Introduction
MLA citation style is a documentation method that extends beyond academia. The style provides writers with a framework to properly credit their sources. Similar to other citation styles, the Modern Language Association (MLA) has specific guidelines for citing sources like the Bible. In this article, we’ll explore how to cite the Bible using MLA’s guidelines, including tips, tricks, common mistakes to avoid, and essential citation rules.
The Ultimate Guide to Citing the Bible in MLA Format
A brief history of Bible citation in academic writing includes early research works that emphasized using standard citation styles for religious materials. Over time, as different Bible versions and translations were made available, it became necessary to lay out a standard citation format.
MLA citation style provides a comprehensive guide to properly citing the Bible in research papers, including the Works Cited page. The Bible citation format in MLA style varies slightly depending on the Bible version, source, and medium of publication.
How to cite the Bible in the Works Cited page
In the Works Cited page of your research paper, follow the following guidelines when citing the Bible:
Name of Version. Publisher, Publication Year.
The general structure of an MLA citation for the Bible should take the following format:
Example: The Holy Bible: King James Version. Oxford UP, 1998.
Citing the Bible in MLA: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Here is a step-by-step tutorial to help you cite the Bible in MLA format without missing vital details:
Step 1: Determine the edition of the Bible
The edition of the bible should be specified in the Works Cited page. Identification information includes the title of the version, the publisher’s name, and the year of publication. You should indicate whether the version is printed, digital, or both when citing them.
Step 2: Determine the source of the citation
The source of the citation implies where the quote was taken from. This could be a range of different sources, including a specific book, chapter, a verse, or an epistle. You must cite the source accurately to ensure consistency and credibility.
Step 3: Determine the medium of the citation
Another essential detail is the medium of the citation. This refers to how the Bible was accessed. Whether you cited the Bible in print, online, on an Application software program, or in a mobile device might affect how the citation is made.
Step 4: Follow the correct format for in-text citation
The in-text citation style adopted by the Modern Language Association for most sources is the author-page style, which functions similarly to APA style. However, when citing the Bible, remember to exclude the standard in-text citation style used for other sources. Instead, you should reference the name of the book, chapter, verse, or epistle of the Bible you’re citing.
Understanding MLA Bible Citation: Tips and Tricks
Here are few tips and tricks to help you cite the Bible correctly in MLA format:
How to cite multiple versions or editions of the Bible
If you cite more than one version or edition of the Bible in your paper, you should list them in your Works Cited page. Additionally, try to identify which version came first before the others to maintain consistency throughout your paper. For instance, if you reference a later edition of the King James Bible but used the original King James for most of your research, the former should come second on the list.
How to handle multiple biblical citations in one sentence
If you need to cite multiple biblical quotations, list each source citation in brackets, separated by semicolons, before a single set of opening and closing quotation marks:
Example: “Follow peace with everyone, and [follow] holiness; without which no one shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14; Col. 3:14).
How to cite non-Biblical sources that reference the Bible
If you’re citing non-Biblical sources that reference the Bible, you should cite them in your Works Cited page. For example, if you’re citing a dictionary or an encyclopedia that references the Bible, use the dictionary not the Bible citation format in MLA.
MLA Citation Style for Biblical Sources: Dos and Don’ts
Here are some common dos and don’ts when using MLA citation style for biblical sources:
Common mistakes to avoid when citing the Bible
- Do not italicize or underline the title of the Bible when citing.
- Do not include publisher’s location when citing the Bible.
- Do not include URL or DOI when citing the Bible
Best practices for citing the Bible in academic writing
- Always use hanging indent when formatting your citation
- Use quotations to reference any section of the Bible that’s less than three lines long.
- If a particular verse in a segment of your paper requires more than one word to be changed or modified, place them in brackets to indicate this clearly.
Examples of proper and incorrect Bible citation
Here are examples of proper and incorrect Bible citations:
Incorrect: The Holy Bible: King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
Correct: The Holy Bible: King James Version. Oxford UP, 1998.
Incorrect: The Creation of the World. Genesis 1:1-4
Correct: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth…” (Gen. 1.1).
Bible Citation in MLA Format: Essential Rules and Examples
Here is a detailed explanation of MLA citation rules for the Bible, with examples:
How to cite a book of the bible in MLA format
In the Works Cited Page:
Last name, First name. Book name: Chapter Number(s). Name of bible version, publisher, publication year.
Example:
John, the Apostle. The Gospel According to John: Chapters 3-5. King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
In-text Citation:
Example:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
How to cite multiple books of the Bible in MLA format
In the Works Cited Page:
Last Name, First Name. Book name: Chapter Number(s). Name of bible version, publisher, publication year.
Example:
Moses. Genesis 1-6; Matthew 1-4. King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
In-text Citation:
Example:
“And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament…” (Gen. 1.7-8).
A Foolproof Guide to Correctly Citing the Bible Using MLA Style
Here is a summary of the key points covered in this article, along with some final tips:
Summary of key points covered in the article
When citing the Bible in MLA format, follow these steps:
- Determine the edition of the Bible
- Determine the source of the citation
- Determine the medium of the citation
- Follow the correct in-text citation format
Final tips for correctly citing the Bible
Here are a few final tips to help you correctly cite the Bible:
- Always use a consistent citation style for your paper
- Proofread your citations carefully before submitting your final work
- Whenever in doubt, consult a style guide or seek help from your instructor
Conclusion
Citing the Bible is critical for academic work, and appropriate citation techniques must be used to avoid plagiarism. By using the techniques described in this ultimate guide to citing the Bible in MLA format, writers can ensure their work is both well-cited and well-researched, while adhering to MLA’s citation guidelines for the Bible. Proper citation builds on academic integrity and protects against common mistakes that could pose a risk to one’s credibility.
