How to Quote the Bible APA
Quoting the Bible in APA format is an essential skill for students and researchers in various academic fields. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides specific guidelines for citing religious texts, including the Bible. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to quote the Bible in APA format, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent.
General Guidelines for Quoting the Bible in APA
When quoting the Bible in APA format, it is crucial to follow these general guidelines:
1. Include the full title of the Bible, the version, and the publication information in the reference list.
2. Use the book, chapter, and verse numbers to identify the specific passage being cited.
3. Capitalize the first letter of the first word in each book title and the first word after any punctuation marks.
4. Use parentheses to enclose the verse numbers when directly quoting the Bible.
Direct Quotations
For direct quotations, include the book, chapter, and verse numbers within parentheses after the quote. Here’s an example:
According to the Apostle Paul, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
Indirect Quotations
When paraphrasing or summarizing a Bible passage, include the book, chapter, and verse numbers in parentheses at the end of the sentence or paragraph. For example:
In his letter to the Romans, Paul emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:17).
Block Quotes
Block quotes are longer quotations that are set apart from the main text. To format a block quote in APA style, use a new paragraph and begin the quote on a new line, indented one inch from the left margin. Include the book, chapter, and verse numbers at the end of the quote:
The Apostle Paul writes, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
Reference List Entry
When citing the Bible in the reference list, include the following information:
– The full title of the Bible
– The version
– The publication information (publisher, city, and year of publication)
For example:
New American Standard Bible. (1995). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively quote the Bible in APA format, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent with the APA style.
