Cite the Bible in footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical notes.
- You do not need to include the Bible in your bibliography.
When you are citing a particular passage of Scripture
- Include the abbreviated name of the book, the chapter number, and the verse number—never a page number.
- Chapter and verse are separated by a colon.
Example: 1 Cor. 13:4, 15:12-19
Example: Gn 1:1-2, 2:1-3; Jn 1:1-14
Note that Chicago Style includes two lists of abbreviations for books of the Bible.
- A traditional abbreviation list and a shorter abbreviation list.
- Access the lists of abbreviations.
- You may use either list, but be consistent throughout your paper. Or if you like, you may check with your professor to see which form s/he prefers.
Include the name of the version you are citing.
- Spell out the name of the version, at least in the first reference, or use abbreviations without preceding or internal punctuation.
- After the first citation you need to indicate the version only if you quote from another version.
Examples of parenthetical reference |
Examples of footnote or endnote |
(Gen. 12:1-3 Revised Standard Version) |
1. Ps. 139:13-16 NAB |
(Jn 3:16-17 RSV) |
2. Eph 6:10-17 |
** Information taken from the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed., 2017, sections 14.239 - 14.240.