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How to Cite the Bible in MLA

When writing a research paper, there may be an instance where you need to cite the Bible or another sacred text. It can be tricky to know how to properly cite the Bible, since its formatting makes it different from other MLA style book citations .

In this guide, you will find the basics of what you need to know about how to cite a Bible in MLA 9, the current edition of MLA handbook (we follow the handbook but are not associated with it). This guide contains formatting guidelines and examples of how to cite a print Bible, an online version of the Bible, an e-book Bible, and a Bible app, both on in-text and on your reference page.

Here’s a run-through of everything this page includes:

• What You Need?

Works Cited Citation for a Print Version of the Bible

Works cited citation for an online version of the bible, works cited citation for an e-book version of the bible, works cited citation for a bible app with multiple translations, creating in-text citations for the bible, troubleshooting.

Citing sources is important in any research paper. It shows that you have done the necessary work to make credible arguments, it helps readers understand the context of your quotes, and it gives credit to the original sources. In order to avoid plagiarism, you need to cite all direct quotes or paraphrasing from other sources. Properly citing your sources shows that you are an experienced and ethical scholarly writer.

What You Need

To create your reference page citation, you will need to following information:

• title of the Bible
• name of the editor(s) (if applicable)
• version of the Bible (which may differ from the title)
• publication information.

For your in-text citation, you will need:

• the title of the Bible
• the Bible verse(s), including book name, chapter, and verse numbers

Bible Title. Edited by Editor’s First and Last Name, Bible Version, Publisher, Year of Publication.

Holy Bible. New International Version, Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.

The guidelines for citing an online version of the Bible are different from a print version. If your source is an e-book or an app, those guidelines are different as well. These are the guidelines for a Bible found on a website. Note that you only need to create one reference page citation for every web page you cite from the same online Bible (MLA Style Center) .

Bible Title. Title of Website/Organization , URL. Accessed Date.

New International Version. Biblica , www.biblica.com/bible/niv/genesis/2/. Accessed 22 Mar. 2020.

In MLA, citing an e-book version of the Bible is the same as citing any other e-book ( MLA Style Cente r). Since MLA e-book citations begin with the author name, skip straight to the title information instead of beginning the citation with the author.

Title. E-book edition, Publisher, year of publication.

The King James Version of the Bible. E-book edition, Project Gutenberg, 2011.

List The Bible as the title and use the translation as the version ( MLA Style Center) . The name of the bible app should follow in italics, then the version (if available), and app publication information.

Title. Name of translation Version. App Title , app version number, app publisher, year of app publication.

The Bible. Good News Bible Version. YouVersion , app version 5.0, British & Foreign Bible Society, 1996.

Whether you are citing a print or online version of the Bible, the in-text citation format remains the same. You will need the Bible verse you are quoting, including the book name, chapter number, and verse number. For longer book names, you will use an abbreviated version in your in-text citation ( MLA Handbook ). For example, abbreviate the book of Genesis as Gen. Shorter books can be completely written out, such as Mark.

You need to include the italicized title of the Bible, which should match the italicized title on your reference page, at the beginning of your first in-text citation. The remaining in-text citations should only include the book name, chapter, and verse number.

First in-text citation format:

( Title of Bible, Book Name Chapter.Verse)

All following citations:

(Book Name Chapter.Verse)

Example f irst in-text citation format:

( New International Version, Gen. 2.1)

Following citations: 

(Mark 3.5-7)

(1 Cor. 1.5-11)

In this section, Jesus explained, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” ( King James Version , John 3:16-17).

Many believed John the prophet was the Messiah, evidenced by him saying, “A man can receive nothing, unless it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him” (John 3:27-28).

Solution #1: How to cite a Psalm as an in-text citation

Creating an in-text MLA citation for passages from the Book of Psalms is similar to citing other books of the Bible.

First, begin with indicating the book, Psalm, followed by the Psalm number and, if necessary, the specific lines quoted. The Psalm number and lines will be separated by a period.

(Psalm 28.6-9)

Solution #2: How to cite a Bible that is not in English

To cite a Bible that isn’t in English for your full MLA citation in your bibliography, include the title of the Bible in its language of publication, followed by the translated English title in brackets. Italicize both titles in both languages.

La Biblia de las Américas [The Bible of the Americas] . Biblica, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=G%C3%A9nesis+1&version=LBLA. Accessed 20 Nov. 2021.

For your in-text citation, you only need to include the title of the Bible in its language of publication, not the translated title as well. Italicize the title. Follow the title with the book and verse of your quotation, separated by a period.

( La Biblia de las Américas , Gen 1.1)

Solution #3: How do I cite a Bible if there isn’t an editor listed?

If you want to cite a Bible, but cannot find the editor’s information, you may leave out the editor and edition information from your bibliographic citation. This applies to both hard copies and electronic Bibles.

Holy Bible . New International Version, Zondervan, 2011.

• Works Cited

“How Do I Cite a Bible App with More than One Translation?” The MLA Style Center , 27 June 2019, style.mla.org/bible-app-multiple-translations/.

“How Do I Cite an e-Book in MLA Style?” The MLA Style Center , 4 Sept. 2019, style.mla.org/citing-an-e-book/.

“If I Am Citing an Online Version of a Sacred Text and Each Chapter Is on a Separate Web Page, Must Each Web Page Be Listed in the Works-Cited List?” The MLA  Style Center , 2 July 2019, style.mla.org/citing-web-pages-sacred-text/.

MLA Handbook . 9th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2021.

Published August 10, 2012. Updated May 15, 2021.

Written and by Grace Turney . Grace is a former librarian and has a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Technology. She is a freelance author and artist.

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The version of the bible and books are not italicized but are capitalized like titles (e.g., Bible, Genesis, Old Testament). However, the titles of individually published editions are italicized (The Interlinear Bible ).

To cite a Bible verse in MLA style, it is important that you know some basic information such as the Bible version, year, chapter number, verse number, and/or URL (uniform resource locator). The templates for an in-text citation and works cited list entry of a Bible verse, along with examples, are given below:

In-text citation template and examples:

Write the Bible version in italics. Include the chapter number and verse number after the Bible version. The chapter number and the verse are separated by a colon.

( Bible version verse)

( New International Version Gen. 1:20)

Works cited list entry template and example:

The Bible . Bible version. Publisher Website, URL. Accessed

The Bible. New International Version (NIV). Biblica, www.biblica.com/bible/ . Accessed 23 Sept. 2021.

Include the accessed date as the date of publication is not available.

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MLA Style (9th Edition) Citation Guide: Biblical Sources

• Introduction to MLA Style
• Journal Articles
• Magazine/Newspaper Articles
• Books & Ebooks
• Government & Legal Documents
• Biblical Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Videos/DVDs/TV Shows
• How to Cite: Other
• 9th Edition Updates
• Additional Help

Table of Contents

Bible dictionary, single-volume commentary, multi-volume bible commentary, book-length commentary in a series, citing the bible.

Note: For your Works Cited list, all citations should be double spaced and have a hanging indent.

A "hanging indent" means that each subsequent line after the first line of your citation should be indented by 0.5 inches.

Name of Generic Religious Texts in the Body of Your Paper

Do not italicize or use quotation marks in your paper when referring to a generic religious text. These terms appear without italics or quotation marks when referred to in your paper:

Bible, Old Testament, Genesis, Gospels, Talmud, Qur'an (Koran), Upanishads.

Only italicize titles of individual published editions of religous texts (e.g., The Talmud of the Land of Israel: A Preliminary Translation and Explanation, The Interlinear Bible, etc.) when specifically citing them in your paper.

In-Text Citations

The titles of books of scripture are often abbreviated for the in-text citation. For a full list of abbreviations, consult section 1.6.4 of the MLA Handbook.

Author's Last Name, First Name Middle Name if Given. “Title of Entry.” Title of Work , edited by Editor’s First Middle Last Name, vol. volume#, Publisher, Year published, pp. first page-last page.

Works Cited List Example:

 Sarna, Nahum M. “Exodus, Book of.” The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary , edited by Daniel Noel Freedman, vol. 2, Yale UP, 2008, pp. 689-700.

In-Text Citation Example:

 (Author's Last Name Page Number)

 Example: (Sarna 690)  

Author's Last Name, First Name Middle Name if Given. “Title of Entry.” Title of Work , edited by Editor’s First Middle Last Name, Edition# ed., vol. volume#, Publisher, Year published. Database, URL of the entry.

Browning, W. R. F. “Daniel, Book of.” A Dictionary of the Bible , 2nd ed., Oxford UP, 2009. Oxford Reference , www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199543984.001.0001/acref-9780199543984-e-485.

 (Author's Last Name) -  if the online source does not provide page numbers then omit the page number from the in-text citation

 Example: (Browning)  

A single-volume commentary is a book that contains chapters covering each of the books of the Bible.

Author's Last Name, First Name Middle Name if Given. “Title of Entry.” Title of Work , edited by Editor’s First Middle Last Name, Second Editor’s First Middle Last Name, and Third Editor’s First Middle Last Name, Publisher, Year published, pp. first page-last page.

Perkins, Pheme. “The Gospel According to John.” The New Jerome Biblical Commentary,  edited by Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, and Roland E. Murphy, Prentice-Hall, 1990, pp. 942-85.

(Author's Last Name) Page Number

Example: (Perkins 955)  

Author's Last Name, First Name Middle Name if Given. “Title of Entry.” Title of Work , edited by Editor’s First Middle Last Name and Second Editor’s First Middle Last Name, Publisher, Year published. Database , URL of the entry.

Franklin, Eric. “Luke.” Oxford Bible Commentary , edited by John Barton and John Muddiman, Oxford UP, 2001.  ProQuest Ebook Central , ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/up/detail.action?docID=3052723&pq-origsite=primo.

(Author's Last Name)

 Example: (Franklin)  

A multi-volume commentary is a set of multiple books that contains chapters covering each of the books of the Bible.

Perkins, Pheme. “Mark.” The New Interpreter’s Bible , edited by Leander E. Keck, vol. 8, Abingdon Press, 1994, pp. 507-734. 

 Example: (Perkins 601) 

A book-length commentary is a book that includes commentary on just one book of the Bible (and sometimes only part of one book of the Bible).

Author's Last Name, First Name Middle Name if Given. Title of Book . Title of Series. Publisher, Year published.

Vinson, Richard Bolling. Luke . Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary. Smyth & Helwys, 2008. 

 Example: (Vinson 302)

Author's Last Name, First Name Middle Name if Given. Title of Book . Title of Series. Publisher, Year published. Database , URL.

Vinson, Richard Bolling. Luke. Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary. Smyth & Helwys, 2008.  EBSCOhost , search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=942774&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Citing the Version of the Bible

The first time you paraphrase or quote from the Bible, identify which version of the Bible that you used. You do not need to repeat the version name in subsequent references. You also do not need to cite the Bible in your bibliography.

In-Text Indication of the Bible Version Used

The researchers consulted the Bible (King James Version) to provide items for the development of their religious values assessment.

Bibliography

No citation needed

Citing Biblical Chapters and Verses

When referring to books of the Bible within the body of your paper:

• Example: Genesis, Luke 4, Revelation 1-3
• Example: Exod 2:1-3; Matt 13:12

Note: it isn't necessary to add a period after the abbreviated book name. Include a space between the book name and the chapter number, and include a colon between the chapter number and the verse(s).

Citing Introductions, Annotations, or Supplemental Content in the Bible

Works Cited List Examples:

Carr, David M. Introduction to Genesis. The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version , edited by Michael D. Coogan et al., Oxford UP, 2010, pp. 7-11. 

Kaiser, Walter C. and Duane Garrett, editors. Footnote to Genesis 1:12.  NIV Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture, by Kaiser and Garrett,  Zondervan, 2006, p. 20.

In-Text Citation Examples:

(Kaiser and Garrett 4)

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MLA Writing Guide: Citing the Bible

• Formatting for Individual Papers
• Formatting for Group Papers
• In-text Citations
• Article Examples
• Book/eBook Examples
• Citing the Bible

What follows below are some examples of how to cite the Bible in MLA. For more detailed information and examples, please see Liberty University's Writing Center MLA citation examples or MLA's style site .

In-text Citation

Include the version (ESV, NIV, ASB, etc.) followed by the book, chapter, and verse(s). 

Paul explains salvation when he says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" ( English Standard Version , Eph. 2:8-9). 

You do not need to list the version in subsequent in-text citations as long as you are using the same Bible version throughout your paper.

Works Cited

Physical Bible:

The Bible . Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998. 

The ESV Study Bible . Crossway, 2012.

Electronic Bible :

New International Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist. Accessed 10 September 2020.

Bible App :

English Standard Version. ESV Bible, app version 4.1.1. Crossway. 2021.

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How to Cite the Bible in MLA Style

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 81,716 times.

The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is commonly used in the humanities and liberal arts. In MLA style, you'll use a parenthetical in-text citation to direct the reader to a more complete listing in your reference page at the end of your work. Citing the Bible can be a little tricky, but the key is to just include as much information as you can find in the correct order.

Creating an In-text Citation

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (.

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( HarperCollins Study Bible,
• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (The Bible,
• If you use the same Bible throughout, you can leave off the Bible name after you cite it the first time.
• (New Revised Standard Version, [3] X Research source

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark
• A longer book, such as Ezekiel, might look like this: ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Ezek.

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.31
• ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.30-33
• ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.31,34
• ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.31-13.2

• Jesus establishes that the second commandment is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" ( HarperCollins Study Bible, Mark 12.31).

Creating a Bibliographical Entry

• HarperCollins Study Bible.

• HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version,

• HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version. Edited by Rebecca James,

• HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version, New York: HarperCollins,

• HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version, New York: HarperCollins, 1993.

Making a Bibliographical Entry for an Online Bible

• New Revised Standard Version.

• New Revised Standard Version. Bible Gateway,

• New Revised Standard Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12&version=NRSV .

• New Revised Standard Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12&version=NRSV . Accessed 28 Sept. 2018.

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You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_in_text_citations_the_basics.html
• ↑ https://www.jbu.edu/assets/writing-center/resource/How_to_Cite_the_Bible.pdf
• ↑ http://libanswers.hiu.edu/faq/40591
• ↑ https://library.uph.edu/citations/bible
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_works_cited_page_books.html
• ↑ https://style.mla.org/category/ask-the-mla/?s=bible
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_works_cited_electronic_sources.html

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Citing the Bible and other Biblical Resources

Mla style -- general guidelines, parenthetical references, works cited.

• Turabian Style
• Chicago Style
• Citing Bible Commentaries
• Print Examples
• Database Examples
• Web Examples
• Citing Bible Atlases
• Citation Key

Books and versions of the Bible are NOT

underlined  

or put in "quotation marks"  

However, the titles of individual published editions of the Bible are italicized.

Example:   The King James Version of the Bible was originally published in 1611. 

Example:  The NIV Study Bible includes an introduction to each book of the Bible.

I n parenthetical references

• The titles of the books of the Bible are often abbreviated. 
• Access the list of common abbreviations for books of the Bible found in the MLA Handbook.

Example :  (2 Cor. 5.17)

•   A period separates chapter and verse.
• State the first element in that works-cited list entry (which is usually the name of the version) followed by a comma t he first time you refer to a particular version of the Bible .

Example :  ( New International Version , Gen. 3.15)

You do not need to identify the first element of the entry (again, usually the version) in subsequent references unless you switch to a different version.

• Simply cite chapter and verse.

Example :  (Gen. 3.27)

In your Works Cited, include the title of the Bible, the version, and the publication information.

Here are some examples for citing print and online editions of the Bible:

Examples: 

Zondervan NIV Study Bible . Kenneth L. Barker, g eneral editor,  full rev. ed., Zondervan, 2002.                                        

The English Standard Version Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments with Apocrypha.  Oxford UP, 2009.                                         

New International Version . Biblica, 2011.  BibleGateway.com , www.biblegateway.com/versions/ New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/#booklist.

** Information taken from MLA Handbook , 9 th ed., 2021, section 6.25.

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Q. How do I cite the Bible in MLA format?

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Answered By: Lindsey Sinnott Last Updated: Jan 07, 2019     Views: 296663

With MLA style, you need to cite the Bible two ways: in the text of your paper, and on your Works Cited page.

The  first time you include a quote from the Bible, you need to include the translation, chapter (abbreviated), book, and verse, like this:

Paul urges Christians to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" ( English Standard Version , Rom. 12.2).

If you include quotations from the same translation later in your paper, you only need to include the book, chapter, and verse:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4.6-7).

Works Cited

On your works cited page, your citation should include the translation you used; the editor's name, if given; and the publication information. Examples are given below (note that The  Message  is slightly different because it has an author, not an editor).

Printed Bibles

The English Standard Version Bible . New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.

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

Peterson, Eugene H.  The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language . Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2002. Print.

Bible Gateway

English Standard Version . Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Oct. 2012.

Peterson, Eugene H. The Message . Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Oct. 2012.

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How to Cite the Bible in MLA Style

Citing the Bible poses special challenges. The Modern Language Association (MLA) requires the name of the book of the Bible and chapter and verse numbers; you should also know the version’s name. You may need additional information, including publication data and translators’ names, but the Bible is never cited with an author.

Citing the Bible in the Text

When you reference the Bible in the text, you must cite the translation, book title, chapter and verse, explains Michelle Spomer, associate professor with Azusa Pacific University libraries. Italicize the translation name, and abbreviate the book name. For instance, an essay quotes from the book of Matthew: “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.” This quote is from the New International Version, so the parenthetical citation would look like this: (New International Version, Mat. 9:10) . The second time you refer to this passage, only cite the book, chapter and verse: (Mat. 9:10) .

Printed Bible in the Works Cited

Title your list of references “Works Cited”; it begins on the a new page after the end of the essay, according to Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab. Each entry uses a hanging indent, with second and subsequent lines indented a half-inch; most word processors will include this setting. Put your references in alphabetical order, and italicize the full title of the translation you are using. If that version gives an editor’s name, include that information next, followed by the place of publication and publisher’s name, and the date of publication and format. A full entry would look like this: New International Version Quickview Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012. Print.

Online Bible in the Works Cited

Citing an online edition of the Bible is very similar to citing a hard copy. In addition to naming the translation, include the name of the website and the date you accessed it. If your quote was from the Bible published online by Bible Gateway, your citation would look like this: New International Version. Bible Gateway. Web. January 29, 2015. Under normal circumstances, MLA style does not call for including the URL, or Web address, in the citation. As the Purdue Online Writing Lab explains, however, if your instructor or editor prefers it, you may include the URL at the end of the listing inside angle brackets, like this: https://www.biblegateway.com

The Bible in Footnotes or Endnotes

The MLA discourages endnotes and footnotes, according to the Purdue Online Writing Lab. Depending on the type of research you’re doing, however, you may need brief notes that further explain a point, provide context or give additional sources. MLA-style endnotes go on a separate page, headed “Notes,” after the essay text but before the Works Cited; number them consecutively. Footnotes are also numbered consecutively, but they go at the bottom of the page where the numbered citation first appears; if you use footnotes, ask your editor or instructor for specific formatting requirements since the MLA no longer provides detailed guidelines. Treat citations within a note just as you would in-text citations.

Need help with a citation? Try our citation generator .

• Azusa Pacific University Libraries: Library Answers, How Do I Cite the Bible in MLA Format?; Michelle Spomer
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: MLA Style, MLA Works Cited Page, Books
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: MLA Style, MLA Works Cited Page, Electronic Sources (Web Publications)
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: MLA Style, MLA Endnotes and Footnotes

Jennifer Spirko has been writing professionally for more than 20 years, starting at "The Knoxville Journal." She has written for "MetroPulse," "Maryville-Alcoa Daily Times" and "Some" monthly. She has taught writing at North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee. Spirko holds a Master of Arts from the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-on-Avon, England.

MLA Style Guide, 9th Edition

• Getting Started

In-Text Citations

• Books and eBooks
• Print Journals, Magazines and Newspapers Articles
• Electronic Journals, Magazines and Newspapers Articles
• Annotated Bibliography
• MLA and Inclusive Language

Abbreviations . The titles of the books of the Bible are often abbreviated in parenthetical citations. Refer to this list of abbreviations from Grove City College to see the recommended abbreviations.

Books and versions of the Bible are NOT:

• italicized 
• put in "quotes"

But  titles of individual editions of the Bible are italicized in the Works Cited entry and in your essay. For example, The English Standard Version Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments with Apocrypha.

Writing an exegesis?  See this page for helpful instructions on how to cite Bible commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and more.

Works Cited Page

References to the bible should follow the format below:.

Name of the Edition Italicized . Name of Editor, editor. Publisher, Date, Location (if applicable). 

Parenthetical references to books of the Bible include the edition in the first citation (especially if you use more than one edition in your essay). They always include chapter (abbreviated) and verse. Underline or italicize the title of the version you're using:

• John of Patmos echoes this passage when describing his vision ( New Jerusalem Bible , Rev. 4.6-8).

If you're only using one version of the Bible, you may omit the title of your version/translation from subsequent citations:

• (1 Chron. 21.8-11)
• << Previous: Electronic Journals, Magazines and Newspapers Articles
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How to Cite the Bible

Last Updated: May 7, 2020

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is a wikiHow Content Creator. She specializes in reviewing, fact-checking, and evaluating wikiHow's content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. Jennifer holds a JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 364,517 times. Learn more...

When used as a reference in research papers or articles, the Bible and other classic works have a different citation format than other works. The specifics also vary depending on whether you're using the Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), or Chicago/Turabian citation styles. Turabian is the student's version of the Chicago manual, which is more extensive. Neither APA nor Chicago requires a full citation entry in your reference list at the end of your paper. However, your instructor or editor may want one. [1] X Research source

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• Example: The New Oxford Annotated Bible.

Variation: If the version you used has a specific author listed, lead with the author's name, then provide the title of the version. For example: Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language.

• Example: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Edited by Michael D. Coogan,

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

MLA Works Cited Entry Format:

Title of Version in Title Case . Edited by First Name A. Last Name, Publisher, Year.

• Example: New International Version. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com. Accessed 29 Jan. 2019.

• Example: ( New International Version , Rom. 12.2).

• In-text citations are designed to point your readers to the full citation listed in your Works Cited. If you used several different versions of the Bible as sources, let your readers know when you've switched to a different version by adding the name of the version to the parenthetical citation.

• For example: "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father" (Matt. 5:16 New Living Translation).

• For example: "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father" (Matt. 5:16).
• If you switch to a different version, for example, if you were comparing translations, then you would list the different version in the parenthetical citation.

Tip: If you're using the same version and you list the book, chapter, and verse in the body of your paper, no parenthetical citation is needed.

• For example, your reference list entry might look like this: The New Oxford Annotated Bible. (2007). M. D. Coogan (Ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Chicago/Turabian

• Example: 1 Cor. 13:4
• If you're citing several books or chapters of the same book in the same footnote, separate those citations with a semi-colon. For example: 1 Cor. 13:4; 15:12-29.
• A list of abbreviations used in Chicago or Turabian style can be found at http://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/BibleAbbrevChicago if you don't have a copy of the manual handy.

Tip: Chicago has a list of traditional abbreviations as well as another list of shorter abbreviations. Typically you can use either as long as you use the same one consistently. However, you may want to ask your editor or instructor which they prefer.

• Example: 1 Cor. 13:4 Revised Standard Version
• After your first footnote, there's no need to add the name of the version unless you switch to a different version, such as if you were comparing translations.

• For example, your bibliography entry might be formatted like this: Coogan, Michael D., ed. The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
• ↑ https://www.messiah.edu/download/downloads/id/1647/bible_cite.pdf
• ↑ http://libanswers.hiu.edu/faq/40591
• ↑ https://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/c.php?g=339562&p=2286667
• ↑ https://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/c.php?g=339562&p=2286666

Community Q&A

• If you're using an annotated or study Bible and quote or paraphrase an annotation or study guide notes, cite the book as you would any other book. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• When mentioning the Bible generally in the body of your paper, the title is capitalized but not italicized or underlined. However, if you are mentioning a specific annotated or study Bible with its own title, format the title the same as you would titles to other books (usually in italics). Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Some versions of the Bible use Roman numerals for books of the Bible. Don't use Roman numerals either in your paper or in your citations. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

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About This Article

If you want to cite the Bible using MLA format, start with the title of the specific version of the Bible you used in italics. Then, include the editor's name, if listed, the name of the publisher, and the year it was published. You will also want to list the URL and the date you accessed the site, if you are citing an online Bible. To write your first in-text citation in MLA format, follow the quote with the italicized title of the Bible that you used, followed by a comma, then the book, chapter, and verse. After the first citation, your subsequent citations won't need to include the title. For more advice, including how to cite the bible in APA format, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Cite the Bible

Gen 12:27 ( NJPS ) or Gen 12:27 ( NJB ); Rom 5:12-21 ( NRSV ) or Rom 5:12-21 ( KJV ).

Or, in an in-text citation:  (Rom 5:12-21 NRSV ) or (Gen 12:27 NJPS )  

Use the abbreviation for the English version you are using.  NJPS for New Jewish Publication Society , NAB for New American Bible , NJB for the New Jerusalem Bible , etc. 

If you will use the same version throughout, you can include a footnote or endnote to that effect the first time you use a biblical citation.

If you are quoting biblical verses that are the same in many versions of the Bible, you do not need to cite the Jewish Study Bible or the New Oxford Annotated or the HarperCollins Study Bible in the in-text citation.

If a biblical book is the first word in a sentence, do not abbreviate it.  Example:  "We see this in Rom 5:12 ( NRSV )..."   But when it comes first in the sentence:  "Romans 5:12 shows us this...."

The Bible - Using MLA

It is advisable simply to cite by chapter/verses with Scripture abbreviation, chapter/verse placed parenthetically in your text. Do not use an endnote. In the bibliography, list the version/translation of the Bible as given on the title page, making sure the version/translation is indicated even if not actually given on the title page proper. You can add it on your own. When citing more than one Bible version in your paper, consult your instructor.  

Follow Bible book title abbreviations as in MLA or as recommended by your instructor 

Within the text of your paper:

(Gen 22:10) (1 Cor 13:5)  

In your paper's bibliography (you must indicate the version): 

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. New York: Oxford University, 1996.  

  How to Cite the Bible: MLA

General Guidelines:  Books and versions of the Bible are not underlined, italicized, or put in quotation marks.  But the titles of individual published editions of the Bible are underlined or italicized.

Example:   The King James Version of the Bible was originally published in 1611. 

Example:  The Catholic Study Bible includes an introduction to each book of the Bible.

  Parenthetical References

       • Books of the Bible are abbreviated; see the MLA Handbook for common abbreviations. Example: (Phil. 3.8) • A period, not a colon, separates chapter and verse. • When you first refer to a particular translation, include the name, a comma, and then the passage. Examples: New Jerusalem Bible , Ezek. 2.6-8 • After this, only include the scripture reference, unless you switch translations.

  *** Information taken from MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers , 7 th ed., 2009, sections 6.4.8, 7.7.1, and 5.6.2.

Common Abbreviations for Bible Reference Sources

Jewish Publication Society Torah Commentary - JPS Torah Commentary

Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible - IDB

New Jerome Biblical Commentary - NJBC

Anchor Bible Dictionary - ABD

Harper's Bible Commentary (1988) - HBC

HarperCollins Bible Dictionary - HBD

New Interpreter's Bible - NIB

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible - EDB

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - ISBE

Abbreviations for Selected Apocryphal Works

Selected Apocryphal Works 

  1 Information taken from MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed., 2009, section 7.7.1.

MLA - Citing Bible Reference Sources

How to cite encyclopedia or dictionary entries:  

To find entry authors, look at the end of the entry -- often "signed" by contributor. Cite unsigned articles by title only.

Bibliography (entry author, set editor, multi-volume):    

Klauck, Hans-Josef. "Lord's Supper." The Anchor Bible Dictionary . Ed. David Noel Freedman. Vol. 2. New York: Doubleday, 1992.  

Endnote or footnote:  

8. Hans-Josef Klauck, "Lord's Supper," The Anchor Bible Dictionary , ed. David Noel Freedman, vol. 2 (New York: Doubleday, 1992) 485.  

In-text citation:  (Klauck 485)  

Note  that quotations around entry title. From the book itself be sure to record publishing data and editor(s) from title page of the whole work. Also note that normal word order style is used for editor's name.

How to cite a Concordance:  

               (Author of Article)                Last Name, First Name. “Title of Entry.” Title of Concordance . Ed. Name of Editor, if applicable. Edition, if applicable. City of Pub.: Publisher, Year.    Medium of Publication.

               Example:

               Goodrick, Edward W., and John R. Kohlberger III.  “Mount.” The New Concordance of the Bible. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1990. Print.

*** For further information, see 5.5.7 (p. 160-61)

How to cite a Bible Commentary in a larger work:  

See Books above for series volume by individual author. In a large work like a commentary with many essays on specific books or chapters, it is often the case that individual commentaries are written by different scholars and the overall work itself has a 'general' editor.  In these cases, this general editor is NOT the author. In MLA style the editor need not be listed but, for clarity, many students add the general editor after the book title.

Bibliography:  

Option 1: Weems, Renita J. "Song of Songs." The New Interpreter's Bible . Vol. 5. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.

Option 2: Weems, Renita J. "Song of Songs." The New Interpreter's Bible . Ed. Leander E. Keck. Vol. 5. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.

(See the most current MLA Handbook for detailed full citation discussion, a list of all elements (in order), and punctuation rules, and for endnotes or footnotes, or the in-text citation option.)

How to cite an essay in a collection:    

Many items in books featuring articles that are indexed by the ATLA Religion Database are essays that are contributions to published works -- in a 'collection.'  Cite these essays as a "part" of a collected work.  Use quotation marks around the essay title.  Be sure to include all full data for the collection in which the essay appears.

Bibliography (authors, editor, multi-volume). Note abbreviations for editors, editions, and volume numbers.  

Ewbank, Michael B, and H. Aityni. "The Difference Diversity Makes." Saints, Sovereigns, and Scholars . Ed. Robert A. Herrera. Vol. 2. New York: Peter Lang, 1993.  

11. Michael B. Ewbank and H. Aityni, "The Difference Diversity Makes," Saints, Sovereigns, and Scholars , ed. Robert A. Herrera, vol. 2. (New York: Peter Lang, 1993) 13-14.. 

In-text citation (Ewbank 16-17)   

How to cite a chapter in an edited book in a multi-volume work:   (Such as the New Interpreter’s Bible .) 

Last Name, First Name. “Title of Chapter.” Title of Commentary . Edition, if applicable. City of Pub.: Publisher, Year. Inclusive Page #s of chapter. Medium of Publication. Vol. # of Title of Work , Ed. Editor of Work.  # of vols. Inclusive publication dates.  

Example:   

Longenecker, Richard N.  “Acts.” John and Acts . Minneapolis: Liturgical Press, 1981. 205-573.  Print.  Vol. 9 of The Expositor’s Bible Commentary . Ed. Frank E. Gæbelein. 12  vols. 1976-92.  

*** For further information, see 5.5.6 (pp. 157-60) & 5.5.14 (pp. 168-70) of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. 

How to cite a book in a Series: (Such as the Anchor Yale Bible Series)).

Last Name, First Name. Title of Commentary . Ed. Name of Series Editor.  City of Pub.: Publisher, Year. Medium of Publication. Name of Series. Number in series, if available.

Example:  

Fox, Michael V. Proverbs : a New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. New York: Doubleday, 2000. Print. The Anchor Yal Bible Ser. 18A-B.  

             *** For further information, see 5.5.15 (pp. 170) of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed.

The Bible - Society of Biblical Literature Handbook of Style

The Society of Biblical Literature has posted an online style guide for students on the web.  This guide will explain most of the specifics you need.  It is a pdf at  

https://www.sbl-site.org/assets/pdfs/pubs/SBLHSsupp2015-02.pdf You'll need to scroll down past the preface and title page.

Or you can find an unabridged print copy in the Ireland Library Reference Room at:

Emory University's SBL Citation Builder

• Emory University's SBL Citation Builder SBL style is designed for students and scholars writing in the disciplines of ancient Near Eastern studies, Biblical studies, and studies of early Christianity.
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• Last Updated: Feb 6, 2024 11:18 AM
• URL: https://libguides.stthomas.edu/theology_bibliography

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How To Mla Cite The Bible

MLA Citation Examples for Bible

The Bible is a central text in the history and culture of Western society, influential even to this day. When writing an essay or research paper, citing The Bible is an important part of properly attributing an author or book in order to avoid plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) has specific guidelines on how to cite The Bible in your essay or paper. When citing The Bible using the MLA format, start with the book name, followed by the chapter and verse. For example: “Galatians 5:1”. The title of The Bible should be italicized and only the first word of the book title should be capitalized. As with all MLA citations, the author’s name (which in this case would be “God”) is only included in the citation if mentioned in the sentence. When citing from the Old Testament, use the terms “Hebrew Bible” or “Tanakh.” For the New Testament, use the term “New Testament.” To cite both the Old and New Testament, use “Hebrew Bible/Old Testament” and “New Testament.” Both citations should be italicized. For example: “In the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, we read in Genesis that God created the universe… In the New Testament, Jesus is described as being the son of God.” If you are citing multiple versions of The Bible, include the version name in the citation. For example: “In the King James Version of The Bible, the phrase appears as “John 3:16”. When citing from different versions of The Bible, include the version name in your reference list. Including the version name in your in-text citation is not necessary. Furthermore, for works that reference passages from different books and/or have multiple authors, include only the book name, chapter and verse in the citation.

When To Quote The Bible

When writing an essay or research paper, it is important to include quotes from The Bible to support major themes or ideas. Quoting a verse from the Bible demonstrates that an author is versed in scripture and is able to use it to support a study or lend credibility to an argument. When quoting The Bible, use the version name in parentheses after the citation. For example: (King James Version). Also, include the chapter and verse in the sentence itself, rather than in parentheses. Finally, add quotation marks around sentences taken directly from The Bible, but don’t forget to cite it at the end of the sentence.

Quoting Bible Translations

If you are quoting a Bible translation, the citation format will depend on the reference style used. For example, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA) use different citation formats. In the APA style, start with the book name, followed by the chapter and verse. Put a period at the end of the verse to finish the citation. When quoting multiple pages, list the start and end page numbers in the citation. For example: (John 3:16, p. 91-92). In the MLA style, start with the book name and chapter and verse. Include the translation name in parenthesis, followed by a period to finish the citation. Alternatively, if you are referencing a specific version of The Bible, use the version name in the citation itself. For example: “John 3:16 (King James Version).”

Using First or Third Person in The Bible Citations

When introducing a quote from The Bible, avoid writing it in first person. Instead, refer to it in third person. For example, say: “According to the King James Version, John 3:16 reads…” instead of “I read in the King James Version that John 3:16 reads…”

Including The Bible in Reference Lists and Bibliographies

If you are including The Bible in a bibliography or reference list, the citation should start with the translation name, followed by the reference information. For example: King James Version. John 3:16. You do not include a page number in The Bible citation. If you are writing a research paper that includes multiple versions of The Bible, include all version names and the reference information in the bibliography.

Using Other Sources to Interpret The Bible

When citing an interpretation of The Bible from an outside source, list the author’s name and the source’s title in the citation. For example: “According to Smith (2020), John 3:16 reads…”

In-Text Citations for Paraphrased Sections

When paraphrasing an idea from The Bible, it is important to include an in-text citation. Start with the book name, followed by the chapter and verse. For example: “John 3:16”.

Citing Multiple Verses

When citing multiple verses, list them all in the same citation. List each book name, chapter and verse, separating each one with a semicolon. For example: “In John 3:16 we read; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son”; and in Matthew 5:28 we read “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart”. In Summary The Bible is a central text in the history and culture of Western society and as such, it is important to properly cite it. When citing The Bible, start with the book name followed by the chapter and verse. Remember to italicize the title and only capitalize the first word. When quoting it within a sentence, include the translation name in parenthesis, followed by the chapter and verse. When quoting multiple pages, list the start and end page numbers in the citation. Lastly, when introducing a quote from The Bible avoid writing it in first person. Instead, refer to it in third person.

Marcos Reyna

Marcos Reyna is a Christian author and speaker. He is dedicated to helping create disciples of Christ through spreading the power of the gospel to others. He has written several books and articles on a variety of theological topics, including matters of faith, worship, biblical studies, practical ethics, and social justice. A trained theologian and devotee of spiritual writing, Marcos has a mission to spread Christian love everywhere. He lives with his family in Nashville, TN where he spends his days encouraging others to seek Christ's grace in all things.

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MLA Formatting Quotations

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MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (8 th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.

When you directly quote the works of others in your paper, you will format quotations differently depending on their length. Below are some basic guidelines for incorporating quotations into your paper. Please note that all pages in MLA should be double-spaced .

Short quotations

To indicate short quotations (four typed lines or fewer of prose or three lines of verse) in your text, enclose the quotation within double quotation marks. Provide the author and specific page number (in the case of verse, provide line numbers) in the in-text citation, and include a complete reference on the Works Cited page. Punctuation marks such as periods, commas, and semicolons should appear after the parenthetical citation.

Question marks and exclamation points should appear within the quotation marks if they are a part of the quoted passage, but after the parenthetical citation if they are a part of your text.

For example, when quoting short passages of prose, use the following examples:

When using short (fewer than three lines of verse) quotations from poetry, mark breaks in verse with a slash, ( / ), at the end of each line of verse (a space should precede and follow the slash). If a stanza break occurs during the quotation, use a double slash ( // ).

Long quotations

For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented 1/2   inch  from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing. Your parenthetical citation should come  after the closing punctuation mark . When quoting verse, maintain original line breaks. (You should maintain double-spacing throughout your essay.)

For example, when citing more than four lines of prose, use the following examples :

Nelly Dean treats Heathcliff poorly and dehumanizes him throughout her narration: They entirely refused to have it in bed with them, or even in their room, and I had no more sense, so, I put it on the landing of the stairs, hoping it would be gone on the morrow. By chance, or else attracted by hearing his voice, it crept to Mr. Earnshaw's door, and there he found it on quitting his chamber. Inquiries were made as to how it got there; I was obliged to confess, and in recompense for my cowardice and inhumanity was sent out of the house. (Bronte 78)

When citing long sections of poetry (four lines of verse or more), keep formatting as close to the original as possible.

In his poem "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke explores his childhood with his father:

The whiskey on your breath Could make a small boy dizzy; But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy. We Romped until the pans Slid from the kitchen shelf; My mother's countenance Could not unfrown itself. (qtd. in Shrodes, Finestone, Shugrue 202)

When citing two or more paragraphs, use block quotation format, even if the passage from the paragraphs is less than four lines. If you cite more than one paragraph, the first line of the second paragraph should be indented an extra 1/4 inch to denote a new paragraph:

In "American Origins of the Writing-across-the-Curriculum Movement," David Russell argues,

Writing has been an issue in American secondary and higher education since papers and examinations came into wide use in the 1870s, eventually driving out formal recitation and oral examination. . . .

From its birth in the late nineteenth century, progressive education has wrestled with the conflict within industrial society between pressure to increase specialization of knowledge and of professional work (upholding disciplinary standards) and pressure to integrate more fully an ever-widening number of citizens into intellectually meaningful activity within mass society (promoting social equity). . . . (3)

Adding or omitting words in quotations

If you add a word or words in a quotation, you should put brackets around the words to indicate that they are not part of the original text:

If you omit a word or words from a quotation, you should indicate the deleted word or words by using ellipses, which are three periods ( . . . ) preceded and followed by a space. For example:

Please note that brackets are not needed around ellipses unless they would add clarity.

When omitting words from poetry quotations, use a standard three-period ellipses; however, when omitting one or more full lines of poetry, space several periods to about the length of a complete line in the poem:

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• How to Quote | Citing Quotes in APA, MLA & Chicago

How to Quote | Citing Quotes in APA, MLA & Chicago

Published on April 15, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Jack Caulfield. Revised on May 31, 2023.

Quoting means copying a passage of someone else’s words and crediting the source. To quote a source, you must ensure:

• The quoted text is enclosed in quotation marks or formatted as a block quote
• The original author is correctly cited
• The text is identical to the original

The exact format of a quote depends on its length and on which citation style you are using. Quoting and citing correctly is essential to avoid plagiarism which is easy to detect with a good plagiarism checker .

Table of contents

How to cite a quote in apa, mla and chicago, introducing quotes, quotes within quotes, shortening or altering a quote, block quotes, when should i use quotes, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about quoting sources.

Every time you quote, you must cite the source correctly . This looks slightly different depending on the citation style you’re using. Three of the most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

Citing a quote in APA Style

To cite a direct quote in APA , you must include the author’s last name, the year, and a page number, all separated by commas . If the quote appears on a single page, use “p.”; if it spans a page range, use “pp.”

An APA in-text citation can be parenthetical or narrative. In a parenthetical citation , you place all the information in parentheses after the quote. In a narrative citation , you name the author in your sentence (followed by the year), and place the page number after the quote.

Punctuation marks such as periods and commas are placed after the citation, not within the quotation marks .

• Evolution is a gradual process that “can act only by very short and slow steps” (Darwin, 1859, p. 510) .
• Darwin (1859) explains that evolution “can act only by very short and slow steps” (p. 510) .

Complete guide to APA

Citing a quote in mla style.

An MLA in-text citation includes only the author’s last name and a page number. As in APA, it can be parenthetical or narrative, and a period (or other punctuation mark) appears after the citation.

• Evolution is a gradual process that “can act only by very short and slow steps” (Darwin 510) .
• Darwin explains that evolution “can act only by very short and slow steps” (510) .

Complete guide to MLA

Citing a quote in chicago style.

Chicago style uses Chicago footnotes to cite sources. A note, indicated by a superscript number placed directly after the quote, specifies the author, title, and page number—or sometimes fuller information .

Unlike with parenthetical citations, in this style, the period or other punctuation mark should appear within the quotation marks, followed by the footnote number.

Complete guide to Chicago style

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The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:

• Missing commas and periods
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Make sure you integrate quotes properly into your text by introducing them in your own words, showing the reader why you’re including the quote and providing any context necessary to understand it.  Don’t  present quotations as stand-alone sentences.

There are three main strategies you can use to introduce quotes in a grammatically correct way:

• Add an introductory sentence
• Use an introductory signal phrase
• Integrate the quote into your own sentence

The following examples use APA Style citations, but these strategies can be used in all styles.

Introductory sentence

Introduce the quote with a full sentence ending in a colon . Don’t use a colon if the text before the quote isn’t a full sentence.

If you name the author in your sentence, you may use present-tense verbs , such as “states,” “argues,” “explains,” “writes,” or “reports,” to describe the content of the quote.

• In Denmark, a recent poll shows that: “A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters” (Levring, 2018, p. 3).
• In Denmark, a recent poll shows that support for the EU has grown since the Brexit vote: “A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters” (Levring, 2018, p. 3).
• Levring (2018) reports that support for the EU has grown since the Brexit vote: “A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters” (p. 3).

Introductory signal phrase

You can also use a signal phrase that mentions the author or source, but doesn’t form a full sentence. In this case, you follow the phrase with a comma instead of a colon.

• According to a recent poll, “A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters” (Levring, 2018, p. 3).
• As Levring (2018) explains, “A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters” (p. 3).

Integrated into your own sentence

To quote a phrase that doesn’t form a full sentence, you can also integrate it as part of your sentence, without any extra punctuation .

• A recent poll suggests that EU membership “would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters” in a referendum (Levring, 2018, p. 3).
• Levring (2018) reports that EU membership “would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters” in a referendum (p. 3).

When you quote text that itself contains another quote, this is called a nested quotation or a quote within a quote. It may occur, for example, when quoting dialogue from a novel.

To distinguish this quote from the surrounding quote, you enclose it in single (instead of double) quotation marks (even if this involves changing the punctuation from the original text). Make sure to close both sets of quotation marks at the appropriate moments.

Note that if you only quote the nested quotation itself, and not the surrounding text, you can just use double quotation marks.

• Carraway introduces his narrative by quoting his father: “ “ Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, ” he told me, “ just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had ” ” (Fitzgerald 1).
• Carraway introduces his narrative by quoting his father: “‘Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had ” (Fitzgerald 1).
• Carraway introduces his narrative by quoting his father: “‘Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had’” (Fitzgerald 1).
• Carraway begins by quoting his father’s invocation to “remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” (Fitzgerald 1).

Note:  When the quoted text in the source comes from another source, it’s best to just find that original source in order to quote it directly. If you can’t find the original source, you can instead cite it indirectly .

Often, incorporating a quote smoothly into your text requires you to make some changes to the original text. It’s fine to do this, as long as you clearly mark the changes you’ve made to the quote.

Shortening a quote

If some parts of a passage are redundant or irrelevant, you can shorten the quote by removing words, phrases, or sentences and replacing them with an ellipsis (…). Put a space before and after the ellipsis.

Be careful that removing the words doesn’t change the meaning. The ellipsis indicates that some text has been removed, but the shortened quote should still accurately represent the author’s point.

Altering a quote

You can add or replace words in a quote when necessary. This might be because the original text doesn’t fit grammatically with your sentence (e.g., it’s in a different verb tense), or because extra information is needed to clarify the quote’s meaning.

Use brackets to distinguish words that you have added from words that were present in the original text.

The Latin term “ sic ” is used to indicate a (factual or grammatical) mistake in a quotation. It shows the reader that the mistake is from the quoted material, not a typo of your own.

In some cases, it can be useful to italicize part of a quotation to add emphasis, showing the reader that this is the key part to pay attention to. Use the phrase “emphasis added” to show that the italics were not part of the original text.

You usually don’t need to use brackets to indicate minor changes to punctuation or capitalization made to ensure the quote fits the style of your text.

If you quote more than a few lines from a source, you must format it as a block quote . Instead of using quotation marks, you set the quote on a new line and indent it so that it forms a separate block of text.

Block quotes are cited just like regular quotes, except that if the quote ends with a period, the citation appears after the period.

To the end of his days Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a hat, a walking-stick or any money, or anything that he usually took when he went out; leaving his second breakfast half-finished and quite unwashed-up, pushing his keys into Gandalf’s hands, and running as fast as his furry feet could carry him down the lane, past the great Mill, across The Water, and then on for a mile or more. (16)

Avoid relying too heavily on quotes in academic writing . To integrate a source , it’s often best to paraphrase , which means putting the passage in your own words. This helps you integrate information smoothly and keeps your own voice dominant.

However, there are some situations in which quoting is more appropriate.

When focusing on language

If you want to comment on how the author uses language (for example, in literary analysis ), it’s necessary to quote so that the reader can see the exact passage you are referring to.

When giving evidence

To convince the reader of your argument, interpretation or position on a topic, it’s often helpful to include quotes that support your point. Quotes from primary sources (for example, interview transcripts or historical documents) are especially credible as evidence.

When presenting an author’s position or definition

When you’re referring to secondary sources such as scholarly books and journal articles, try to put others’ ideas in your own words when possible.

But if a passage does a great job at expressing, explaining, or defining something, and it would be very difficult to paraphrase without changing the meaning or losing the weakening the idea’s impact, it’s worth quoting directly.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• ChatGPT vs human editor
• ChatGPT citations
• Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
• Using ChatGPT for your studies
• What is ChatGPT?
• Chicago style
• Paraphrasing
• Critical thinking

 Plagiarism

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic integrity
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Common knowledge

A quote is an exact copy of someone else’s words, usually enclosed in quotation marks and credited to the original author or speaker.

In academic writing , there are three main situations where quoting is the best choice:

• To analyze the author’s language (e.g., in a literary analysis essay )
• To give evidence from primary sources
• To accurately present a precise definition or argument

Don’t overuse quotes; your own voice should be dominant. If you just want to provide information from a source, it’s usually better to paraphrase or summarize .

Every time you quote a source , you must include a correctly formatted in-text citation . This looks slightly different depending on the citation style .

For example, a direct quote in APA is cited like this: “This is a quote” (Streefkerk, 2020, p. 5).

Every in-text citation should also correspond to a full reference at the end of your paper.

A block quote is a long quote formatted as a separate “block” of text. Instead of using quotation marks , you place the quote on a new line, and indent the entire quote to mark it apart from your own words.

The rules for when to apply block quote formatting depend on the citation style:

• APA block quotes are 40 words or longer.
• MLA block quotes are more than 4 lines of prose or 3 lines of poetry.
• Chicago block quotes are longer than 100 words.

If you’re quoting from a text that paraphrases or summarizes other sources and cites them in parentheses , APA and Chicago both recommend retaining the citations as part of the quote. However, MLA recommends omitting citations within a quote:

• APA: Smith states that “the literature on this topic (Jones, 2015; Sill, 2019; Paulson, 2020) shows no clear consensus” (Smith, 2019, p. 4).
• MLA: Smith states that “the literature on this topic shows no clear consensus” (Smith, 2019, p. 4).

Footnote or endnote numbers that appear within quoted text should be omitted in all styles.

If you want to cite an indirect source (one you’ve only seen quoted in another source), either locate the original source or use the phrase “as cited in” in your citation.

In scientific subjects, the information itself is more important than how it was expressed, so quoting should generally be kept to a minimum. In the arts and humanities, however, well-chosen quotes are often essential to a good paper.

In social sciences, it varies. If your research is mainly quantitative , you won’t include many quotes, but if it’s more qualitative , you may need to quote from the data you collected .

As a general guideline, quotes should take up no more than 5–10% of your paper. If in doubt, check with your instructor or supervisor how much quoting is appropriate in your field.

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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & Caulfield, J. (2023, May 31). How to Quote | Citing Quotes in APA, MLA & Chicago. Scribbr. Retrieved April 6, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/how-to-quote/

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Guest Essay

There’s No Such Thing as an American Bible

By Esau McCaulley

Contributing Opinion Writer

The presumptive Republican nominee for president of the United States, who weeks ago started selling shoes , is now peddling Bibles. During Holy Week.

What’s special about this Bible? So many things. For example, according to a promotional website, it’s the only Bible endorsed by Donald Trump. It’s also the only one endorsed by the country singer Lee Greenwood. Admittedly, the translation isn’t distinctive — it’s your standard King James Version — but the features are unique. This Bible includes the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance and part of the lyrics of Mr. Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA.” Perhaps most striking, the cover of the Bible does not include a cross or any symbol of the Christian tradition; instead, it is emblazoned with the American flag.

While part of me wants to laugh at the absurdity of it — and marvel at the sheer audacity — I find the messaging unsettling and deeply wrong. This God Bless the USA Bible, as it’s officially named, focuses on God’s blessing of one particular people. That is both its danger and, no doubt for some, its appeal.

Whether this Bible is an example of Christian nationalism I will leave to others. It is at least an example of Christian syncretism, a linking of certain myths about American exceptionalism and the Christian faith. This is the American church’s consistent folly: thinking that we are the protagonists in a story that began long before us and whose main character is in fact the Almighty.

Holy Week is the most sacred portion of the Christian calendar, a time when the church recounts the central events of our faith’s narrative, climaxing in the death and resurrection of Jesus. That story, unlike the parochial God Bless the USA Bible, does not belong to any culture.

Holy Week is celebrated on every continent and in too many languages to number. Some of the immigrants Mr. Trump declared were “ poisoning the blood” of America will probably shout “Christ is risen!” this Easter. Many of them come from the largely Christian regions of Latin America and the Caribbean. They may have entered the country with Bibles in their native tongues nestled securely among their other belongings.

One of the beauties of the Christian faith is that it leaps over the lines dividing countries, leading the faithful to call fellow believers from very different cultures brothers and sisters. Most of the members of this international community consist of the poor living in Africa, Asia and Latin America. There are more Spanish-speaking Christians than English- speaking ones .

If there are central messages that emerge from the variety of services that take place during Holy Week, for many Christians they are the setting aside of power to serve, the supremacy of love, the offer of divine forgiveness and the vulnerability of a crucified God.

This is not the stuff of moneymaking schemes or American presidential campaigns.

It was Pontius Pilate , standing in as the representative of the Roman Empire, who sentenced Jesus to death. The Easter story reminds believers that empires are more than willing to sacrifice the innocent if it allows rulers to stay in power. The church sees Christ’s resurrection as liberating the believer from the power of sin. The story challenges imperial modes of thinking, supplanting the endless pursuit of power with the primacy of love and service.

Easter, using the language of St. Augustine, represents the victory of the City of God over the City of Man. It declares the limits of the moral reasoning of nation-states and has fortified Christians who’ve resisted evil regimes such as fascists in South America, Nazis in Germany, apartheid in South Africa and segregation in the United States.

For any politician to suppose that a nation’s founding documents and a country music song can stand side by side with biblical texts fails at a theological and a moral level. I can’t imagine people in other countries going for anything like it. It is hard to picture a modern “God Bless England” Bible with elements of British common law appended to Christianity’s most sacred texts.

I am glad for the freedoms that we share as Americans. But the idea of a Bible explicitly made for one nation displays a misunderstanding of the story the Bible attempts to tell. The Christian narrative culminates in the creation of the Kingdom (and family) of God, a transnational community united by faith and mutual love.

Roman Catholics , Anglicans and Orthodox Christians, who together claim around 1.5 billion members, describe the Bible as a final authority in matters of faith. Evangelicals, who have overwhelmingly supported Mr. Trump over the course of three election cycles, are known for their focus on Scripture, too. None of these traditions cite or refer to any American political documents in their doctrinal statements — and for good reason.

This Bible may be unique in its form, but the agenda it pursues has recurred throughout history. Christianity is often either co-opted or suppressed; it is rarely given the space to be itself. African American Christians have long struggled to disentangle biblical texts from their misuse in the United States. There is a reason that the abolitionist Frederick Douglass said that between the Christianity of this land (America) and the Christianity of Christ, he recognized the “widest possible difference.”

And while Christianity was used to give theological cover to North American race-based chattel slavery, it was violently attacked in places like El Salvador and Uganda, when leaders including the archbishops Oscar Romero and Janani Luwum spoke out against political corruption.

The work of the church is to remain constantly vigilant to maintain its independence and the credibility of its witness. In the case of this particular Bible, discerning what is happening is not difficult. Christians are being played. Rather than being an appropriate time to debut a patriotic Bible, Easter season is an opportune moment for the church to recover the testimony of the supremacy of the cross over any flag, especially one on the cover of a Bible.

Esau McCaulley ( @esaumccaulley ) is a contributing Opinion writer, the author of “ How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South ” and an associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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