Answered By: Lindsey Sinnott
Last Updated: Jan 07, 2019     Views: 296842

With MLA style, you need to cite the Bible two ways: in the text of your paper, and on your Works Cited page.

In Text

The first time you include a quote from the Bible, you need to include the translation, chapter (abbreviated), book, and verse, like this:

Paul urges Christians to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (English Standard Version, Rom. 12.2).

If you include quotations from the same translation later in your paper, you only need to include the book, chapter, and verse:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4.6-7).

Works Cited

On your works cited page, your citation should include the translation you used; the editor's name, if given; and the publication information. Examples are given below (note that The Message is slightly different because it has an author, not an editor).

Printed Bibles

The English Standard Version Bible. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.

The New Oxford Annotated Bible. Ed. Michael D. Coogan. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print.

Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2002. Print.

Bible Gateway

English Standard Version. Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Oct. 2012.

Peterson, Eugene H. The Message. Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Oct. 2012.

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Comments (7)

  1. This a good way of learning !!! Awsome
    by jordan on Jan 13, 2013
  2. Thank you so MUCH!! it was a great help..
    by Lily on Nov 30, 2015
  3. this was very helpful, quick and straight to the point. Thank you.
    by monica on Oct 04, 2016
  4. this was extremely helpful for my research paper, thank you.
    by Mari F on Nov 13, 2016
  5. I thank you for your help, of great value, I did not make the error of quotation again.
    .
    by Henrique on Jun 26, 2017
  6. This was so helpful! Thank you for having examples it made it easier to understand.
    by Jill on Jan 25, 2018
  7. The most useful article on how to cite from the Bible after reading 10-15 articles. Quick and easy-to-understand concepts because of the great examples given. Thank you! R.S. Chao (Technical & Medical Writer & Author)
    by R.S. Chao on Nov 29, 2020

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