How to Cite the Bible in MLA Format: Basic Rules with Examples

Citing the Bible in Modern Language Association (MLA) format is essential for academic and scholarly writing. Whether you are working on a research paper, essay, or any other document, knowing how to properly cite biblical passages is crucial for maintaining accuracy and credibility. In this guide, we will provide you with the basic rules and examples for citing the Bible in MLA format.

Why Citing the Bible Matters

Citing the Bible is important for several reasons:

1. Scholarly Integrity: Proper citation demonstrates your commitment to scholarly rigor by acknowledging the sources you have used.
2. Avoiding Plagiarism: Failure to cite biblical passages can result in accusations of plagiarism, a serious academic offense.
3. Contextual Clarity: Accurate citations help your readers locate the specific verses or passages you are referencing, ensuring clarity and comprehension.

Basic Rules for Citing the Bible in MLA

To cite the Bible in MLA format, follow these basic rules:

1. The Title

The title of the Bible should be italicized or underlined, depending on your preference, but be consistent throughout your document. You can use either “The Bible” or the specific edition you are using, such as the “King James Version” or the “New International Version.”

2. In-Text Citations

When citing a specific passage or verse in your text, include the book name, chapter, and verse, separated by periods. Use a colon to separate the chapter and verse. For example: (John 3:16).

3. The Works Cited Page

When including the Bible in your Works Cited page, follow this format:

• Title: Begin with the title of the Bible, italicized or underlined, followed by a comma.
• Editor (if applicable): If your edition has an editor, include their name preceded by “Edited by” or “Ed.” followed by a comma.
• Publisher: Include the name of the publisher, followed by a comma.
• Year: Specify the publication year, followed by a period.

Here is a basic example for citing the Bible in your Works Cited page:

The Bible. Edited by John Smith, Oxford University Press, 2020.

Examples of In-Text Citations

When citing specific verses or passages from the Bible in your text, follow these examples:

• (Genesis 1:1) – Citing a verse from Genesis.
• (Exodus 20:1-17) – Citing multiple verses from Exodus.
• (John 1:14, KJV) – Citing a verse from the King James Version (KJV).

Note on Abbreviations

Common abbreviations for books of the Bible can be used in in-text citations. For example:

• Gen. for Genesis
• Exod. for Exodus
• Ps. for Psalms

Ensure that your abbreviations are consistent throughout your document.

Conclusion

Citing the Bible in MLA format is a straightforward process when you understand the basic rules. Remember to provide clear in-text citations and format your Works Cited entry correctly. By following these guidelines, you can maintain the integrity of your scholarly work while referencing this important source accurately. Always check the latest MLA style guide for any updates or specific requirements related to biblical citations.