How to Reference the Bible APA
The Bible, as one of the most influential religious texts in the world, is often cited in academic papers across various disciplines. When referencing the Bible in an APA (American Psychological Association) style document, it is important to follow the specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to reference the Bible in APA format.
General Format
The general format for referencing the Bible in APA style includes the following elements: author, book, chapter, verse, and edition (if applicable). The format is as follows:
Author. (Year). Book, chapter: verse. In Editor (Ed.), Title of the Edition (edition number). Publisher.
For example:
Matthew. (c. 80). Matthew, 5:14. In R. H. Gundry (Ed.), The New International Version: The Holy Bible (4th ed.). Zondervan.
Specific Guidelines
1. Author: If the Bible is not attributed to a specific author, use “Author” followed by a period. For example: “Author. (Year). Book, chapter: verse.”
2. Book: Use the proper name of the book in the Bible. For example: “Matthew,” “Romans,” or “Revelation.”
3. Chapter and Verse: Include the chapter and verse number, separated by a colon. For example: “5:14.”
4. Edition: If you are referencing a specific edition of the Bible, include the title of the edition and the edition number. For example: “The New International Version (4th ed.).”
5. Publisher: If the Bible is published by a specific publisher, include the publisher’s name. For example: “Zondervan.”
Online Sources
When referencing the Bible from an online source, include the URL in addition to the other elements mentioned above. The format is as follows:
Author. (Year). Book, chapter: verse. In Editor (Ed.), Title of the Edition (edition number). Publisher. Retrieved from URL
For example:
John. (c. 100). John, 3:16. In R. H. Gundry (Ed.), The New International Version: The Holy Bible (4th ed.). Zondervan. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NIV
Conclusion
Referencing the Bible in APA style is essential for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that readers can easily locate the source. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, researchers can accurately reference the Bible in their papers and contribute to the scholarly conversation.
