How to Cite the Bible in Vancouver (ICMJE)
Learn how to cite the Bible, scripture, and other sacred texts in Vancouver format (ICMJE). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
Vancouver Reference List Format
Here is the standard Vancouver format for citing the Bible in your reference list:
The Holy Bible. King James Version. London: Collins; 1957.
Vancouver Example for the Bible
A complete Vancouver reference for the Bible, formatted by the official Vancouver CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
1. The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. New York: Meridian Bibles; 1989.
Matching in-text citation: (1)
Vancouver In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(1)
Narrative
Scripture (1) records...
Key Vancouver Formatting Rules
- Treat the Bible as a book: give the version, place of publication, publisher, and year.
- Number the reference in the order it first appears in the text.
- Cite the book, chapter, and verse rather than a page number.
- Identify the version you consulted.
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 Vancouver (ICMJE) 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 reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Vancouver 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: vancouver.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 Vancouver?
- To cite the Bible in Vancouver (ICMJE), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the Vancouver format for the Bible citation?
- The Vancouver format for the Bible is: The Holy Bible. King James Version. London: Collins; 1957.
- What does the in-text citation look like for the Bible in Vancouver?
- In Vancouver, the in-text citation for the example above is (1)
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