How to Cite the Bible in MLA (9th edition)
Learn how to cite the Bible, scripture, and other sacred texts in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
MLA Works Cited Format
Here is the standard MLA format for citing the Bible in your Works Cited page:
The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
MLA Example for the Bible
A complete MLA reference for the Bible, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. Meridian Bibles, 1989.
Matching in-text citation: (The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version)
MLA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(King James Bible, John 3.16)
Narrative
John 3.16 of the King James Bible reads...
Key MLA Formatting Rules
- Italicize the title of the version in the Works Cited entry, then give the publisher and year.
- Identify the version the first time you cite it in the text; you may omit it afterward.
- Abbreviate the book name and separate chapter and verse with a period (e.g., Eph. 2.8-9).
- Use canonical book, chapter, and verse numbers instead of page numbers.
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 MLA (9th 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 Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA 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: mla.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
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite the Bible in MLA?
- To cite the Bible in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the MLA format for the Bible citation?
- The MLA format for the Bible is: The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
- What does the in-text citation look like for the Bible in MLA?
- In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is (King James Bible, John 3.16)
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