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How to Cite the Bible in JAMA (current)

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

JAMA Reference List Format

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

JAMA Example for the Bible

A complete JAMA reference for the Bible, formatted by the official JAMA 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

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 JAMA (current) 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 JAMA 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: jama.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 JAMA?
To cite the Bible in JAMA (current), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the JAMA format for the Bible citation?
The JAMA format for the Bible is: 1. The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. Meridian Bibles; 1989.
What does the in-text citation look like for the Bible in JAMA?
In JAMA, the in-text citation for the example above is 1

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Cite the Bible in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in JAMA

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