how do you reference the bible in an essay

• LC Workshops
• Introduction: Using and Citing Texts from the Bible

How to Cite and Reference Bible Texts in the APA 7th Edition Style

The Bible is a collection of books with many good principles that are applicable to everyday life. If you are new to reading and citing Bible texts, you may like to read the Quick-Start-Guide on “Introduction to Using and Citing Texts from the Bible” first.  If you’ve been reading the Bible and would like to learn how to cite Bible texts to support your essay arguments in the APA 7 format, this guide is for you.  

Bible texts may be cited in the APA 7 style similar to how we would cite a book. However, here are some points specific to citing and referencing Bible texts. Firstly, Bible texts are treated as not having an author. Instead, texts are cited and referenced based on the English translation version that was used. Secondly, we include the exact location of the text, whether we used the text as a direct quote, in a paraphrase, or in a summary. This is a general rule that also applies to texts from other religious books such as the Quran.  

In-Text Citations of Bible Texts in APA 7  

The selected version name is treated as a title and should be italicized (see examples below). Each book in the biblical library has a standardized abbreviation that can be used to indicate the specific location of a verse or a range of verses. For example, Matthew can be abbreviated as ‘Matt’ (see examples below). Check the complete list of standard abbreviations from the website below. The citation may be in a parenthetical or narrative format (see Example 4 below).  

Bible passages are coded by Book Chapter:Verse(s)    

Example : Jn. 3:16 and Eph. 3:14-21  

Basic In-Text Citation Format with Examples  

Basic In-Text Citation Format: 

( Bible Version Name , Year, Abbrev. Chapter Number:Verse number(s))  

Example 1 :    ( English Standard Version Bible , 2016, Matt. 6:33) – for a single verse   

Example 2 :    ( English Standard Version Bible , 2016, Matt. 6:31-34) – for a range of verses  

If the Bible is a repeat citation , the version title may be abbreviated:  

Example 3 : ( ESV , 2016, Matt. 6:33)  

If you would like to paraphrase the reference in a narrative format , you may write it as follows:  

Example 4 : In Matt. 6:33, Jesus encourages people to prioritize God’s kingdom in their lives ( ESV , 2016).  

Basic Bible Reference Format with Example  

Basic Reference Format: 

Bible Version Name . (Year). Publisher. URL  

Example :   International Standard Version Bible. (2014). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/  

Classical Texts with Original Publication Dates  

If the text is cited is a reprint from a classical version of the Bible, for example the King James Bible that was originally published in 1611, the format is:  

King James Version Bible . (1987). Bible Gateway. (Original work published 1611).  

Online Bible and Complete List of Abbreviated Names for the Books of the Bible  

https://www.biblegateway.com/  

https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/list-of-abbreviations/  

Some Helpful Websites for APA 7 Formatting of In-Text citations and References  

Books and eBooks – APA Writing Guide – Research Guides at Liberty University  

https://libguides.up.edu/apa/biblical_sources    

Test Your Understanding  

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / MLA Format / How to Cite the Bible in MLA

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.

MLA Formatting Guide

MLA Formatting

• Annotated Bibliography
• Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Paraphrasing
• Page Numbers
• Sample Paper
• MLA 8 Updates
• MLA 9 Updates
• View MLA Guide

Citation Examples

• Book Chapter
• Journal Article
• Magazine Article
• Newspaper Article
• Website (no author)
• View all MLA Examples

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It’s 100% free to create MLA citations. The EasyBib Citation Generator also supports 7,000+ other citation styles. These other styles —including APA, Chicago, and Harvard — are accessible for anyone with an EasyBib Plus subscription.

No matter what citation style you’re using (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), the EasyBib Citation Generator can help you create the right bibliography quickly.

Yes, there’s an option to download source citations as a Word Doc or a Google Doc. You may also copy citations from the EasyBib Citation Generator and paste them into your paper.

Creating an account is not a requirement for generating MLA citations. However, registering for an EasyBib account is free, and an account is how you can save all the citations you create. This can help make it easier to manage your citations and bibliographies.

Yes! Whether you’d like to learn how to construct citations on your own or our Autocite tool isn’t able to gather the metadata you need, manual citations are always an option. Click here for directions on creating manual citations.

If any important information is missing (e.g., author’s name, title, publishing date, URL, etc.), first see if you can find it in the source yourself. If you cannot, leave the information blank and continue creating your citation.

It supports MLA, APA, Chicago, Harvard, and over 7,000 total citation styles.

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.

MLA Citation Examples

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How to Cite the Bible

The Bible is a formidable opponent in the writing arena. Citing Bible verses comes will all types of questions. Do you need to know how to quote the Bible? Does it vary with each citation style? The list goes on and on. However, don’t sweat it. Breaking down how to cite the Bible in MLA 8, APA 7, and Chicago 17 for parenthetical and reference citations is as easy as ABC or NKJV (New King James Version)! 

How to Cite the Bible in MLA 8 Style

Designed for literature and liberal arts essays and papers, MLA style was created by the Modern Language Association . When citing the Bible in MLA, you will create both in-text and works cited citations. 

MLA Parenthetical Bible Citation

You will need to follow some unique rules when it comes to citing the Bible in MLA format. Typically, you don’t italicize or underline different versions of the Bible, but you will italicize individual editions of the Bible like The New Oxford Annotated Bible . Refer to these examples for how to quote Bible verses in your parenthetical citations.

• In The New Oxford Annotated Bible , “Quote” (Ps. 25.4).
• Psalm 25.4 states, “Quote” (The King James Version).

The New King James Version , Ps. 25.4

You might also find yourself needing to make an indirect quote of the Bible in MLA format. While it’s better to find the direct quote in the Bible itself, you can use “qtd. in” for a Bible quote made in another source in MLA format.

• As it states, “Quote” (qtd. in Smith 22).

MLA Works Cited Bible Citation

MLA is one of the only styles that require you to reference a Bible in your works cited list. In MLA style, you’ll use the fundamental elements and container system for citing the Bible. 

Title of the Bible, the version. Editor. Publication place: Publisher, Year.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible. Full ref. ed. Kenneth L. Barker, gen. ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002.

How to Cite Bible Verses in APA 7

APA is the American Psychological Association citation style for science subjects like psychology and physics. In APA 7 format , you now need to cite the Bible, like the New King James Version of the Bible, in-text, and in the reference list. Curious about citing the Bible in APA? Let’s see how it is done. 

APA Bible In-Text Citation

The APA quote citation indicates the translation, year and book chapter, verse. Follow these examples to understand how to quote the Bible in APA style.

• “Quote” ( The New King James Version , 2020, Psalm 25:4)
• In Psalm 25:4 ( The New King James Version , 2020), it says, “Quote.”

The New King James Version, 2020, Psalm 25:4

Much like MLA, APA also offers you a specific way to cite indirect quotes within your work. For APA, you include the Bible and date of publication “as cited in” then the citation information.

• “Quote” ( King James Version , 1604, as cited in Smith, 2020).

APA Bible Reference Citation

In the newest edition of APA formatting, you need to include a citation for the Bible on your reference page. 

Title of the Bible, the version. (Year). Publisher. URL (Original work published xxxx)

King James Bible . (2020). King James Bible Online.  https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org

How to Cite Bible Verses in Chicago/Turabian Style

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) offers two different citation styles. You can use the author-date style or the notes-bibliography style. Much like APA, you don’t need to cite Bible verses in your references or bibliography. Additionally, the CMOS suggests directly quoting Bible verses in your text, even if they are found in other sources. 

Author-Date Bible Citation in Chicago

Since  Turabian is the student version of Chicago style format , they typically follow the same style guide. In terms of how to quote the Bible in author-date style, quotation marks will be around the quoted material because it isn’t your material. 

In either the sentence or the citation, include the book, chapter, verse(s), and translation with the first mention. Use the standard abbreviations for the books, and place the citation at the end of the sentence. For example:

• Jesus said, “Quote” (John 8:31–32 KJV).
• “Quote,” as illustrated by God (Ps. 25:1 KJV).

1 Cor. 6:11-19 New Revised Standard Version or 1 Cor. 6:11-19 NRSV

Chicago/Turabian Footnotes for Bible Citations

Chicago style includes footnotes. You add a  superscript number in the body of the text. Typically, you place the superscript number after the punctuation mark, if possible. Then, include the citation for the footnote at the bottom of the page with the corresponding superscript number. The format of the footnote citation is below.

In the book of Psalms, it’s shown how…. according to God. 1

Footnote Citation: 

1. Ps. 19:13-16 (NRSV)

Bible Footnotes for MLA and APA

MLA and APA styles opt for parenthetical citations rather than footnotes for sources. However, if you choose to include footnotes, you will have the superscript number like in Chicago style. The citation will follow the parenthetical citation in most instances.

• In-Text: In the book of John, it is shown that …. according to God. 1
• Citation: 1 John 8:31 (King James Standard Version)

Citing Holy Words

Biblical references can come into play in all different types of professional writing and essays . Now that you know what you’re doing, try it for yourself the next time you need to know how to quote Bible verses in your paper.

Citing the Bible in Works Cited

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How to Avoid Plagiarism in Your School Essay

Writing a letter in mla, apa or chicago style, preliminary bibliography examples, define what in-text citations are for academic writing.

Thursday, February 23: The Clark Library is closed today.

APA Style (7th Edition) Citation Guide: Biblical Sources

• Introduction
• Journal Articles
• Magazine/Newspaper Articles
• Books & Ebooks
• Government & Legal Documents
• Biblical Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Films/Videos/TV Shows
• How to Cite: Other
• Additional Help

Table of Contents

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

Citing the Bible  

Bible Chapters and Verses

Note: All citations should be double spaced and have a hanging indent in a Reference List.

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

This Microsoft support page contains instructions about how to format a hanging indent in a paper.

In the Body of a Paper

Books, Journals, Reports, Webpages, etc.: When you refer to titles of a “stand-alone work,” as the APA calls them on their APA Style website, such as books, journals, reports, and webpages, you should italicize them. Capitalize words as you would for an article title in a reference, e.g., In the book Crying in H Mart: A memoir , author Michelle Zauner (2021) describes her biracial origin and its impact on her identity.

Article or Chapter: When you refer to the title of a part of a work, such as an article or a chapter, put quotation marks around the title and capitalize it as you would for a journal title in a reference, e.g., In the chapter “Where’s the Wine,” Zauner (2021) describes how she decided to become a musician.

The APA Sample Paper below has more information about formatting your paper.

• APA 7th ed. Sample Paper

Entry Author's Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication).  Title of entry. In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial if Given. Last Name (Ed.), Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle (edition if given and is not first edition, Vol. volume#, pp. first page-last page). Publisher Name.

Sarna, N. M. (2008). Exodus, book of. In D. N. Freedman (Ed.), The Anchor Yale Bible dictionary (Vol. 2, pp. 689- 700). Yale University Press.

In-Text Paraphrase:

(Author's Last Name, Year)

Example: (Sarna, 2008) 

In-Text Quote:

(Author's Last Name, Year, p. Page Number)

(Sarna, 2008, p. 690)

Entry Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given., & Second Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial. (Year of publication). Title of chapter. In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name & Second Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name (Eds.), Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle (edition if given and is not first edition, Vol. volume#, pp. first page-last page). Publisher. DOI (if available) or URL

Browning, W. R. F. (2009). Daniel, book of. In A Dictionary of the Bible (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199543984.001.0001/acref9780199543984-e-485

Example: (Browning, 2009) 

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

(Browning, 2009) 

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

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name & Second Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name (Eds.), Title of book: Subtitle if given (edition if given and is not first edition, pp. first page-last page). Publisher Name.

Perkins, P. (1990). The gospel according to John. In R. E. Brown, J. A. Firzmyer, & R. E. Murphy (Eds.),  The new Jerome biblical commentary (pp. 942-85) .  Prentice-Hall.

Example: (Perkins, 1990)

(Perkins, 1990, p. 955) 

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name & Second Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name (Eds.), Title of book: Subtitle if given (edition if given and is not first edition). Publisher Name. DOI (if available) or URL

Franklin, E. (2001). Luke. In J. Barton and J. Muddiman (Eds.),  Oxford Bible commentary . Oxford University Press. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/uportland/reader.action?docID=10269141

Example: (Franklin, 2001)

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

(Franklin, 2001) 

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

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). Title of chapter. In Editor’s First Initial. Second Initial. Last Name (Ed.), Title of book: Subtitle if given (edition if given and is not first edition, Vol. volume#, pp. first page-last page). Publisher Name.

Perkins, P. (1994). Mark. In L. E. Keck (Ed.), The new interpreter’s Bible (Vol. 8, pp. 507-734). Abingdon Press.

Example: (Perkins, 1994) 

(Perkins, 1994, p. 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 Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). Title of book: Subtitle if given .  Title of series. Publisher Name.

Vinson, R. B. (2008). Luke . Smyth & Helwys Bible commentary. Smyth & Helwys. 

Example: (Vinson, 2008) 

(Vinson, 2008, p. 302)

Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial if Given. (Year of publication). Title of book: Subtitle if given . Title of series. Publisher Name. DOI (if available) or URL

Vinson, R. B. (2008). Luke . Smyth & Helwys Bible commentary. Smyth & Helwys. https://login.uportland.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=942774&sit e=ehost-live&scope=site

Citing the Bible

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. Include both the original and republished publication dates in the reference. You do not need to repeat the version name in subsequent references. Then cite the Bible in your reference list.

Version of the Bible . (Year of publication). Publisher Name.

Version of the Bible . (Year of publication). Publisher Name. URL. (Original work published Earlier year of publication)

King James Bible . (2017). King James Bible Online . https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769)

In the body of your paper, include a sentence similar to this:

The researchers consulted the Bible ( King James Version , 1769/2017) to provide items for the development of their religious values assessment.

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

Bibles that have annotations, introductions, or other supplemental content should cite the editors in place of authors. If the supplemental content is written by someone other than the editors of the book, then cite the content as a chapter within a book.

Carr, D. M. (2010). Introduction to Genesis. In M. D. Coogan, M. Z. Brettler, C. Newsom, & P. Perkins (Eds.),  The new Oxford annotated Bible with apocrypha: New revised standard version (pp. 7-11). Oxford University Press. 

Kaiser, W. C., Jr., & Garrett, D. (Eds.). (2006).  NIV archaeological study Bible: An illustrated walk through biblical history and culture . Zondervan.

In-Text citations:

(Carr, 2010)

(Carr, 2010, p. 8)

(Kaiser & Garrett, 2006, Genesis 1:20)

(Kaiser & Garrett, 2006, footnote to Genesis 1:12, p. 4)

See the APA "Religious Work References" page for more guidance.

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How to Cite the Bible in APA

Last Updated: December 29, 2022 Fact Checked

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 fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 56,439 times. Learn more...

Even in an academic research paper, you may find that you want to cite the Bible as a source. As with any source, you have to cite the Bible if you paraphrase or quote it in your text. The American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual does not require a reference list entry for the Bible – only an in-text citation. However, your instructor or advisor may want publication information in your reference list. If you include a reference list entry, use the APA format for a book with no identified author.

In-Text Citation

• Example: (John 3:16
• Abbreviate longer book names in your parenthetical citation. A handy table of abbreviations used in APA style can be found at https://www.apu.edu/live_data/files/288/citing_the_bible.pdf .

• Example: (John 3:16 New Revised Standard Version).

APA In-Text Bible Citation Format

(Book Chapter:Verse Version).

• For example, if you were comparing the language used in different translations, you would need to include each of the different versions in the parenthetical citations.

• For example, you might write "John 3:16 (New Revised Standard Version) states that everyone who believes in God and believes that Jesus is the Son of God will be granted eternal life in heaven."

Reference List Entry

• If you're citing supplementary material in the Bible, such as an introduction or study notes, you would typically include a reference list entry citing that portion as though it were an article or entry in a reference book, including the name of the author.

• Example: Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version .

• Example: Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version . (1990).

• Example: Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version . (1990). New York, NY: HarperCollins.

APA Reference List Format

Holy Bible: Name of Version . (Year). City, State: Publisher.

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• ↑ https://www.messiah.edu/download/downloads/id/1647/bible_cite.pdf
• ↑ https://hbl.gcc.libguides.com/c.php?g=339562&p=2286667
• ↑ https://morlingcollege.libguides.com/apareferencing/bible
• ↑ https://libguides.up.edu/apa/biblical_sources

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Bible References, Citations, and Translations

By: Torey Teer

**PUBLISHER’S NOTE: FOR AN UPDATED VERSION OF THIS POST, CLICK HERE . **

Introduction

Have you ever had a Writing Expert, professor, or grader critique you for your improper format of Bible citations? Has anyone ever criticized you for not indicating which Bible translation you are quoting from? Well, you are not alone. Knowing how to incorporate the Bible into your papers can be tricky! When do you say “1 Cor 13” or “1 Corinthians 13” or “First Corinthians 13”? Where, how, and how often do you need to indicate what English translation you are using? What do you do when you want the reader to compare the passage you are quoting to other related passages?

Take heart, for in this brief post, I will guide you through all the tips and tricks concerning how to use and cite the Bible in your papers! First, we will look at how to mention Bible passages in a sentence. Second, we will look at how to cite Bible passages in parenthetical notes. Third, we will look at how to indicate what Bible translation you are quoting from. And best of all, there will be lots and lots of properly formatted examples!

How to Mention Bible Passages in a Sentence

Let’s take a look at all the different ways you can incorporate Bible passages into your sentence. The most important rule in the sentence is that you have to write out the entire Bible book; you cannot use Bible abbreviations. Some examples are as follows:

In 1 Corinthians 12–14, Paul discusses how spiritual gifts should properly function in the corporate gathering of the church.

Notice, the “en-dash” (–) is used between chapters (whereas, the short dash [-] is used elsewhere between verses within the same chapter).

Isaiah 53 is a passage that describes the plight of the Suffering Servant.

Now, if the first word of the sentence happens to be the name of a numbered Bible book (e.g., 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Thessalonians, and 1–2 Timothy), [1] you have to write out the number:

Second Samuel 7 outlines the Davidic Covenant.

First Timothy 3:1-13 details the qualifications for elders and deacons.

Notice, in all of the above examples, there is no need to indicate a Bible translation because there is no actual Bible content quoted.

How to Cite Bible Passages in Parenthetical Notes

Now, here is where things get really interesting: parenthetical Bible citations. If done correctly, the parenthetical note is an excellent tool to concisely convey a wealth of information. The simplest form is a straightforward citation of quoted material:

The author of the epistle identifies himself as “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Jas 1:1).

Here, the sentence flows naturally into the quote so no punctuation is needed to introduce the quoted material.

Paul exhorts Timothy, saying, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim 4:2).

Here, the quote is preceded by an introductory statement (“saying”), so you include a comma before the quote.

Paul then lists several exhortations for Timothy to follow: “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim 4:2).

Here, there is a complete sentence (i.e., an independent clause) before the quoted material, so you include a colon before the quote.

Now, in all of the above examples, the Bible citation goes after the final quotation mark but before the period. For a list of the correct Bible abbreviations, see Southern Seminary Manual of Style “4.9 Abbreviations,” pp. 42-45 (5.0 edition).

Let’s move on to some more complicated examples. In certain instances, you may want to cite multiple passages in relation to a particular topic that you are discussing or a particular point that you are making. Here is an example:

I believe that one day yet future Christ will physically return in glory as judge and king and will bodily resurrect all humankind—the righteous will inherit eternal life and the wicked will inherit eternal condemnation (Dan 12:2; Matt 25:34, 46; John 5:28-29; Acts 1:11, 24:15; 2 Tim 4:1; 2 Thess 1:7-9; Rev 20:13, 15; 21:6-8).

A couple items worth noting here: (1) only abbreviations are to be used, (2) the references must be listed in canonical order (i.e., the order that the books appear in most English translations), (3) multiple verses cited in the same Bible chapter are separated by a comma (e.g., Matt 25:34, 46), (4) multiple verses cited in different chapters of the same Bible book are separated by a semicolon with no repetition of the book’s name (e.g., Rev 20:13, 15; 21:6-8).

Now, maybe you want to quote a passage—or refer to one or more passages—but then direct the reader’s attention to related—though distinct—passages. Here are some examples:

In fact, death has reigned—as a ruling power over the world—ever since the sin of Adam (Rom 5:12-18; cf. Gen 2:17; 1 Cor 15:21a, 22a).

Here, “Rom 5:12-18” is the specific text that supports my proposition, but I want the reader to compare (“cf.” is an abbreviation of the Latin confer , which means “compare”) “Rom 5:12-18” with “Gen 2:17; 1 Cor 15:21a, 22a.” In essence, I am indicating that the first citation directly supports my point and that the citations following “cf.” indirectly support my point.

Death is also a power under the control of Satan (Heb 2:14), who is the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2), the “god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4; cf. John 14:30), and the “deceiver of the whole world” (Rev 12:9).

Here, I have multiple citations, each one supporting its own point. In the note “(2 Cor 4:4; cf. John 14:30),” “2 Cor 4:4” is the specific passage that the quote “god of this world” comes from, but “cf. John 14:30” tells the reader to “see also” John 14:30 because similar language is found in that verse as well. Also, notice how this example incorporates quoted material throughout.

One final scenario worth mentioning is how to cite or refer to a specific passage while also directing the reader’s attention to a parallel passage. Such a situation is unique to certain related books of the Bible: for example, Kings // Chronicles, and Matthew // Mark // Luke.

After King Amon was put to death by his servants, Josiah became king over Judah (2 Kgs 21:23-24 // 2 Chr 22:24-25).

Here, both passages accurately support the content that precedes the parenthetical note.

Jesus drives the money-changers out of the temple, saying, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers” (Matt 21:13 // Mark 11:17).

Here, the quote comes from Matthew 21:13, but it is also found in Mark 11:17, though the wording is slightly different.

How to Indicate a Bible Translation

You will notice that none of the above examples that include quoted Bible material actually indicate which English translation is being used. I have intentionally withheld such proper formatting for the present moment—so as to eliminate any confusion. Let’s pretend that what follows is the beginning of any given paper (that is to say: let’s pretend that what follows is the first instance of a Bible quotation in a paper).

When you are writing your paper, you must indicate which English translation you are using for quoted material only . If you are like me, you have a go-to translation that you use for almost all Bible quotations. I typically use the ESV for all of my Bible quotations, and I only switch to another translation if I want to discuss a translation issue. If you stick to just one English translation, then there is really only one rule to follow: indicate the translation for the first quoted passage only. Here is one example given in two modes:

In John 1:29, for example, Jesus is described as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (ESV).

John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus, proclaims him as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 ESV).

The next sentence in that same paper reads as follows:

Later, in 3:16-17, John records that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, . . . in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Notice that there is no repeated reference to a Bible translation; there is no need since I am using the same one. Notice also that I do not include “John” before “3:16-17”; I am referring to the same Bible book so there is no need to repeat that information.

Now, if you switch between multiple translations throughout your paper, you need to indicate which translation you are using each time you switch to a different one. Note: you do not repeat the translation if you are using the same translation for the present quotation as you did for the last quotation; you only indicate the switch. Take a look at the following extended examples:

First Bible quotation : John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 ESV).

Second quotation of same translation : A few verses later, John goes on to say, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (1:14). —> or just : “…and truth” (verse 14).

Switch to a different translation : John 3:16, probably the most quoted verse in the Bible, says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (NIV).

Switch back to the first translation : Later, Jesus encourages his disciples, saying, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18 ESV).

Here’s a more simplified set of examples:

1st instance: “[Bible quote]” (1 Tim 1:1 ESV).

2nd: “. . .” (2 Tim 2:2).

3rd: “. . .” (2 Tim 4:2).

4th: “. . .” (Titus 3:5 NASB).

5th: “. . .” (1 Cor 13:7 NIV).

6th: “. . .” (2 Cor 5:21).

7th: “. . .” (1 Pet 3:15 KJV).

8th: “. . .” (Jas 1:2 ESV).

Correct use of Bible references, citations, and translations is essential to academic writing. It demonstrates clarity, consistency, and—most importantly—fidelity to the Scriptures (especially with regard to actual quotations of Bible content). In this brief post, we reviewed how to appropriately mention Bible books within a sentence, how to correctly cite Bible passages within parenthetical notes, and how to properly indicate what English translation you are using for quoted Bible material. At this point, you have probably learned way more than you ever wanted to about Bible references; but, your professors, graders, and reviewers will greatly appreciate it! You can thank me later.

Now, if you are still craving more of that sweet Bible citation goodness, there is an appendix! In it, you will find examples of complex situations. Happy writing!

• At the point of rebirth, a definite moral change transpires within believers where they receive new spiritual life which enables them to resist sin (1 John 3:9). In Romans 6, Paul speaks of this initial step in sanctification as one that destroys sin’s hold over believers. Yet, definitive sanctification is not all-inclusive for believers are not entirely free from sin until death or judgment (Phil 3:12; 1 John 1:8, 10). Thus, sanctification is also progressive, as evidenced in 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul describes Christians as those who “are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another” (RSV). [2]
• For example, the Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians, twice proclaims that Christ “died for all” (5:14-15 ESV). He also says to his beloved disciple Timothy that Christ “gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Tim 2:5-6) and is the “Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” (4:10). Finally, the author of Hebrews states that Christ suffered death so that He would “taste death for everyone” (Heb 2:9). 25
• Fortunately, however, Scripture is replete with details on the destiny of these malefactors. Isaiah, looking toward God’s future glorification, says that God will “swallow up death forever” (25:8 ESV). 21 Paul, in 1 Corinthians, draws on this passage in Isaiah—as well as Hosea 13:14 22 —to speak of believers’ victory over sin and death through Christ, saying, “‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” (1 Cor 15:54b-55). Jesus Himself speaks of his victory over the powers of darkness when he says, “Now is the judgment of the ruler of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out” (John 12:31; cf. 16:9), and “I have overcome the world” (16:31). 23 Concurrently, Paul says of Christ, “Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (2:15 NET). Finally, speaking of Jesus eschatologically, Paul says, “Then comes the end, when he delivers up the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor 15:24-26 ESV; cf. Rev 20:13-14).
• Notice, in all of the above examples, there are footnotes included at the end of various sentences. These are reserved for reference to or discussion of non-biblical source material only (e.g., commentators, theologians, historians).
• One of the boundaries of an orthodox eschatology is the judgment of the righteous and the wicked (ultimate righteousness, eternal life, and glory for the righteous and ultimate punishment for the wicked; Dan 12:2–3; Matt 25:31–46; John 5:28–29; Acts 24:15; 2 Thess 1:5–10; Rev 20:12–13).
• When you would have two parenthetical notes back to back, you combine the two into one and separate them with a semi-colon.
• Bonus note: Always capitalize “Scripture,” “Bible,” “God’s Word, and “the Word of God,” but do not capitalize “biblical,” “biblically,” “scriptural,” or “scripturally” unless they begin a sentence.

[1] NOTE: "e.g., ... " means "for example, ... " and "i.e., ... " means "that is, ... "

[2] Student example. Used with permission.

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Using the Bible in Academic Writing

• Post author By Collin Kavanaugh
• Post date March 26, 2021
• 1 Comment on Using the Bible in Academic Writing

This post was co-authored by Collin Kavanaugh, Abby Long, and Monica Colón.

A common misconception about writing in a Christian academic setting (such as Wheaton) is that you’re expected to reference the Bible in all of your writing assignments. While it’s effective to incorporate in some genres of writing, scripture isn’t appropriate evidence for every scholarly writing occasion.

This post will help you identify when to use biblical references and how to do so persuasively for your genre and audience.

Identify Your Rhetorical Purpose

Before you decide whether or not scripture is an appropriate source for your assignment, determine your rhetorical purpose for writing. Is it to reflect on your personal experiences? Make an ethical claim? Advance an historical interpretation? Explicate scripture? Further a scientific hypothesis? Conduct a literary analysis? Evaluate a social policy?

Referencing scripture may or may not be an effective persuasive strategy for your purpose. Next, consider your intended audience.

Identify Your Audience

When writing for a general academic audience, you can’t assume that your readers will share your religious beliefs. Therefore, the Bible may not be considered an undeniable source of information. Appeals to the Bible’s moral, ethical, or historical authority may be unconvincing to many in a general academic audience. 

While scripture may not serve as persuasive evidence for a general audience, biblical allusions can be appropriate in some cases. However, when writing to a wider audience, consider whether the biblical reference is well-known or more obscure. If the allusion is unfamiliar to most readers, contextualize it with a brief explanation to make sure your audience knows what you are referencing and why you are making that particular reference.

If you are writing for a more narrow audience with a shared belief in scriptural authority, such as a Wheaton College professor or your classmates, it may be appropriate to reference the Bible, depending on the genre of your piece. 

Identify Your Genre Norms

Genres within different academic disciplines, such as the sciences, humanities, and biblical studies, all call for different ways of interacting with scripture. Having a firm sense of your genre  will guide your use of the Bible in a particular paper. Outside of exegetical and applied biblical studies, the Bible is generally not seen as a persuasive source of authority for academic arguments. 

Academic research papers. When writing a scholarly research paper, avoid using the Bible as evidence for an empirical argument. One notable exception is when your argument centers on analysis of the practices, behaviors, or policies of the church or a group of Christians. The key here is to illustrate how a particular theological interpretation of a specific passage, theme, or doctrine has functioned historically to shape the pattern you are analyzing. In this case, you can reference a biblical passage followed by your analysis of the way it has been interpreted and enacted by the group in question.

Scientific writing. As the Rev. Canon Emily McGowin, Ph.D. notes, “In the hard and soft sciences, it’s not appropriate to use the Bible to support one’s theses because the audience, not to mention the broader field of inquiry, doesn’t generally recognize scripture as an authoritative source.”   

Literary analysis. When you notice a biblical allusion in a literary text, you can use it as evidence to support your interpretation of the work. You can also use close reading methods on the Bible as literature itself—though if you’re not familiar with Greek and Hebrew, it’s wise to stay at the narrative level and avoid making claims about the diction and syntax. However, you can examine the linguistic effect of different translation choices in the languages you speak.

Biblical exegesis. When writing an exegetical paper, it is, of course, appropriate to reference the Bible extensively. Carefully select a passage and, if appropriate, conduct an analysis of the word choice, grammar, and syntax in the original language. Be sure to consider the literary and historical contexts of the selected passage. Finally, explore applications of the text. To get started, visit this library subject guide or check out Elements of Biblical Exegesis by Michael Gorman.

Reflective writing. In many general education classes at Wheaton, your professor may assign a personal theological reflection, either as a stand-alone piece or as a section of another assignment. In these cases, you can bring in biblical anecdotes, verses, or concepts that you find meaningful and explain their personal significance. Still, you’ll want to avoid making overly complex or prescriptive claims if you haven’t done much interpretive work on the passage in question.

Guidelines for Using the Bible in Your Writing

If using the Bible is appropriate for your rhetorical purpose, audience, and genre, consider these tips. 

Avoid “prooftexting.” Prooftexting is when you take a verse or phrase from the Bible completely out of context to support your point, and it is generally considered a misuse of scripture. While it can be tempting to simply drop in a Bible verse, it is important to carefully consider the context, meaning, and purpose of the verse so you do not undermine your integrity through misapplications of scripture. 

Justify your use of scripture. When writing for a general academic audience, the Rev. Dr. McGowin points out that “you’re going to need to explain and make a case for why the Bible is relevant to the subject in question. Also, you’re going to have to give more contextual information for the scriptural reference.”

Dive into commentaries. If your argument rests on an interpretation of scripture, it is essential that you explore the ways the passage has been interpreted in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Look to biblical commentaries to learn more about the history of the passage in question.

Cite the Bible correctly. Most citation guides have specific rules for citing sacred texts such as the Bible. Look up the manual for your particular citation style for specific guidance about abbreviations, in-text citations, reference page entries, and/or footnotes. (Note: The Writing Center is working on an online resource for this, and we will link it here when it’s live.) If you are unsure about your recommended citation style, check with your professor or academic department. Finally, feel free to make an appointment at the Writing Center to get assistance!

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Home > Christian Resources > How to Quote a Bible Verse in an Essay

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How to Quote a Bible Verse in an Essay

Published: April 23, 2024

Written by: Daniel Gallik

Learn the proper way to cite Bible verses in academic essays, ensuring accurate and respectful integration of scripture into your writing.

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Christian.net, at no extra cost. Learn more )

Table of Contents

Choosing the right translation, determining the citation style, in-text citations, introducing bible verses, quoting longer passages, citing the bible in references/works cited, ethical considerations, additional tips.

Quoting Bible verses in an essay is a common practice, especially in religious studies, theology, or literature classes. However, it’s essential to do it correctly to maintain academic integrity and avoid unintentional plagiarism. In this comprehensive guide from Academized.com , I’ll walk you through the steps to quote Bible verses properly, ensuring your essay is well-structured and follows academic conventions.

The first step is to choose the right translation. The Bible has been translated into numerous languages and versions, each with slight variations in wording and phrasing. When quoting a Bible verse, it’s crucial to use a reputable and widely accepted translation that aligns with your specific academic or research purposes.

Some popular translations include the King James Version (KJV), New International Version (NIV), and English Standard Version (ESV). The KJV is known for its literary quality and poetic language, while the NIV and ESV are more modern translations aimed at preserving the original meaning while using contemporary language.

If you’re writing for a religious studies or theology course, it’s generally recommended to use a translation approved by the religious institution or denomination you’re studying, as discussed in this Academized review on https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/academized-review-2023-actually-good-mary-walton . For literature or general academic purposes, any widely accepted translation should suffice.

Read more : 65 Powerful Bible Verses About Mountains

Next, you’ll need to determine the appropriate citation style. Different academic disciplines and institutions may have their own preferred citation styles. The most common citation styles for quoting Bible verses are:

• MLA (Modern Language Association) style: Commonly used in literature, arts, and humanities. 
• APA (American Psychological Association) style: Frequently used in social sciences, education, and psychology. 
• Chicago/Turabian style: Often used in history, religion, and some humanities fields.

Before you start writing, check with your instructor or consult the style guide to ensure you’re using the correct citation format. Adhering to the proper citation style is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism.

When quoting a Bible verse within the body of your essay, you’ll need to include an in-text citation. The format for in-text citations varies depending on the citation style you’re using.

In MLA style, the in-text citation for a Bible verse should include the book name (abbreviated), chapter number, and verse number(s). For example: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3.16).

In APA style, the in-text citation for a Bible verse should include the book name (not abbreviated), chapter number, and verse number(s), separated by colons. For instance: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

In Chicago/Turabian style, the in-text citation for a Bible verse should include the book name (abbreviated), chapter number, and verse number(s), separated by periods, like this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3.16).

It’s also important to introduce Bible verses properly within the context of your essay. You can provide context by explaining the situation or context in which the verse is being used or referenced. Alternatively, you can use a signal phrase to indicate that you’re quoting a Bible verse, such as “As stated in the Gospel of John,” or “The Bible says.”

Introducing the verse with context or a signal phrase helps to smoothly integrate the quotation into your writing and clarifies the source for the reader.

If you’re quoting a longer passage from the Bible that spans multiple verses, you’ll need to format it differently. In MLA style, for example, longer quotations (four or more lines) should be indented one inch from the left margin and double-spaced. Here’s an example:

As the Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2.8-10)

Note the indentation and the use of a signal phrase to introduce the quotation. This format helps to visually separate the longer quotation from your own writing and makes it easier for the reader to follow.

Read more : What Is Grace In The Bible Verses

In addition to in-text citations, you’ll need to include a full citation for the Bible in your references or works cited list at the end of your essay. The format for this citation varies depending on the citation style you’re using.

• MLA Style: In MLA style, the Bible citation should appear as: The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
• APA Style: In APA style, the Bible citation should appear as: Bible. (Year of publication). (Version/Translation). (Publisher details). For example: Bible. (2011). New International Version. Biblica.
• Chicago/Turabian Style: In Chicago/Turabian style, the Bible citation should appear as: Bible. Translated by [Translation/Version]. [Publisher details]. For example: Bible. Translated by New International Version. Biblica, 2011.

Including a full citation in your reference list ensures that readers can easily locate the specific version of the Bible you’ve used in your research.

When quoting from the Bible, it’s important to consider ethical implications and potential biases. The Bible is a sacred text for many religions, and quotes should be handled with respect and sensitivity.

Avoid taking verses out of context or using them to promote harmful or discriminatory viewpoints. Be mindful of the historical and cultural contexts in which the verses were written, and strive for a balanced, objective analysis.

If you’re writing about controversial or sensitive topics related to the Bible, it’s advisable to consult with experts or religious authorities to ensure your interpretations are accurate and respectful.

While quoting Bible verses is important, you should also include your own analysis and interpretation, avoiding excessive quotation. Use quotations judiciously, only quoting verses that are directly relevant to your argument or analysis.

Provide context by explaining the significance of the quoted verse and how it relates to your essay’s main points. Don’t assume that the reader has the same level of familiarity with the Bible or the specific context of the verse.

When interpreting or analyzing Bible verses, be sure to back up your claims with evidence from reliable sources, such as scholarly works or authoritative religious texts.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to effectively quote Bible verses In your essay while maintaining academic integrity, adhering to citation conventions, and demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the material. Remember, quoting Bible verses is not just about including the text; it’s also about providing context, analysis, and demonstrating your knowledge of the subject matter.

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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.
• << Previous: General Citations: Books, Articles, Websites, etc.
• Next: Church Documents >>
• Last Updated: Feb 6, 2024 11:18 AM
• URL: https://libguides.stthomas.edu/theology_bibliography

© 2023 University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

How To Properly Quote The Bible

Whether you are religious or not, you have probably come across Bible passages at some point. The Bible is a sacred text for Christians and Jews, but it is also an important historical document, and its many famous quotes have shaped our literature and culture.

So you may find yourself needing to cite the Bible at some point for an essay, article, or even casual writing.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer to citing the Bible: Enclose the book, chapter, and verse in parentheses after the quote, like (John 3:16) . Use abbreviations for books, like Gen. for Genesis.

Formatting Bible Quotations

Book name abbreviations.

When quoting from the Bible, it is important to properly abbreviate the book name. Here are some common examples:

• Genesis – Gen.
• Exodus – Exod.
• Leviticus – Lev.
• Numbers – Num.
• Deuteronomy – Deut.
• Joshua – Josh.
• Judges – Judg.
• Ruth – Ruth
• 1 Samuel – 1 Sam.
• 2 Samuel – 2 Sam.

The first time you reference a book, spell out its full name. For example: “In the Gospel of Matthew 5:3, it says…” Afterward, use the abbreviation. For example: “Jesus also referenced this in Matt. 6:24.” This helps the reader follow along.

Chapter and Verse References

When directly quoting a Bible passage, the reference should include the book name abbreviation, chapter number, colon, and verse number(s). For example:

• John 3:16 – Abbreviation, chapter, colon, verse
• Rom. 12:1-2 – Abbreviation, chapter, colon, range of verses

Chapter and verse numbers should be separated by a colon. Multiple verses should be separated by a dash. Commas and spaces are not used. The chapter and verse reference comes after the quotation. For example:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

If the quote spans multiple paragraphs, place the reference after the last paragraph. The reference should also be placed outside quotation marks and parentheses.

Following these formatting rules clearly communicates to readers where the passage is found in the Bible.

Quoting from Different Versions of the Bible

King james version.

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is an English translation originally published in 1611 . For centuries, it was the most widely used Bible translation in the English-speaking world and had tremendous influence on literature and culture.

Here are some tips for properly quoting the KJV:

• Use the archaic pronouns and verb endings found in the KJV, like “thee,” “thou,” and “-eth.” This helps convey the historical style of the translation.
• When directly quoting a verse, cite the book, chapter, and verse like this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
• If quoting multiple verses, use an ellipsis (…) or separate references for each verse quoted.
• Use brackets when a pronoun reference needs clarification, like changing “he” to “Jesus.”
• Retain any italicized words, archaic spellings, and punctuation found in the original.

The beauty of the King James Version’s language deserves to be carefully quoted to reflect both its historical elegance and scriptural authority.

New International Version

The New International Version (NIV) is a popular modern English Bible translation first published in 1978 and revised in 2011 . Here are some tips for properly quoting the NIV:

• Use contemporary pronouns and verb endings, like “you” and “-s” endings for third person.
• When directly quoting a verse, cite book, chapter, and verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).
• Use an ellipsis (…) when omitting words from within a quoted verse.
• Retain any emphases like italics from the original.
• Clarify pronoun references by using brackets, like “Christ” instead of just “he.”

The NIV’s clear, accessible language makes quoting it straightforward. Just be sure to cite references and retain original formatting.

Other Popular Versions

Many other Bible translations are commonly quoted today, like the English Standard Version (ESV), New Living Translation (NLT), and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Here are some tips that apply when quoting most modern versions:

• Use contemporary grammar and pronouns, but don’t modernize archaic words or names.
• Cite the full name of the version quoted, like “New Living Translation” rather than just the abbreviation.
• When comparing versions, use a table to contrast similar verses side by side.
• Clarify references to “the Lord,” “Christ,” etc. when the meaning is unclear.
• Use quotation marks or block quote formatting for extended passages.

Modern translations aim to make the Bible accessible to contemporary readers. Quoting them well involves retaining their readability while cites references fully. With care, we can insightfully quote God’s word from the wealth of English Bible versions available today.

When to Quote vs Paraphrase

Deciding when to directly quote versus paraphrase the Bible is an important consideration when writing about scripture. Here are some tips on when each approach is most appropriate:

Direct Quotes

Use direct Bible quotes when:

• You want to point to the exact wording of a specific passage
• The phrasing is especially powerful, moving, or memorable
• You are analyzing the meaning of specific words or phrases
• You need to reference a passage that prophesies the coming of Christ or other important events
• The passage is a well-known or oft-quoted section that the reader will recognize

For example, you would want to directly quote John 3:16 instead of paraphrasing:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Paraphrases

Paraphrase Bible passages when:

• You want to simplify complex phrasing or archaic language for clarity
• You need to condense a long or detailed passage to summarize the main point
• You are comparing events across different books or sections
• You want to explain passages to non-Christians unfamiliar with the Bible

For example, you could paraphrase part of Paul’s letter to the Romans 3:23-24:

Paul explains that everyone sins and falls short of God’s glorious standard, yet are justified freely through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.

Finding the right balance of direct Bible quotes and paraphrased explanations requires wisdom and discernment. Study each passage carefully when deciding whether to quote verbatim or rephrase the meaning using your own words.

Both approaches have their place in writing that brings scriptural truths to light.

Using Long Quotes

When quoting long passages from the Bible in an essay or article, it is important to format the quote properly to make it clear that you are citing a direct quote. Here are some tips for formatting long Bible quotes:

For Bible passages that are more than 4 lines long, format them as a block quotation. Start the quote on a new line and indent the entire quote 0.5 inches from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks around the passage. Here is an example:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

(John 3:16-18, NIV)

Citing the Translation

When quoting Scripture, be sure to cite which Bible translation you are using. Abbreviate the title and include it in parentheses after the quote. Common abbreviations include:

• NIV – New International Version
• ESV – English Standard Version
• KJV – King James Version
• NRSV – New Revised Standard Version

Formatting Line Spacing

Add extra spacing above and below long block quotes to separate them from the rest of the text. This improves readability. Many style guides recommend spacing block quotes 0.5 inches from the surrounding text.

For Bible passages less than 4 lines long, format them as a short in-line quotation. Enclose the quote in double quotation marks and cite the translation.

Make sure to properly introduce the quote in the lead up text. Here’s an example:

Jesus clearly explains that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NIV). This demonstrates that spiritual nourishment is important.

Merging Quotes

You can also merge a short quote into the text without using quotation marks. Make sure it fits grammatically into your sentence. For example:

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that no eye has seen what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Using these formatting tips will help ensure your Bible quotes are properly cited and easy for readers to understand within the context of your writing.

Examples of Common Bible Quotes

The Bible contains many memorable and influential quotes that have become an integral part of our culture. Here are some examples of commonly quoted Bible verses and passages:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” – Psalm 23:1

This beloved verse from Psalm 23 has brought comfort and hope to millions of people over the centuries. It poetically expresses the close relationship between God and those who follow him.

“Love your neighbor as yourself” – Matthew 22:39

This command from Jesus simply yet powerfully encapsulates the Christian ethic of selfless love and care for others. It has become a widely known moral principle even among non-Christians.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” – Genesis 1:1

The majestic opening words of the Bible have been memorized by countless Christians. They affirm God’s sovereignty as the divine Creator who brought the universe into being.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16

This concise yet profound verse summarizes the gospel – that God sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and give us salvation. It is often called the “gospel in a nutshell.”

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” – Philippians 4:13

Paul’s uplifting words of encouragement have motivated generations of Christians to press on with fortitude and hope in their faith. The verse emphasizes our dependence on God’s strength.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” – Proverbs 3:5

From the book of wisdom, this call to trust God fully resonates with believers seeking guidance. It speaks to forsaking self-reliance and submitting to God’s good plans.

The Bible’s most significant verses have become touchstones of truth and wisdom for billions of people. Even for those unfamiliar with Scripture, quotes like these often carry profound meaning and influence.

They reflect Christianity’s immense cultural impact over thousands of years.

Quoting scripture can enrich your writing while lending credibility and weight to your ideas. With the right citation format and context, Bible passages blend seamlessly into essays, articles, and other texts.

While different versions and translations exist, the strategies outlined here will help you quote the Bible accurately in your own work.

Amanda Williams is a dedicated Christian writer and blogger who is passionate about sharing Biblical truth and encouraging believers in their faith walks. After working as a youth pastor and Bible teacher for several years, she launched her blog in 2022 to minister to Christians online seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. When she's not creating content or connecting with readers, Amanda enjoys studying theology, being out in nature, baking, and spending time with family. Her goal is to provide practical wisdom and hope from a genuine Christian perspective. Amanda currently resides in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

MLA Works Cited Page: Books

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

When you are gathering book sources, be sure to make note of the following bibliographic items: the author name(s), other contributors such as translators or editors, the book’s title, editions of the book, the publication date, the publisher, and the pagination.

The 8 th  edition of the MLA handbook highlights principles over prescriptive practices. Essentially, a writer will need to take note of primary elements in every source, such as author, title, etc. and then assort them in a general format. Thus, by using this methodology, a writer will be able to cite any source regardless of whether it’s included in this list.

Please note these changes in the new edition:

• Commas are used instead of periods between Publisher, Publication Date, and Pagination.
• Medium is no longer necessary.
• Containers are now a part of the MLA process. Commas should be used after container titles.
• DOIs should be used instead of URLS when available.
• Use the term “Accessed” instead of listing the date or the abbreviation, “n.d."

Below is the general format for any citation:

Author. Title. Title of container (do not list container for standalone books, e.g. novels), Other contributors (translators or editors), Version (edition), Number (vol. and/or no.), Publisher, Publication Date, Location (pages, paragraphs URL or DOI). 2 nd  container’s title, Other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, Location, Date of Access (if applicable).

Basic Book Format

The author’s name or a book with a single author's name appears in last name, first name format. The basic form for a book citation is:

Last Name, First Name. Title of Book . City of Publication, Publisher, Publication Date.

* Note: the City of Publication should only be used if the book was published before 1900, if the publisher has offices in more than one country, or if the publisher is unknown in North America.

Book with One Author

Gleick, James. Chaos: Making a New Science . Penguin, 1987.

Henley, Patricia. The Hummingbird House . MacMurray, 1999.

Book with More Than One Author

When a book has two authors, order the authors in the same way they are presented in the book. Start by listing the first name that appears on the book in last name, first name format; subsequent author names appear in normal order (first name last name format).

Gillespie, Paula, and Neal Lerner. The Allyn and Bacon Guide to Peer Tutoring . Allyn and Bacon, 2000.

If there are three or more authors, list only the first author followed by the phrase et al. (Latin for "and others") in place of the subsequent authors' names. (Note that there is a period after “al” in “et al.” Also note that there is never a period after the “et” in “et al.”).

Wysocki, Anne Frances, et al. Writing New Media: Theory and Applications for Expanding the Teaching of Composition . Utah State UP, 2004.

Two or More Books by the Same Author

List works alphabetically by title. (Remember to ignore articles like A, An, and The.) Provide the author’s name in last name, first name format for the first entry only. For each subsequent entry by the same author, use three hyphens and a period.

Palmer, William J. Dickens and New Historicism . St. Martin's, 1997.

---. The Films of the Eighties: A Social History . Southern Illinois UP, 1993.

Book by a Corporate Author or Organization

A corporate author may include a commission, a committee, a government agency, or a group that does not identify individual members on the title page.

List the names of corporate authors in the place where an author’s name typically appears at the beginning of the entry.

American Allergy Association. Allergies in Children . Random House, 1998.

When the author and publisher are the same, skip the author, and list the title first. Then, list the corporate author only as the publisher.

Fair Housing—Fair Lending. Aspen Law & Business, 1985.

Book with No Author

List by title of the book. Incorporate these entries alphabetically just as you would with works that include an author name. For example, the following entry might appear between entries of works written by Dean, Shaun and Forsythe, Jonathan.

Encyclopedia of Indiana . Somerset, 1993.

Remember that for an in-text (parenthetical) citation of a book with no author, you should provide the name of the work in the signal phrase and the page number in parentheses. You may also use a shortened version of the title of the book accompanied by the page number. For more information see the In-text Citations for Print Sources with No Known Author section of In-text Citations: The Basics .

A Translated Book

If you want to emphasize the work rather than the translator, cite as you would any other book. Add “translated by” and follow with the name(s) of the translator(s).

Foucault, Michel. Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason . Translated by Richard Howard, Vintage-Random House, 1988.

If you want to focus on the translation, list the translator as the author. In place of the author’s name, the translator’s name appears. His or her name is followed by the label, “translator.” If the author of the book does not appear in the title of the book, include the name, with a “By” after the title of the book and before the publisher. Note that this type of citation is less common and should only be used for papers or writing in which translation plays a central role.

Howard, Richard, translator. Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason . By Michel Foucault, Vintage-Random House, 1988.

Republished Book

Books may be republished due to popularity without becoming a new edition. New editions are typically revisions of the original work. For books that originally appeared at an earlier date and that have been republished at a later one, insert the original publication date before the publication information.

For books that are new editions (i.e. different from the first or other editions of the book), see An Edition of a Book below.

Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble . 1990. Routledge, 1999.

Erdrich, Louise. Love Medicine . 1984. Perennial-Harper, 1993.

An Edition of a Book

There are two types of editions in book publishing: a book that has been published more than once in different editions and a book that is prepared by someone other than the author (typically an editor).

A Subsequent Edition

Cite the book as you normally would, but add the number of the edition after the title.

Crowley, Sharon, and Debra Hawhee. Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students . 3rd ed., Pearson, 2004.

A Work Prepared by an Editor

Cite the book as you normally would, but add the editor after the title with the label "edited by."

Bronte, Charlotte. Jane Eyre,  edited by Margaret Smith, Oxford UP, 1998.

Note that the format for citing sources with important contributors with editor-like roles follows the same basic template:

...adapted by John Doe...

Finally, in the event that the source features a contributor that cannot be described with a past-tense verb and the word "by" (e.g., "edited by"), you may instead use a noun followed by a comma, like so:

...guest editor, Jane Smith...

Anthology or Collection (e.g. Collection of Essays)

To cite the entire anthology or collection, list by editor(s) followed by a comma and "editor" or, for multiple editors, "editors." This sort of entry is somewhat rare. If you are citing a particular piece within an anthology or collection (more common), see A Work in an Anthology, Reference, or Collection below.

Hill, Charles A., and Marguerite Helmers, editors. Defining Visual Rhetorics . Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004.

Peterson, Nancy J., editor. Toni Morrison: Critical and Theoretical Approaches . Johns Hopkins UP, 1997.

A Work in an Anthology, Reference, or Collection

Works may include an essay in an edited collection or anthology, or a chapter of a book. The basic form is for this sort of citation is as follows:

Last name, First name. "Title of Essay." Title of Collection , edited by Editor's Name(s), Publisher, Year, Page range of entry.

Some examples:

Harris, Muriel. "Talk to Me: Engaging Reluctant Writers." A Tutor's Guide: Helping Writers One to One , edited by Ben Rafoth, Heinemann, 2000, pp. 24-34.

Swanson, Gunnar. "Graphic Design Education as a Liberal Art: Design and Knowledge in the University and The 'Real World.'" The Education of a Graphic Designer , edited by Steven Heller, Allworth Press, 1998, pp. 13-24.

Note on Cross-referencing Several Items from One Anthology: If you cite more than one essay from the same edited collection, MLA indicates you may cross-reference within your works cited list in order to avoid writing out the publishing information for each separate essay. You should consider this option if you have several references from a single text. To do so, include a separate entry for the entire collection listed by the editor's name as below:

Rose, Shirley K, and Irwin Weiser, editors. The Writing Program Administrator as Researcher . Heinemann, 1999.

Then, for each individual essay from the collection, list the author's name in last name, first name format, the title of the essay, the editor's last name, and the page range:

L'Eplattenier, Barbara. "Finding Ourselves in the Past: An Argument for Historical Work on WPAs." Rose and Weiser, pp. 131-40.

Peeples, Tim. "'Seeing' the WPA With/Through Postmodern Mapping." Rose and Weiser, pp. 153-67.

Please note: When cross-referencing items in the works cited list, alphabetical order should be maintained for the entire list.

Poem or Short Story Examples :

Burns, Robert. "Red, Red Rose." 100 Best-Loved Poems, edited by Philip Smith, Dover, 1995, p. 26.

Kincaid, Jamaica. "Girl." The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories , edited by Tobias Wolff, Vintage, 1994, pp. 306-07.

If the specific literary work is part of the author's own collection (all of the works have the same author), then there will be no editor to reference:

Whitman, Walt. "I Sing the Body Electric." Selected Poems, Dover, 1991, pp. 12-19.

Carter, Angela. "The Tiger's Bride." Burning Your Boats: The Collected Stories, Penguin, 1995, pp. 154-69.

Article in a Reference Book (e.g. Encyclopedias, Dictionaries)

For entries in encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference works, cite the entry name as you would any other work in a collection but do not include the publisher information. Also, if the reference book is organized alphabetically, as most are, do not list the volume or the page number of the article or item.

"Ideology." The American Heritage Dictionary.  3rd ed. 1997. 

A Multivolume Work

When citing only one volume of a multivolume work, include the volume number after the work's title, or after the work's editor or translator.

Quintilian. Institutio Oratoria . Translated by H. E. Butler, vol. 2, Loeb-Harvard UP, 1980.

When citing more than one volume of a multivolume work, cite the total number of volumes in the work. Also, be sure in your in-text citation to provide both the volume number and page number(s) ( see "Citing Multivolume Works" on our in-text citations resource .)

Quintilian. Institutio Oratoria . Translated by H. E. Butler, Loeb-Harvard UP, 1980. 4 vols.

If the volume you are using has its own title, cite the book without referring to the other volumes as if it were an independent publication.

Churchill, Winston S. The Age of Revolution . Dodd, 1957.

An Introduction, Preface, Foreword, or Afterword

When citing an introduction, a preface, a foreword, or an afterword, write the name of the author(s) of the piece you are citing. Then give the name of the part being cited, which should not be italicized or enclosed in quotation marks; in italics, provide the name of the work and the name of the author of the introduction/preface/foreword/afterword. Finish the citation with the details of publication and page range.

Farrell, Thomas B. Introduction. Norms of Rhetorical Culture , by Farrell, Yale UP, 1993, pp. 1-13.

If the writer of the piece is different from the author of the complete work , then write the full name of the principal work's author after the word "By." For example, if you were to cite Hugh Dalziel Duncan’s introduction of Kenneth Burke’s book Permanence and Change, you would write the entry as follows:

Duncan, Hugh Dalziel. Introduction. Permanence and Change: An Anatomy of Purpose, by Kenneth Burke, 1935, 3rd ed., U of California P, 1984, pp. xiii-xliv.

Book Published Before 1900

Original copies of books published before 1900 are usually defined by their place of publication rather than the publisher. Unless you are using a newer edition, cite the city of publication where you would normally cite the publisher.

Thoreau, Henry David. Excursions . Boston, 1863.

Italicize “The Bible” and follow it with the version you are using. Remember that your in-text (parenthetical citation) should include the name of the specific edition of the Bible, followed by an abbreviation of the book, the chapter and verse(s). (See Citing the Bible at In-Text Citations: The Basics .)

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

The Bible. The New Oxford Annotated Version , 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2001.

The New Jerusalem Bible. Edited by Susan Jones, Doubleday, 1985.

A Government Publication

Cite the author of the publication if the author is identified. Otherwise, start with the name of the national government, followed by the agency (including any subdivisions or agencies) that serves as the organizational author. For congressional documents, be sure to include the number of the Congress and the session when the hearing was held or resolution passed as well as the report number. US government documents are typically published by the Government Printing Office.

United States, Congress, Senate, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearing on the Geopolitics of Oil . Government Printing Office, 2007. 110th Congress, 1st session, Senate Report 111-8.

United States, Government Accountability Office. Climate Change: EPA and DOE Should Do More to Encourage Progress Under Two Voluntary Programs . Government Printing Office, 2006.

Cite the title and publication information for the pamphlet just as you would a book without an author. Pamphlets and promotional materials commonly feature corporate authors (commissions, committees, or other groups that does not provide individual group member names). If the pamphlet you are citing has no author, cite as directed below. If your pamphlet has an author or a corporate author, put the name of the author (last name, first name format) or corporate author in the place where the author name typically appears at the beginning of the entry. (See also Books by a Corporate Author or Organization above.)

Women's Health: Problems of the Digestive System . American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2006.

Your Rights Under California Welfare Programs . California Department of Social Services, 2007.

Dissertations and Master's Theses

Dissertations and master's theses may be used as sources whether published or not. Unlike previous editions, MLA 8 specifies no difference in style for published/unpublished works.

The main elements of a dissertation citation are the same as those for a book: author name(s), title (italicized) , and publication date. Conclude with an indication of the document type (e.g., "PhD dissertation"). The degree-granting institution may be included before the document type (though this is not required). If the dissertation was accessed through an online repository, include it as the second container after all the other elements.

Bishop, Karen Lynn. Documenting Institutional Identity: Strategic Writing in the IUPUI Comprehensive Campaign . 2002. Purdue University, PhD dissertation.

Bile, Jeffrey. Ecology, Feminism, and a Revised Critical Rhetoric: Toward a Dialectical Partnership . 2005. Ohio University, PhD dissertation.

Mitchell, Mark. The Impact of Product Quality Reducing Events on the Value of Brand-Name Capital: Evidence from Airline Crashes and the 1982 Tylenol Poisonings.  1987. PhD dissertation.  ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

List the names of corporate authors in the place where an author’s name typically appears at the beginning of the entry if the author and publisher are not the same.

Fair Housing—Fair Lending. Aspen Law & Business, 1985.

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Turabian Writing Guide: Citing the Bible

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Citing the Bible

Writing center.

The Liberty University Writing Center is available to provide writing coaching to students. Residential students should contact the  On-Campus Writing Center  for assistance. Online students should contact the  Online Writing Center  for assistance.

Scripture Citations

As a sacred work, you do not include the Bible in your bibliography. All Bible verses will be mentioned parenthetically only . Rather than footnoting the first instance (and including “unless otherwise noted”) as in previous versions of Turabian, the version of the Bible being used will be noted in parentheses, spelled out, after the first Bible citation. The version will not be mentioned again unless version is changed. If only one version is used in a paper, then the version will only be spelled out fully in that first citation. If the student uses more than one version, however, the first instance of each Bible version will be spelled out fully, and then its abbreviation must be used as necessary for the reader to discern which version is being referenced.

• When citing from multiple translations within a paper, the version abbreviation should be included within the in-text parentheses. For example, (Mark 3:12, NASB).
• Books of the Bible should be abbreviated when referenced in parentheses. For examples, see the Writing Center's Sacred Book Reference List or the CMOS pages for Old Testament books (10.45) , Apocrypha (10.46) and New Testament books (10.47) .
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• Last Updated: Aug 28, 2023 2:25 PM
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Citing the Bible and other Biblical Resources

• Turabian Style

Turabian Style -- General Guidelines

Footnotes/endnotes/parenthetical references.

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

Referring to whole chapters/whole books of the Bible or Apocrypha in the text

• Spell out the names of the books; do not italicize or underline them.   

  Example :  2 Samuel 12 records the prophet Nathan’s confrontation of King David.

  Example :  The identity of the author of the book of Hebrews is not certain.

Cite the Bible in footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical citations.  

• You do not need to include the Bible in your bibliography/reference list.

When you are citing a particular passage of Scripture  

• Include the abbreviated name of the book, the chapter number, and the verse number—never a page number. 
• Chapter and verse are separated by a colon.

Example :  1 Cor. 13:4, 15:12-19

Example :  Gn 1:1-2, 2:1-3; Jn 1:1-14

Turabian includes two lists of abbreviations for books of the Bible.  

• A traditional abbreviation list and a shorter abbreviation list. 
• Access  the lists of abbreviations . 
• You may use either list, but be consistent throughout your paper.  Or if you like, you may check with your professor.

Include the name of the version you are citing . 

• Spell out the name of the version, at least in the first reference, or use abbreviations without preceding or internal punctuation. 
• After the first citation indicate the version only if you quote from another version.

** Information taken from A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations , 9 th ed., 2018, sections 17.8.2, 19.8.2, and 24.6.1-4. Note:  A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations , edited by Kate L. Turabian, is an abbreviated version of The Chicago Manual of Style .

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The Constant Work to Keep a Family Connected Has a Name

“Kinkeeping” plays a crucial role in a family’s health and well-being, and it’s still predominantly done by women.

By Danielle Friedman

Every December when Erienne Fawcett was growing up, her rural Minnesota home transformed into a showcase of snowy miniature villages, complete with tiny reindeer and carolers.

As a child, the intricate scenes felt like “pure magic.”

It wasn’t until she was an adult that she realized her experience was the result of “hours and hours and hours of work” by her mother — all part of an elaborate effort to make Christmas special.

Eventually, Ms. Fawcett became a women and gender studies teacher at North Dakota State University, where she taught her students that this form of invisible labor, dedicated to family bonding and magic-making, has a name: kinkeeping.

References to kinkeepers began cropping up in sociology literature in the mid-20th century. Researchers defined the role as a family communicator who helped the extended group stay in touch by sharing family news and planning gatherings.

In recent decades, sociology and psychology researchers have expanded the definition to include things like creating or carrying on family traditions, buying gifts for birthdays and holidays, coordinating medical care and performing all sorts of emotional caregiving.

A kinkeeper is someone who cultivates a sense of “family solidarity or connectedness,” said Carolyn Rosenthal, a professor emeritus of sociology at McMaster University in Canada who researched kinkeeping in the 1980s. It’s someone who, in many ways, is the family glue.

One thing that has remained consistent through the years is that most kinkeepers are women: When researchers sought out kinkeepers for a 2017 study , more than 91 percent of the volunteers were women.

Dawn O. Braithwaite, a professor emeritus of communication studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who coauthored the 2017 study and a related one in 1996 , was struck by how little the gender breakdown had changed over the years.

“I thought that maybe men would have kind of picked this up more because of the technological piece,” given the ease with which we can now communicate via text and social media, she said.

Eve Rodsky, a writer, researcher and activist for fair division of labor at home, believes kinkeeping is still mostly done by women because “We still have a huge time disparity in how women and men use their time.” When women set boundaries on their caregiving time, she added, they can experience guilt and shame.

In 2022, one of Ms. Fawcett’s students, Molly Westcott, a college sophomore, created a TikTok video about kinkeeping that quickly racked up millions of views.

In the video, Ms. Westcott lays out an analogy comparing family life to a play: Men are the actors, and women are the production crew, the ushers and everyone else working offstage.

“There’s a lot of effort and time and energy that goes into a play,” she says in the video. “But at the end of the day, when the play is done, people are not clapping for everything that they did not see.”

The observation struck a chord. “It was really exciting that more people got the vocabulary to describe how they were feeling,” Ms. Westcott, now 20, said in an interview with The New York Times.

Ms. Westcott’s video propelled the term “kinkeeping” into the vernacular, inspiring tens of thousands of comments and responses along with podcast episodes and, last month, recognition as Dictionary.com’s “ Word of the Day .”

In many cases, being a kinkeeper is rewarding. “When it’s done from a place of generosity and agency, it can be really empowering,” said Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a psychiatrist in Austin and the author of “Real Self-Care.” Many kinkeepers genuinely appreciate being the person relatives turn to for emotional support and guidance, or the person responsible for carrying the torch from elder generations.

Kinkeeping fosters a family’s sense of connectedness, identity and well-being, Dr. Rosenthal said. Research also suggests that feeling close and connected to family members supports mental health.

Kinkeepers can also play a crucial role in promoting overall family health, said Caitlin Allen, a social and behavioral scientist at the Medical University of South Carolina who has studied the phenomenon . Kinkeepers even have the potential to save lives by sharing family medical histories and encouraging loved ones to seek out preventative care, she said.

But kinkeeping can be time-consuming — and emotionally heavy.

“When it’s done from a place of resentment or obligation, that’s when you get into trouble,” Dr. Lakshmin said. “Like, is it a real choice?” When kinkeeping feels more like a chore, your mental health — and relationships with family — can start to suffer.

Dr. Braithwaite added that kinkeepers often find themselves “stuck in the middle” of complicated family dynamics or playing the role of “gatekeepers” of important family information — which can come with power, but also stress.

If you are your family’s kinkeeper, a few strategies can help to prevent emotional burnout, the experts said.

A common point of tension is when one family member thinks another is taking on unnecessary work, Ms. Rodsky said. Do the cupcakes really need to be homemade?

Often, however, cupcakes aren’t really about cupcakes — they represent a custom from your childhood that you want to pass on, or they stand for something you didn’t have growing up and want to give your own children. Even seemingly banal tasks can be rich with emotional significance, Ms. Rodsky said.

If you’re not getting the support you need, start by explaining to family members why you do things the way you do. “If we can just step back and spend five minutes on our why ,” she said, “it literally changes everything.”

It’s also important to give yourself grace, said Randi Owsley, a psychotherapist in Boise, Idaho, who co-hosts the Women’s Mental Health podcast and dedicated a series of episodes to kinkeeping. “Self-compassion has a direct impact on reducing stress level,” she said, adding that “in the act of caring for others, we must not forget to care for ourselves.”

If your partner or another member of your family is the kinkeeper, be mindful that this can be “thankless work,” Dr. Braithwaite said.

Simply expressing gratitude for that care — and acknowledging how much work it involves — can help prevent kinkeeper burnout.

And by all means, offer to help: Not only will it take some of the load off a loved one, Ms. Rodsky said, but you will probably benefit, too. Kinkeeping can be a powerful way to nurture your own relationships, and research suggests that relationship quality has an enormous impact on health, happiness and longevity.

“Think about what’s at stake,” she said. “The quality of your relationships is built in these small moments.”

Danielle Friedman is a journalist in New York and the author of “Let’s Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the World.” More about Danielle Friedman

Blog / Savannah Guthrie on the “Bonus Commandment” and Two-Part Salvation

Savannah Guthrie on the “Bonus Commandment” and Two-Part Salvation

What is a favorite Bible passage of yours and why?

Choosing your favorite verse is like choosing your favorite child – it’s kind of impossible! A verse I recite to myself often is, “ I love the Lord for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because of this, I will call on him all the days of my life .”

I also like, “ Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. ”

I just noticed those two verses have a lot in common: mercy! I guess I always feel in need of God’s grace, and grateful to hear that it is unfailingly present.

In Chapter 3, you talk about hearing Mark 12:28-31 on your drive to work one morning, and you say, “a thought occurred, the kind of revelation that feels otherworldly and buzzes with electricity. In a way, a bonus commandment was hidden within the two that Jesus mentioned. Love the Lord God. Love your neighbor. And love yourself.” 

Have you found practical ways to put the “bonus commandment” into practice?

To be honest, it doesn’t come naturally to me. I still have that part of my upbringing that was drilled into me, “don’t think too highly of yourself” or “don’t get too big for your britches.” I am not one to sit around loving myself!

But I do believe, deeply and viscerally, that God loves me… and his loving me makes me more lovable to me. It helps me accept myself. I remember: if he can accept me, then so can I. So should I, in fact.  It is not a spiritual virtue to self-berate and self-condemn; in fact, when we do that we are substituting our own judgment for God’s. He is the judge of our souls, and because of the sacrifice of his Son, his judgment is love.

So really, this is how I can connect to this idea of loving myself. It isn’t about sitting in front of a mirror whispering sweet nothings to myself, giving myself a pep talk with motivational quotes. For me, self-love is about abandoning self-hate. Loving myself because God does.

Throughout the book, you talk about the practice of and practicing Lectio Divina .

• Do you have tips for people who would like to begin this practice?
• How do you stick with it when you are busy ?

This is something I only recently discovered when I signed up for an app called Hallow. It has a daily Lectio Divina that you can listen to – which I think is a great entry point for beginners like me. The narrator reads the verse three times to you, and you sit in silence in between each reading. You can choose how long you want the meditation to be, five minutes or up to thirty minutes!

I have an easily distracted, meandering mind. I’m not good at sitting still, but when I can do the Lectio practice, I have almost always encountered some wisdom from the passage just by sitting with it. I find it to be especially helpful with scriptures that are perplexing or off-putting. When you sit with them for a spell, in the presence of God, it is amazing how the thoughts that can come to the fore are often quite revealing and profound.

My advice is just to try it, even if it seems weird or your mind devolves into thinking about your grocery list or all the stuff you have to do. Just keep at it. Don’t give up. And whatever comes up in your mind as you sit there, no matter how odd it seems, consider whether it is something God is saying to you. I’ve been surprised and delighted many, many times during this practice at how a strange thought that pops into my head about the passage can lead to real revelation.

We ran across what may be extremely practical advice about prayer in Chapter 10 of Mostly What God Does . I’m paraphrasing, but you said that when your feelings “betray you,” you pray “with your imagination.”

• Can you describe that?
• You tie this back to Ephesians 3:20-21 , where it says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” – how did you discover or connect with that verse?

Full credit where it’s due: I got this idea from Shauna Niequist, an amazing writer and now a friend who attends the same church as I do in Manhattan. Her book is called, I Guess I Just Haven’t Learned That Yet . She talks about those moments that we all experience when we are having difficulty with someone close to us, or when we are facing a problem that seems so intractable we cannot find the words to utter in prayer.

Or sometimes, I’ve found that when I am upset about something, I may find my motives to be so mixed that I’m not sure the intent of my prayers are trustworthy and I don’t even know what to pray for. I write a lot about this in the book. (Spoiler alert: I think God wants us to just bring out our whole authentic selves to him – mess and all. That’s prayer.)

Anyway, Shauna talks about praying with your imagination when words or emotions fail you. It can be as simple as imagining the person you love in a place of wholeness, of flourishing, of joy. It is a way of bringing that person to God and bringing the best of your motivations to the forefront, and letting God handle the rest. And I think Ephesians 3:20 is a wonderful corollary when thinking about our imaginations in this way, for God is “able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine.” It’s almost like God had this idea first…!

You write about being tasked with memorizing Psalm 23 as a young girl.  

• How has your understanding of that verse changed over time? 
• When do you turn to Psalm 23  now? 
• You say that God’s words are “meant to be ingested and absorbed into our bloodstream.” If someone isn’t sure where to start absorbing the Bible, is Psalm 23 the passage you would recommend for them to begin?

When I first encountered Psalm 23 , I was a little girl. My older cousin gave me the challenge of memorizing it – the old King James Version to boot! I can assure you I didn’t understand one word. I certainly didn’t get why it was such a famous passage. But I dutifully memorized it, and it stayed with me. Over the years, I have found the words to be peaceful, pastoral and comforting – in my book, I write about literally visualizing the scenes in times of worry and stress. Psalm 23 is a tranquil space for an anxious mind to sit a spell. 

I’ve also come to understand it to be an astoundingly compact and efficient description of our journey of life with God. God is our caretaker, our shepherd, always with us. He provides for our needs: for rest, for sustenance. The psalm also speaks of walking through “the valley of the shadow of death” – a straightforward recognition that life is not all peaceful pastures by trickling streams. We go through dark places. But we won’t be alone. Our path is purposeful, and our destination is assured.

I truly believe Scripture holds divine possibility, especially when mulled and meditated over. To be honest, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest Psalm 23 as an entry point – it can seem a bit abstract and impenetrable at first (it did to me, at least). On the other hand, sometimes it is those verses that seem most opaque and perplexing initially that hold the most treasures once we commit to going deeper.

You quoted Isaiah 30:15 , “In repentance and rest is your salvation.” You talk about how you discovered salvation has two parts. Can you expand on that?

I think we often emphasize the repentance part – and that is appropriate, of course. Recognizing where we have fallen short of love and our need for God’s grace is fundamental. But I think God also calls us to rest in our salvation – not to continually berate ourselves or repeatedly return to our failings.

Resting in our salvation, to me, means absorbing the goodness of God’s mercy and the completeness of our forgiveness, accepting that he sees not the old, flawed us but the new, beautiful creature we are in him. To do that, if we can, is transformative. It has the potential to change how we relate to ourselves and how we move through the world.

You turn to Scripture a lot in your book. What is the most eye-opening moment you experienced from reading the Bible while you were writing?

The biggest revelation came when I was writing an essay about the blessings of faith. “Bless” is one of those words that’s all over our culture (“too blessed to be stressed!” “have a blessed day!” “bless this mess!”), but I came to have a deeper understanding of what the word means in the context of our faith.

I knew the concept of being blessed couldn’t possibly refer to material things, or even necessarily being shown favor by God when we are the recipients of good fortune (although that certainly does happen!). If blessings simply meant “good stuff that happens to you,” how do we explain the beatitudes? (Blessed are the poor in spirit… blessed are the meek, blessed are the persecuted, etc…).

I came to understand that to be blessed in the spiritual sense is simply to receive more of God. So when I pray for a blessing – “God, please bless this travel I must take,” or “bless this difficult task before me” – I’m essentially asking for more of God’s supernatural presence and wisdom, not any particular outcome.

To be blessed is not to have all problems solved, it is to have more divine intervention and presence in a situation. When understood that way, the scriptures about blessings make much more sense to me.

“Loving strangers is hard.” That one sentence pulled from the middle of Chapter 28 rings with truth. Can you explain how God’s love transformed you to see the joy in helping others?

It is a lifelong pursuit to love and care for other humans. None of us are all that good at it. It isn’t necessarily our natural state of being. But when we truly contemplate how God loves us, and let that knowledge really penetrate us, our hearts are inevitably softened, and our horizons broadened; we see that all the love, grace, adoration and delight God has for us extends equally to every single human we encounter.

Every. Single. One.

Again, this is not a rapturous state I walk around in all the time. I live in the real world! But I try to remind myself: we are all God’s children. And if we are all his children, then every human is my brother or sister. We are siblings.

Mostly What God Does  has such a loving and encouraging message. It shows have spent a lot of time reading the Bible, in various versions, to communicate that message. What do you want people to get most out of reading your book?

I hope they receive it as a gentle call to be loved by God – and then, filled with that love, to go out and share it. I think that is the essence of our mission as followers of Jesus.

Often, people of faith recognize the service part. They are aware of our obligation to give and serve others.

But the book reminds us not to miss the first, integral step: fully absorbing and appreciating the love that God has for us. That is what imbues us with a generous spirit, where those acts of love and service are done not out of obligation, but out of an overflowing abundance of love that simply cannot be contained within. 

Mostly what God does is love you.

If we could believe this, really believe this, how different would we be? How different would our lives be? How different would our world be?

Unspooling personal stories from her own joys and sorrows as a daughter, mother, wife, friend, and professional journalist, the award-winning TODAY show coanchor and  New York Times  bestselling author explores the place of faith in everyday life.

Savannah Guthrie  is the co-anchor of NBC News’  TODAY , NBC News’ chief legal correspondent and a primary anchor for the network’s election coverage. She was named cohost of  TODAY  in 2012.

Savannah is a graduate of Georgetown Law, and a  New York Times  bestselling author for her book  Princesses Wear Pants  and the sequel  Princesses Save the World . She is the executive producer of the Netflix show “Princess Power,” based on the book series. Savannah is married to communications consultant Mike Feldman and the couple has a daughter, Vale, and a son, Charley.

Mostly What God Does   is published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.

Related posts:

• Latest Bible-Related Research
• God Is Our Shepherd: Meditate on the 23rd Psalm
• What Are the Beatitudes? Why Are the Beatitudes Important?
• Finding Freedom from the Fear of Not Having Enough: An Interview with Jack Alexander
• Self-Guided Tour of the Bible: An Interview with Christopher Hudson

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