How do I cite the Bible in Chicago?

To cite the Bible in Chicago (17th 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 Chicago?

In Chicago, the in-text citation for the example above is Note: 1 Cor. 13:4 (New Revised Standard Version)

How to Cite the Bible in Chicago (17th edition)

Learn how to cite the Bible, scripture, and other sacred texts in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Chicago Bibliography Format

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

Not listed in the bibliography — cite in a note: 1. 1 Cor. 13:4 (New Revised Standard Version).

Chicago Example for the Bible

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

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

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

Chicago In-Text Citation

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

Parenthetical

Note: 1 Cor. 13:4 (New Revised Standard Version)

Narrative

As 1 Cor. 13:4 (NRSV) explains...

Key Chicago Formatting Rules

Do not include the Bible in the bibliography — cite it in a note or in the text.
Give the abbreviated book, chapter, and verse, separated by a colon (e.g., 1 Cor. 13:4) — never a page number.
Spell out the version in the first citation; later citations may use its abbreviation, such as (NRSV).
Books of the Bible are not italicized.

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 Chicago (17th 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 Chicago 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: chicago.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

Chicago Manual of Style — citation quick guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite the Bible in Chicago?: To cite the Bible in Chicago (17th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the Chicago format for the Bible citation?: The Chicago format for the Bible is: Not listed in the bibliography — cite in a note: 1. 1 Cor. 13:4 (New Revised Standard Version).
What does the in-text citation look like for the Bible in Chicago?: In Chicago, the in-text citation for the example above is Note: 1 Cor. 13:4 (New Revised Standard Version)