How to Cite the Bible in Turabian Style
The Bible is a foundational text in many academic disciplines, and correctly citing it in the Turabian style is essential for maintaining academic integrity. The Turabian style, developed by Kate L. Turabian, is a comprehensive citation format used in a variety of academic fields. This article will guide you through the process of citing the Bible in Turabian style, ensuring that your work is properly attributed and meets the standards of scholarly writing.
General Guidelines for Citing the Bible in Turabian
When citing the Bible in Turabian style, it is important to follow a few general guidelines:
1. Use the full name of the Bible in the first citation.
2. Include the book, chapter, and verse in parentheses after the first citation.
3. Use the abbreviation of the book name in subsequent citations.
4. Consult the Turabian manual or your institution’s guidelines for any specific formatting requirements.
Example of a Full Citation
For the first citation of the Bible, use the full name followed by the book, chapter, and verse in parentheses:
According to the Bible, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).
Abbreviating the Book Name
After the first citation, you can abbreviate the book name. Here’s an example:
Psalm 111:10 states that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Citing Different Versions of the Bible
If you are citing a specific version of the Bible, include the version name in parentheses after the book name in the first citation:
According to the New International Version (NIV), “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).
Subsequent Citations
For subsequent citations, use the abbreviation of the book name and include the verse number in parentheses:
In Psalm 111:10, the Bible teaches that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (NIV).
Block Quotations
When using a block quotation from the Bible, format it as follows:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Psalm 111:10, NIV).
Footnotes and Endnotes
If you need to provide additional information about the Bible citation, use footnotes or endnotes. Here’s an example of a footnote:
According to the New International Version (NIV), “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10, NIV).
Conclusion
Properly citing the Bible in Turabian style is essential for academic integrity and scholarly writing. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can ensure that your work is accurately attributed and meets the standards of your academic field.
