Answered By: Timothy Grasso
Last Updated: Jul 02, 2021     Views: 1491

Chicago/ Turabian: from the Chicago Manual of Style (7th ed.) For more detailed information consult the SBL Handbook of Style.

"Jewish or Christian scriptures usually appear in text citations or notes rather than in bibliographies. Parenthetical or note references to the Bible should include book (in roman and usually abbreviated), chapter, and verse—never a page number. A colon is used between chapter and verse. Note that the traditional abbreviations use periods but the shorter forms do not." Always include the biblical version with the citation (e.g. NRSV, TNIV, ESV, etc.).

Traditional abbreviations:

  • 1 Thess. 4:11, 5:2–5, 5:14.
  • Heb. 13:8, 13:12.
  • Gen. 25:19–36:43.

Shorter abbreviations:

  • 2 Sm 11:1–17, 11:26–27; 1 Chr 10:13–14.
  • Jo 5:9–12; Mt 26:2–5.

When using note style, cite the scripture in a footnote/endnote; when using author-date style, cite the scripture reference in parentheses. Do not include the bible in your bibliography when citing scripture passages.

Biblical texts can be included in a Chicago/Turabian style bibliography if you are citing an introduction, commentary, or other non-textual element of the work, unique to that particular edition. In that case you may cite the passage like a normal book with the specific page number of that edition.

APA: from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.)

"Reference list entries are not required for major classical works, such as ancient Greek and Roman works or classical religious works; simply identify in the first citation in the text the version you used [emphasis added]." Use traditional chapter and verse instead of page numbers.