Use footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical notes to cite the Bible. The Bible does not need to be included in your bibliography. When mentioning a specific portion of Scripture, give the book's shortened title, chapter number, and verse number—never a page number.
Citing the Bible is similar to citing other books. Use the author's last name and title for both biblical and non-biblical authors. If you are using a translator's work, include the name of the translator along with the abbreviation TCK (The King James Version) after her/him. If there is more than one translator, list them separately. Include the year that the translation was completed.
For example, if you are referencing 1 Kings 8:56, you would say "See also 2 Chronicles 3:1." In general, if it is within the same book, you do not need to identify which line you are referring to. If it is from a different book, then you must specify which line you are talking about. This makes sure that no matter where someone reads or hears your citation, they will be able to find the correct passage quickly.
Bible translations are often revised over time. To ensure that you are using the most current version, use the edition number. For example, if you are working on a project based on Hebrews 4:7, use the New King James Version, 6th edition.
The Bible does not require a reference list item, but the in-text citation should include the title of the book, followed by the chapter and verse. When referring to the Bible in-text for the first time, indicate the version you're using, such as the King James Version or the New Revised Standard Version. For example: The stories of Adam and Eve's sin and punishment appear in Genesis. The tales are found on pages 8-9 of the KJV edition.
The in-text citation format is the same whether you are quoting a print or online edition of the Bible. You'll need the Bible passage you're reciting, as well as the book, chapter, and verse number. In your in-text citation, you will utilize an abbreviated version of lengthy book titles (MLA Handbook 1872). Thus, if the title of the book you are referencing is "The Life of David," then your in-text citation would read "King David showed that..." If there is no page number associated with the Bible passage you are citing, use the full title of the book instead (i.e., "In King David we find...").
When writing your bibliography or works cited page, include the in-text citation along with the author's name and year published. Or, if you are including more than one source, such as articles from a magazine, list them all with separate in-text citations. Use proper grammar and style when creating your own in-text citations or using the example given above.
When quoting a portion of scripture, mention the book's shortened title, chapter number, and verse number—never a page number. A colon separates the chapter and verse. 1 Corinthians 13:4 is an example. There are also short-hand ways to refer to parts of the bible. "Mt 5:18" means "Matthew 5:19". When citing a single sentence, use quotation marks around the text if it is longer than one paragraph. In general, however, there is no need for quotation marks when referring to a small part of a sentence or word.
When citing a passage of scripture that isn't in your own language, first check to see if there is an English translation available. If so, use that version instead. However, if there is no translation and you have good reason to believe that your audience will be able to understand you, then go ahead and use the original language.
When citing the entire book of Psalms, use the abbreviation "Ps", followed by the chapter and verse numbers. For example, "Ps 40:1" means "Psalm 40:1". There are also short-hand references used by scholars to refer to specific passages within the psalms. "Intro. Ps" means "Introduction to the Psalms". "Mt 3:3" means "Matthew 3:3".
You will need the title of the Bible for your in-text reference. The Bible verse(s), including the title of the book, chapter and verse numbers,... What You Require
The in-text citation format is the same whether you are quoting a print or online edition of the Bible. You'll need the Bible passage you're reciting, as well as the book, chapter, and verse number. In your in-text citation, you will utilize an abbreviated version of lengthy book titles (MLA Handbook 1872).
Unless you move to another edition, identify the version of the Bible in your first in-text reference only when using the MLA or APA style format. The book, chapter, and verse information are the only pieces of material necessary in following citations.