Cite the Bible in footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical citations.
- You do not need to include the Bible in your bibliography/reference list.
When you are citing a particular passage of Scripture
- Include the abbreviated name of the book, the chapter number, and the verse number—never a page number.
- Chapter and verse are separated by a colon.
Example: 1 Cor. 13:4, 15:12-19
Example: Gn 1:1-2, 2:1-3; Jn 1:1-14
Turabian includes two lists of abbreviations for books of the Bible.
- Access the lists of abbreviations.
- You may use either list, but be consistent throughout your paper. Or if you like, you may check with your professor.
Include the name of the version you are citing.
- Spell out the name of the version, at least in the first reference, or use abbreviations without preceding or internal punctuation.
- After the first citation indicate the version only if you quote from another version.
| Examples of parenthetical citation |
Examples of footnote or endnote |
| (Gen. 12:1-3 [Revised Standard Version]) |
1. Ps. 139:13-16 (NAB) |
| (Jn 3:16-17 [NAB]) |
2. Eph 6:10-17 |
Adapted from the Henry Buhl Library's guide "Citing the Bible and Other Biblical Resources."
