How do you cite the Bible in APA style? Proper citation of the Bible in APA format is essential for academic integrity and ensuring that readers can locate the specific passages referenced in your work. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides specific guidelines for citing religious texts, including the Bible. In this article, we will explore the correct APA citation format for the Bible, including the Bible version, book, chapter, and verse information.
The first step in citing the Bible in APA style is to identify the version of the Bible you are using. This information is crucial because different versions may have different page numbers and formatting. For example, you might use the New King James Version (NKJV), the New International Version (NIV), or the King James Version (KJV). Once you have identified the version, you can proceed with the citation format.
To cite a specific verse from the Bible in APA style, follow this format:
For example, if you are citing the first verse of the book of Genesis from the NKJV, the citation would be:
NKJV, Genesis [Gen.], 1:1(1).
In this citation, “NKJV” stands for the New King James Version, “Genesis” is the book, “Gen.” is the abbreviated form of Genesis, “1:1” is the verse number, and “1” is the page number where the verse is located in the NKJV.
When citing a passage that spans multiple verses, include the starting and ending verse numbers separated by a hyphen. For instance:
NKJV, Genesis [Gen.], 1:1-5(1-5).
If you need to reference the entire book of Genesis, simply include the book name and the abbreviation, followed by the page range that covers the entire book:
NKJV, Genesis [Gen.], 1-50(1-50).
In some cases, you may need to cite a specific section or paragraph within a book. To do this, include the paragraph number after the verse number:
NKJV, Genesis [Gen.], 1:1-5(1-5, para. 1).
Remember that the page number is only necessary if you are citing a specific passage within the text. If you are citing the entire book, the page number is not required.
When referencing the Bible in the text of your paper, use parentheses to include the verse number(s) and the abbreviation of the book. For example:
According to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1).
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations of the Bible in APA style are accurate and consistent. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also helps readers locate the specific passages you are referencing, enhancing the credibility of your work.
