Abbreviations. The titles of the books of the Bible are often abbreviated in parenthetical citations. Refer to this list of abbreviations from Grove City College to see the recommended abbreviations.
Books and versions of the Bible are NOT:
Writing an exegesis? Helpful instructions on how to cite Bible commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and more.
View also our exegesis guide for examples of commentaries, dictionaries and concordances found at the library.
Parenthetical references to books of the Bible include the edition in the first citation (especially if you use more than one edition in your essay). They always include chapter (abbreviated) and verse. Underline or italicize the title of the version you're using:
If you're only using one version of the Bible, you may omit the title of your version/translation from subsequent citations:
Name of the Edition Italicized. Name of Editor, ed. City of Publication, State if not well-known city: Publisher, Date. Source and Medium of Publication.
* Note: Citations are single-spaced here, but be sure to double-space your Works Cited page.