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How to Quote the Bible in a Term Paper

Quoting a passage from a book or article is standard content when writing a term paper. Quotes allow the writer to bolster the points he or she is making. A well chosen quote can add interest and depth to a term paper. While the Bible is a book, it is unique in how it is referenced in that you do not include the author's name or a page reference. Unlike most books, there are many different translations of the Bible. You will need to cite which translation you are quoting from.

Things You'll Need

  • Specific quote or quotes to be included in the term paper.
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Instructions

    • 1

      To look up a particular passage by using key words, use a concordance, found in the reference section of most libraries, or use the key word search in an online bible website. Biblegateway.com. has many English translations available. The New Revised Standard Version is available only at bible.oremus.org

    • 2

      Type the passage into your paper word-for-word as it is written in the translation you are quoting from. Use double quote marks at the beginning and end of the passage.

      You can save some time by calling up the passage online and copying and pasting it into the body of your term paper.

      For example: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

    • 3

      Add the book reference.

      After the quote include the Bible book reference the quote was taken from. If the name of the book is longer than 4 letters the name may be abbreviated.

      The passage in Step 1 is taken from the book of Hebrews. Heb. or Hebrews can be used in citing the passage. The completed citation will be in parentheses.

      The quote so far: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb.

    • 4

      Add the chapter number and the verse numbers. Put a colon after the chapter number to separate it from the verse number(s).

      "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb 4:12-14

    • 5

      Add the translation reference. The first quote in the term paper will include the name of the translation you are quoting from. Names are usually abbreviated. Some commonly used abbreviations for popular translations are:
      New International Version, NIV
      New American Standard Bible, NASB
      King James Version, KJV
      New Revised Standard, NRS or NRSV

      The completed quote: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Heb 4:12-14 NIV)

    • 6

      Include the translation name abbreviation in the quote reference the first time you quote from that translation. If you change Bible translations, the first time you quote from a different translation, include the abbreviated name in that reference.

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