How to Cite Bible in APA Format
Citing the Bible in APA format can be a bit tricky, as the format varies depending on whether you are referencing the entire Bible, a specific book, or a specific verse. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines for citing religious texts, including the Bible. In this article, we will discuss how to cite the Bible in APA format for different scenarios.
Citing the Entire Bible
When citing the entire Bible, you should include the title, the version you are using, and the publication information. The format is as follows:
Bible. (Year of publication). Edition. Version. Publisher.
For example:
Bible. (2011). Edition. New International Version. Zondervan.
Citing a Specific Book
If you need to cite a specific book of the Bible, include the book’s name, chapter, and verse, along with the publication information. The format is:
Book of the Bible. (Year of publication). Edition. Version. Publisher. Chapter:Verse.
For example:
Genesis. (2011). Edition. New International Version. Zondervan. 1:1.
Citing a Specific Verse
When citing a specific verse, you should include the book’s name, chapter, and verse, along with the publication information. The format is similar to citing a specific book, but with the verse number included. The format is:
Book of the Bible. (Year of publication). Edition. Version. Publisher. Chapter:Verse.
For example:
Psalm. (2011). Edition. New International Version. Zondervan. 23:1.
Citing the Bible in Text
When citing the Bible in the text of your paper, you should use parentheses to include the book’s name, chapter, and verse. For example:
(John 3:16)
Citing the Bible in a Reference List
In your reference list, include the full citation for the Bible, as shown in the examples above. The format should be:
Bible. (Year of publication). Edition. Version. Publisher.
For example:
Bible. (2011). Edition. New International Version. Zondervan.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are correctly citing the Bible in APA format. Always double-check the publication information for the specific version of the Bible you are using, as this can vary between different editions.
