How to Intext Cite the Bible
Citing the Bible in your academic work is a common practice, especially in theological, religious, or historical studies. Proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the original source. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to intext cite the Bible accurately.
Understanding the Format
Before diving into the specifics of how to intext cite the Bible, it’s important to understand the format. The Bible is divided into books, chapters, and verses. Each book has a unique name, and each verse is numbered sequentially within its respective chapter. This format is essential for accurate citation.
Using the APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is one of the most widely used citation formats in the humanities. When citing the Bible in APA style, you need to include the book’s name, the verse reference, and the edition of the Bible being used. Here’s an example:
> “As Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14, NIV).”
In this example, “Matthew 19:14” refers to the 19th chapter, 14th verse of the book of Matthew, and “NIV” stands for the New International Version of the Bible.
Using the MLA Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is another popular citation format. When citing the Bible in MLA style, you need to include the book’s name, the verse reference, and the edition of the Bible. Here’s an example:
> Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14, NIV).
In this example, the format is slightly different from APA, as the book’s name is mentioned in the text itself, followed by the verse reference and the edition.
Using the Chicago Style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) has two systems: the author-date system and the notes-bibliography system. When citing the Bible in CMS author-date style, you need to include the book’s name, the verse reference, and the edition. Here’s an example:
> Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14, NIV).
In CMS notes-bibliography style, you would include the book’s name, the verse reference, and the edition in the notes section. Here’s an example:
> According to Matthew 19:14 (NIV), Jesus emphasized the importance of allowing children to come to him.
Conclusion
Intext citing the Bible may seem like a simple task, but it’s essential to follow the appropriate citation format to ensure accuracy and credibility in your academic work. By understanding the format and following the guidelines for APA, MLA, and CMS styles, you can effectively cite the Bible in your research.
