# >> College & Higher Education >> College

How to Cite a Scripture From the Bible in MLA Format for an Essay or Paper

The Modern Language Association style is the standard for scholarly writing. The style guide lays out how to write a term paper so it conforms to the structure used by academic writers. MLA style is widely used in the humanities, specifically in writing about language and literature. Writers are often required to cite other works when writing scholarly essays or term papers. The standards for citing all works include certain rules regarding the author, title and publication information of the original work being cited. In the case of the Bible, MLA style varies from the standard format.

Instructions

- 1
  Cite your first selection from the Bible in your paper. Use quotation marks around the actual words quoted from the Bible.
- 2
  Write the citation in parenthesis right after the quote. The first citation should include the edition of the Bible, and then book, chapter and verse. For example: (New International Version, Genesis. 3.15). MLA style requires a period between chapter and verse but acknowledges that a colon is customarily used. You do not need to underline the name of the edition of the Bible being used.
- 3
  Write your next quote from the Bible. Write your citation immediately after the quote with book, chapter and verse. For example: (Gen. 2.5). MLA style accepts the names of the books of the Bible as abbreviations in citations. You do not need to include the edition of the Bible you are using after the first citation unless you are citing a different version of the Bible.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Criminal Science?

How to Cite a Graph