students alike. Whether you’re exploring the historical significance of biblical texts or incorporating theological insights into your research, properly citing the Bible is essential for credibility and academic integrity. The APA guidelines specifically address the nuances of citing biblical references, ensuring consistency and clarity in scholarly communication.
Before delving into the specific requirements for citing the Bible in APA style, it is important to understand the structure of biblical references. The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each testament is further divided into books, chapters, and verses. When citing a specific passage from the Bible, it is necessary to include all three of these elements: book, chapter, and verse. For example, to cite the verse “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16), the citation would be written as “John 3:16.” The book name is abbreviated using the standard abbreviation found in most Bible versions, such as “John” for the Gospel of John.
In addition to the book, chapter, and verse, the author of the biblical text may also be included in the citation. When the author is known, their name should be placed before the book name. For example, to cite the passage “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), the citation would be written as “God (Genesis 1:1).” However, in many cases, the author of a biblical text is unknown. When this is the case, the citation should simply include the book, chapter, and verse, without the author’s name.
Understanding APA Style for Biblical Citations
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a widely used citation system in the social sciences and humanities. When citing the Bible in APA style, there are some specific guidelines to follow to ensure accuracy and consistency.
The most important aspect of citing the Bible in APA style is to include the full reference in the text of your paper. This should include the book of the Bible, chapter, and verse (e.g., John 3:16). If you are quoting directly from the Bible, you must also include the version of the Bible that you are using. For example, the New International Version (NIV) would be cited as (NIV).
In addition to the full reference in the text, you must also include a full citation in the reference list at the end of your paper. The reference list should be arranged alphabetically by book of the Bible, and the entries should be formatted as follows:
Book of the Bible (Year of publication). Version of the Bible. Publisher.
For example, the following is an APA-style reference for the New International Version of the Bible:
New International Version (2011). Zondervan.
If you are using a specific translation or edition of the Bible, be sure to include that information in the reference list. For example, the following is an APA-style reference for the New American Standard Bible:
New American Standard Bible (1995). The Lockman Foundation.
| Element | Format |
|---|---|
| Book of the Bible | Full name (e.g., Genesis, Psalms, John) |
| Chapter | Chapter number followed by a colon (e.g., 3:) |
| Verse | Verse number(s) (e.g., 16-18) |
| Version of the Bible (if applicable) | Abbreviated in parentheses (e.g., NIV, NASB) |
Formatting Biblical Quotations in APA
Word Count:
When quoting from the Bible using APA format, the word count for the citation varies depending on the length of the quoted material:
- For quotations under 40 words: Include the biblical citation in the text in double quotation marks.
- For quotations of 40 words or more: Indent the quotation by one inch on both sides, omit quotation marks, and include the biblical citation after the quotation, separated by a period.
Citation Format:
The biblical citation includes the version of the Bible used (if not the King James Version), the book, chapter number, and verse number(s):
| Version (if not KJV) | Book | Chapter Number | Verse Number(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| (NIV) | Matthew | 7:24 | Examples: |
| (ESV) | James | 2:17 | Matthew 7:24 |
| (NASB) | Revelation | 1:18 | James 2:17 (ESV) |
Citing Specific Bible Verses
When citing a specific verse from the Bible in APA style, include the book, chapter, and verse (without the abbreviation “v.” or “vv.”). If you are citing a range of verses, use a hyphen between the first and last verse numbers. For example:
- “Jesus said, ‘Love your enemies'” (Matthew 5:44).
- “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
- “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).
If you are citing a verse that is part of a series, such as the Ten Commandments, include the specific commandment number. For example:
- “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
If you are citing a verse that is part of a larger passage, such as the Sermon on the Mount, include the specific verse numbers within the passage. For example:
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
When citing the Bible as a whole, use the following format:
| Bible |
|---|
| [Year of publication]. [Name of Bible version]. [Publisher]. |
Referencing Biblical Books and Chapters
Referencing a Specific Verse
To cite a specific verse from the Bible, include the book name, chapter number, and verse number in parentheses. For example:
John 3:16
Referencing a Range of Verses
To cite a range of verses from the same chapter, use a hyphen to separate the starting and ending verse numbers. For example:
Genesis 1:1-5
Referencing Verses from Different Chapters
To cite verses from different chapters within the same book, separate the references with a semicolon. For example:
Matthew 5:1-10; 7:12-14
Referencing Chapters from Different Books
To cite chapters from different books within the same version of the Bible, separate the references with a semicolon. Include the book abbreviations as follows:
| Book | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Genesis | Gen. |
| Matthew | Matt. |
| John | John |
| Romans | Rom. |
For example:
Gen. 1:1-5; Matt. 5:1-10; John 3:16
Using Parenthetical Citations for Biblical References
When citing the Bible in APA style, use the following format:
(Biblical book abbreviation, chapter number, verse number)
For example:
(Gen. 1:1)
Note that:
- Biblical book abbreviations are used. A table of abbreviations is provided below.
- Chapter and verse numbers are separated by a colon.
- No punctuation follows the closing parenthesis.
Table of Biblical Book Abbreviations
| 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 Kgs. |
| 2 Kings | 2 Kgs. |
| 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. |
If you are citing a range of verses, use a hyphen between the first and last verse numbers. For example:
(Gen. 1:1-5)
If you are citing a specific passage that spans multiple chapters, use a semicolon between the chapter numbers. For example:
(Gen. 1:1-5; 2:1-3)
Citing Multiple Bible Versions
When citing multiple versions of the Bible, include the version information in the parenthetical citation. List the versions in the order they appear in the text, separated by semicolons (;). If a specific verse is cited from multiple versions, list the versions in the order they appear in the verse. For example:
| APA Format | Example |
|---|---|
| (NIV, ESV, NASB) | “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NIV, ESV, NASB) |
| (John 3:16 ESV; NIV) | “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV; NIV) |
For direct quotations, include the specific verse information after the parenthetical citation, followed by the version information in brackets. For example:
“Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” (John 14:6 NIV) [NIV, ESV, NASB]
Formatting Bible Reference Lists
When citing the Bible in APA style, follow these guidelines:
Use the italicized name of the Bible version used.
For example:
New International Version
Include the book, chapter, and verse(s) of the biblical reference.
For example:
John 3:16
Use a colon to separate the chapter and verse(s).
For example:
Genesis 1:1
For ranges of verses, use a hyphen between the verses.
For example:
Psalm 23:1-6
For multiple references, separate them with semicolons.
For example:
Matthew 5:1-12; John 3:16
Use “et al.” for three or more authors of a biblical book.
For example:
Mark et al., 2023
In-text citations:
For a direct quotation, include the book, chapter, and verse(s) in parentheses after the quotation.
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).
For a paraphrase or indirect quotation, include the book and chapter in parentheses after the paraphrase.
For example:
As stated in John (ch. 3), God’s love for humanity led him to sacrifice his Son.
Reference list:
In the reference list, list the Bible version used in alphabetical order by its full title.
APA style recommends using a center alignment for Bible references.
| APA Style | MLA Style |
|—|—|
| New International Version | _New International Version_ |
| Matthew 5:1-12 | Matthew 5.1-12 |
| John 3:16 | John 3:16 |
| Psalm 23:1-6 | Psalms 23.1-6 |
Avoiding Common Errors in Bible Citations
To ensure the accuracy and consistency of your Bible citations, it is essential to avoid common errors that can compromise their effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you prevent these mistakes:
1. Omitting the Book Name
Always include the name of the biblical book being cited, even if it is well-known. For example, instead of “Genesis 1:1,” write “Gen. 1:1.”
2. Using Incorrect Abbreviations
Follow the established abbreviations for biblical books, as outlined in reputable guides like the Chicago Manual of Style or the SBL Handbook of Style. For instance, use “Gen.” for Genesis, not “Gn.” or “Gn.”
3. Misplacing the Colon
The colon in a Bible citation separates the chapter and verse references. Place it after the chapter number without any space, like “John 3:16,” not “John 3 : 16.”
4. Missing Verse Ranges
When citing a range of verses, include both the starting and ending verse numbers, separated by a dash. For example, “Matt. 5:1-12,” not “Matt. 5:1, 12.”
5. Including Unnecessary Quotation Marks
Do not enclose Bible text in quotation marks unless you are quoting a direct quotation from the Bible.
6. Using the Wrong Translation
Specify the Bible translation you are using, especially if it is not the commonly used one. For example, “NIV” for the New International Version or “ESV” for the English Standard Version.
7. Citing Secondary Sources
If you are quoting or paraphrasing a Bible verse from a secondary source, cite the original Bible passage and not the secondary source.
8. Neglecting Context
Consider the context surrounding the passage you are citing to avoid misinterpretations. Read the preceding and following verses to understand the verse’s intent and meaning.
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
| Gen.1:1 | Gen. 1:1 |
| Matt. 5:1, 12 | Matt. 5:1-12 |
Additional Resources for APA Biblical Citations
In addition to the general guidelines provided above, here are some additional resources that can help you format your APA Biblical citations accurately:
Bible Reference Tools
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Zotero | A free, open-source citation management tool that includes a module for Bible citations. |
| Libronix | A commercial citation management software that has a specialized module for Bible citations. |
Citation Guides
Refer to the following guides for additional information and examples:
- Purdue Online Writing Lab: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_formatting_and_style_guide.html
- Citation Machine: https://www.citationmachine.net/apa/bible-citation
- BibMe: https://www.bibme.org/apa/bible
APA Style Manual
The official APA Style Manual provides comprehensive guidance on citing the Bible. Refer to the most recent edition of the manual for the most up-to-date information.
Best Practices for Accurate and Consistent Biblical Citations
Start with a Solid Base: Know Your Bible Version
Ensure that you have a trusted and reputable translation of the Bible. Common versions include the New International Version (NIV), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the King James Version (KJV).
Cite by Book, Chapter, and Verse
The basic citation format includes the book name, chapter number, and verse number. For example: (John 3:16), (Romans 12:21).
Use “NIV” or “ESV” for Source Identifier
Include the abbreviation of your Bible version after the citation. For NIV, use “(NIV)” and for ESV, use “(ESV).” For example: (John 3:16 NIV), (Romans 12:21 ESV).
Use Page Numbers for Non-Chaptered Books
For books without chapters (e.g., Psalms, Proverbs), include the page number in your citation. For example: (Psalm 119:105, p. 567).
Consider Using a Reference Management Tool
Utilizing a reference management software, such as Zotero or Mendeley, can streamline your citation process.
Capitalize Key Terms
Capitalize book names and proper nouns within the citation. For example: (John 3:16), (Romans 12:21 ESV), (Psalm 119:105, p. 567).
Use Commas Where Necessary
Separate elements of your citation with commas. For example: (John 3:16 NIV), (Romans 12:21 ESV, p. 456).
Be Consistent Throughout Your Work
Maintaining consistency in your citations enhances clarity and credibility.
Citing Ranges
When referencing a range of verses, use a hyphen to separate the starting and ending verses. For example: (John 3:16-18).
Including the Translator
If you are using a specific translation other than a standard one, include the translator’s name after the Bible version. For example: (The Message, Eugene H. Peterson).
How To Cite The Bible Apa
When citing the Bible in APA style, there are a few specific formatting rules that must be followed. The following guide will provide you with all the information you need to correctly cite the Bible in your paper.
In-text citation:
When citing the Bible in the text of your paper, you will need to include the book, chapter, and verse of the passage you are referencing. For example:
(John 3:16)
If you are referencing a range of verses, you can use a hyphen to separate the first and last verses. For example:
(John 3:1-5)
If you are referencing a specific passage within a verse, you can use a colon to separate the verse number and the specific passage. For example:
(John 3:16:8)
Reference list entry:
In the reference list at the end of your paper, you will need to include a full citation for each Bible passage you cited in the text. The following is an example of a reference list entry for the Bible:
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
People Also Ask
How do you cite the Bible in a bibliography?
To cite the Bible in a bibliography, use the following format:
- Bible.
. . . For example:
Bible. (2011). New International Version. Zondervan.
How do you cite the Bible in a paper?
To cite the Bible in a paper, use the following format:
- (
: ) For example:
(John 3:16)
How do you cite the Bible in Chicago style?
To cite the Bible in Chicago style, use the following format:
: For example:
Jn 3:16
- (
