How to MLA Cite a Bible
Citing the Bible in MLA format is an essential skill for students and researchers who need to reference scriptural texts in their academic work. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides specific guidelines for citing biblical passages to ensure consistency and accuracy. This article will guide you through the process of how to MLA cite a Bible, including both in-text citations and works cited entries.
In-text Citations
When citing the Bible in your text, you should include the book, chapter, and verse numbers. If you are citing the entire book, you can simply list the book name followed by the verse range. Here are some examples:
– Matthew 1:1-17
– Psalm 23:1-6
– John 3:16
If you are citing a specific part of a verse, include the verse number and the verse range, separated by a hyphen. For example:
– John 3:16-17
When citing the Bible in a sentence, you can use parentheses or brackets to enclose the book, chapter, and verse numbers. For example:
– According to Matthew 1:1-17, the genealogy of Jesus Christ is presented.
– Psalm 23:1-6 offers a beautiful portrayal of God as a shepherd.
Works Cited Entries
When creating a works cited entry for the Bible in MLA format, you should use the following format:
– Bible. Translation. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication.
For example:
– Bible. King James Version. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.
If you are using a specific version of the Bible and it is not included in the works cited entry, you can mention the version in parentheses after the book name. For example:
– Bible (New International Version)
Online Versions
When citing an online version of the Bible, include the website name, the URL, and the access date. Here is an example:
– Bible. King James Version. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/, accessed March 15, 2023.
Conclusion
Citing the Bible in MLA format is a straightforward process that involves including the book, chapter, and verse numbers in your text and creating a works cited entry with the appropriate information. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent with MLA standards.
