How to Cite a Bible Verse APA
Citing a Bible verse in APA format can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are not familiar with the rules and guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA). However, with a few simple steps, you can easily include a Bible verse in your APA-style document. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to cite a Bible verse in APA format, including the format for both in-text citations and the reference list.
When citing a Bible verse in APA format, it is important to note that the verse should be included in the text of your document. To do this, you will need to use parentheses to enclose the verse number(s) and, if applicable, the chapter number. For example:
According to the Apostle Paul, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6, NIV).
In this example, the verse is cited in the text with the verse number (6) and chapter number (Philippians 4). The book of the Bible is also included in the parentheses, followed by the abbreviation for the version of the Bible being cited (NIV, which stands for New International Version).
When including the Bible verse in the reference list, you will need to list the book, chapter, and verse number(s) in parentheses, followed by the name of the Bible version. For example:
Philippians 4:6 (NIV).
It is important to note that the reference list entry should not include the publisher or publication date, as the Bible is a religious text that is not published in the traditional sense.
When citing a Bible verse that spans multiple chapters, you will need to include both the starting and ending chapter numbers in parentheses. For example:
According to the Apostle Paul, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV).
In this example, the verse spans two chapters (12 and 13) and is cited in the text accordingly.
In conclusion, citing a Bible verse in APA format is a straightforward process that involves including the verse number(s) and chapter number in parentheses within the text and listing the book, chapter, and verse number(s) in parentheses in the reference list. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your APA-style document is both accurate and professional.
