How to Cite Scripture in APA Format

The American Psychological Association citation style, or APA, was created in 1929 according to the APA's website. This style utilizes in-text parenthetical citations within a written report to acknowledge another writer's work. Scripture from the Bible requires a slightly different treatment than other book formats, because it is a major and well-known work. A simple citation within the text will still allow your reading audience to know what you are citing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the edition of the Bible you will be using. Because the Bible and scripture has been printed in so many different editions, be sure to state which one you are using, such as the King James Version.

    • 2

      Create an in-text citation for the first reference to the Bible. Include the book of the Bible and the exact section you are quoting, followed by the title of the version of the Bible. All of this information should be encapsulated in parenthesis. For example: (2 Cor. 5:17 King James Version).

      This citation should fall at the very end of the sentence in which the scripture is used.

    • 3

      Cite the scripture only the first time you use it within the written work. The version of the Bible you use in the written report will be the essential citation information your readers will require. If you switch Bible versions to quote scripture later on in the paper, you will need to create another in-text citation for the scripture from that Bible version.

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