How do I cite the Bible in Bluebook?

To cite the Bible in Bluebook (21st edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What is the Bluebook format for the Bible citation?

The Bluebook format requires specific elements like author, title, date, and source location arranged in a particular order.

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

In Bluebook, the in-text citation for the example above is The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (1989).

How to Cite the Bible in Bluebook (21st edition)

Learn how to cite the Bible, scripture, and other sacred texts in Bluebook format (21st edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Bluebook Bibliography Format

Here is the standard Bluebook format for citing the Bible in your bibliography:

Bluebook Example for the Bible

Bluebook does not give the Bible an entry in the bibliography — it is cited in a note only. Here is that note, formatted by the official Bluebook CSL style definition:

The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (1989).

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 Bluebook (21st 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 bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Bluebook 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: bluebook.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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite the Bible in Bluebook?: To cite the Bible in Bluebook (21st edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the Bluebook format for the Bible citation?: The Bluebook format requires specific elements like author, title, date, and source location arranged in a particular order.
What does the in-text citation look like for the Bible in Bluebook?: In Bluebook, the in-text citation for the example above is The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (1989).