Citing the Bible is a frequent practice in academic writing, but the format of the citation depends on the style guide you choose. According to Chicago Style rules, the format of full and short notes has unique compounds that differ from other types of sources. Accurately citing the Bible in chicago style provides credibility and academic integrity in your academic work. This article aims to outline the chicago style citation format for the Bible including examples.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- 1 How to cite a Bible in Chicago Style – In a Nutshell
- 2 Definition: How to cite a Bible in Chicago style
- 3 How to cite a Bible in Chicago style: In the text
- 4 How to cite a Bible in Chicago style: Abbreviations
- 5 How to cite a Bible in Chicago style: Different versions
- 6 How to cite a Bible in Chicago style: multiple verses or chapters
- 7 FAQs
How to cite a Bible in Chicago Style – In a Nutshell
- Include the book, chapter, verse, and version.
- Include citations either in the body of your text within brackets or footnotes.
- Including the Bible in your bibliography or reference list is not necessary.
Definition: How to cite a Bible in Chicago style
To quote in Chicago style, we usually list the book of the Bible, followed by the chapter (or psalm), verse(s), and Bible version.
Next, we will consider three different formats, depending on whether your citation is in the main text, in brackets, or as a footnote.
| In the text: | In 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV), the apostle Paul related: "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." |
| In brackets: | The apostle Paul wrote: "… the greatest of these is charity." (1 Corinthians 13:13 [NIV]) |
| In a footnote: | 1. Corinthians 13:13 (NIV). |
Note: The format differs from other publications when considering how to cite a Bible in Chicago style.
How to cite a Bible in Chicago style: In the text
Chicago style allows traditional or shorter abbreviations for Bible books in brackets and footnote citations. However, we generally use the longer name in the main text and always for the initial mention.
In addition, give the chapter and verse numbers separated with a colon, then the version.
Example
From the Second Book of Timothy (English Standard Version).
- As stated in the Bible, God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
This format applies to the Old and the New Testaments, including the Gospels and the Apostles’ letters.
Example
- The Gospel of John tells us: “Jesus wept.”
- (John 11:35, NIV).
How to cite a Bible in Chicago style: Abbreviations
We can abbreviate the names of the books of the Old and New Testaments using either traditional or shorter book name abbreviations. Traditional abbreviations have a full stop after the abbreviated name, except for short book titles such as Joel, Luke, or John.
In contrast, some shorter abbreviations may appear less intuitive at first sight. You can use either set, but avoid alternating within the same document. Also, your staff may issue guidance regarding which group to use.
| Full name: | Traditional abbreviation: | Shorter abbreviation: |
| 2 Corinthians | 2 Cor. | 1 Cor |
| John (Gospel) | John | Jn |
| Revelation (Apocalypse) | Rev. | Rv |
Additionally, we can abbreviate version names and sections of the Bible. For example, the abbreviation ARV usually suffices instead of writing American Revised Version in full.
A complete list of abbreviations can be found below.
How to cite a Bible in Chicago style: Different versions
Over the centuries, translations of ancient scriptures have given rise to various Bible versions. Essays, university dissertations, and other academic papers citing the Bible should specify the version. Use the full or abbreviated version title as mentioned above.
Example:
- “Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.”
- Colossians 3:2 (ASV).
The above refers to the American Standard Version of Colossians, chapter 3, verse 2.
| Abbreviations: | Full title: |
| AV | Authorized (King James) Version |
| NEB | New English Bible |
| RSV | Revised Standard Version |
Citing one Bible version
When citing a single version of the Bible in a footnote, give the version after the book, chapter, and verse.
Examples:
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV).
- Colossians 3:2 (RSV).
These refer to the New International Version and Revised Standard Version, respectively.
Citing multiple Bible versions
Include the version name after the first citation. Subsequently, indicate only the version(s) if you quote from variations. Moreover, if you adjust the format to align with the citations, readers can easily compare version wording differences.
Example:
- Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 (NIV).
- Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (NRS).
- Think about the things above and not things on earth (CEB).
The above examples of how to cite a Bible in Chicago style quote the New International Version, the New Revised Standard Version, and the Common English Bible, respectively.
How to cite a Bible in Chicago style: multiple verses or chapters
We cite various verses or chapters using an “en” dash, e.g., Gen 1:1-5, to refer to the first five verses of Genesis.
Note:
- Use the “en” or short dash (–)
- Do not use long hyphens (-) to link the chapter and verse numbers
FAQs
Use a hyphen to link the verse numbers cited.
In the above example, to add the preceding verse, we use:
1 Corinthians 13:12-13.
You can also see how to cite a Bible in Chicago style for multiple versions above.
No, do not include page numbers. These depend on book runs and print settings.
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) covers American English usage and is a reference for citations and formatting.
