How to Quote the Bible in MLA
Quoting the Bible in MLA format can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are not familiar with the guidelines. However, with a few simple steps, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. In this article, we will discuss how to quote the Bible in MLA format, including the proper formatting for direct quotes, paraphrases, and block quotes.
Direct Quotes
When you quote the Bible directly in your paper, you must include the book, chapter, and verse numbers. For example, if you were to quote from the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 1, you would write:
“God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:1)
In this case, the book, chapter, and verse numbers are enclosed in parentheses and placed at the end of the sentence. It’s important to note that you do not need to include the title of the book or the abbreviation for the book’s name in parentheses.
Paraphrases
When paraphrasing the Bible, you should still include the book, chapter, and verse numbers in parentheses at the end of the sentence. However, you should not include the quote marks since you are not quoting the text directly. For example:
According to Genesis 1:1, God created the heavens and the earth.
In this case, the book, chapter, and verse numbers are still included in parentheses, but there are no quote marks.
Block Quotes
When you need to quote a longer passage from the Bible, you should use a block quote format. A block quote is a quotation that is longer than four lines of prose or three lines of verse. To format a block quote in MLA, you should:
1. Begin the quote on a new line and indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin.
2. Do not use quotation marks.
3. Include the book, chapter, and verse numbers in parentheses after the quote.
For example:
God created the heavens and the earth. “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2-2)
In this block quote, the book, chapter, and verse numbers are included in parentheses after the quote, and there are no quotation marks.
Conclusion
Quoting the Bible in MLA format may seem daunting at first, but by following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to include the book, chapter, and verse numbers for direct quotes and paraphrases, and use the block quote format for longer passages. With practice, you will become more comfortable with citing the Bible in MLA format.
