How to Cite the Bible in a Scientific Research Paper

Include book, chapter and verse when adding Bible quotes to a paper.

Including quotations from the Bible in a scientific paper or research paper is a step that requires appropriate citations. Depending on the format desired, citations may vary slightly, whether they are in-text citations or citations on the cited works page at the end of the paper. Modern Language Association (MLA) style is the usual formatting style used in research papers.

Instructions

MLA In-Text Citation

1. Place double quotation marks around the in-text citation.

2. Place the parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence or paragraph that includes the quote.

3. Include the version of the Bible quoted and the book, chapter and verse from which the quotation was taken. Italicize the Bible version (translation). The title of the book of the Bible used is capitalized but not italicized. A comma separates the version from the book. The title is followed by the number of the chapter and the number(s) of the verse(s). A period separates the chapter from the verse(s). Use a hyphen to designate continuous verses and a comma to separate verses from the same chapter that are not quoted in succession.

4. Drop the version in later quotations if the later quotes are from the same version.

MLA Works Cited Page

1. Italicize the specific edition or version of the Bible used, and follow it with a period.

2. Add any editor's names associated with that version, and follow with a period.

3. Include the city of publication, and follow with a colon.

4. Add the name of the publisher, followed by a comma, and then add the year of publication, followed by a period. Include the publication medium, such as print or web.

References

• Purdue Online Writing Lab; MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics; Tony Russell, et al.; December 2010
• Purdue Online Writing Lab; MLA Works Cited Page: Books; Tonay Russell, et al.; May 2010