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APA 6th ed. Style Guide: Bible

Guide to using the American Psychological Association (APA) style manual.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This guide refers to the APA 6th edition. As a university, we will be transitioning to the APA 7th edition beginning in June, 2021.

  • Graduate Education students starting their action research or thesis in January 2021 should refer to the 6th edition to complete your paper.
  • Students starting their thesis or action research in June 2021 should refer to the APA 7th edition. (For help with the 7th edition, either go to the Darling Library's APA 7th edition LibGuide or to the Purdue Online Writing Lab.)

2021-01-19 --rrh

How to cite the Bible

Bible passages are considered part of a classical work and only need to be cited in the text of your paper. A reference list citation is not required.

According to the 6th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, "Reference list entries are not required for major classical works, such as ancient Greek and Roman works or classical religious works; simply identify in the first citation in the text the version you used." (Chapter 6, Section 18)

Use this format:

"Quote" (Book Chapter:Verse, Translation).

Example:

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, New International Version).

IMPORTANT NOTE: This rule changes with the 7th edition of the APA style manual.