How to Cite the Bible in APA (7th edition)

Learn how to cite the Bible, scripture, and other sacred texts in APA format (7th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

APA Reference List Format

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

APA Example for the Bible

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

Matching in-text citation: (The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version, 1989)

APA In-Text Citation

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

Key APA Formatting Rules

• Treat the Bible like a book: start with the version as the title and give the year of the edition.
• Add the original publication year at the end as (Original work published Year) when two dates apply.
• Cite the book, chapter, and verse with canonical numbering — never a page number; separate chapter and verse with a colon.
• Name the version in every in-text citation, e.g. (King James Bible, 1769/2017, John 3:16).

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your Bible.
2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the APA (7th edition) template shown above.
3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
4. Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match APA requirements.

Cite the Bible in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in APA

More Resources

• Free Citation Generator (10,834 styles)
• Free Writing Tools
• Compare Citation Styles
• All Citation Guides
• Cheat Sheets (APA, MLA, Chicago)
• Citation Glossary (et al., ibid., DOI, hanging indent)