How do I cite the Bible in AMA?

To cite the Bible in AMA (11th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What does the in-text citation look like for the Bible in AMA?

In AMA, the in-text citation for the example above is John 3:16 (New Revised Standard Version)

How to Cite the Bible in AMA (11th edition)

Learn how to cite the Bible, scripture, and other sacred texts in AMA format (11th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

AMA Reference List Format

Here is the standard AMA format for citing the Bible in your reference list:

Cited in the text, not the reference list: John 3:16 (New Revised Standard Version).

AMA Example for the Bible

A complete AMA reference for the Bible, formatted by the official AMA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

1. The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. Meridian Bibles; 1989.

Matching in-text citation: 1

AMA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

John 3:16 (New Revised Standard Version)

Narrative

John 3:16 (NRSV) states...

Key AMA Formatting Rules

AMA cites the Bible in the running text, not the reference list.
Give the book, chapter, and verse with a colon (e.g., John 3:16) — never a page number.
Name the version in parentheses on first mention (e.g., New Revised Standard Version).
Use the standard abbreviations for the books of the Bible.

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your Bible.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the AMA (11th edition) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match AMA requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

CSL style record: ama.csl

Metadata to collect

version or translation
book, chapter and verse
publisher and year of the edition, when the style requires them
URL for an online edition

Common metadata traps

Name the version in the first citation; translations word verses differently.
Cite book, chapter and verse, never page numbers.

Editorial sources

AMA Manual of Style — online edition →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite the Bible in AMA?: To cite the Bible in AMA (11th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the AMA format for the Bible citation?: The AMA format for the Bible is: Cited in the text, not the reference list: John 3:16 (New Revised Standard Version).
What does the in-text citation look like for the Bible in AMA?: In AMA, the in-text citation for the example above is John 3:16 (New Revised Standard Version)