How To Cite The Bible In Turabian Bibliography

How to Cite the Bible in a Turabian Bibliography

The Bible, a cornerstone of Western literature and a foundational text for many faiths, requires special attention when citing it in academic papers using the Turabian style. Unlike other books, there isn't a single author or publication date that universally applies. Therefore, the citation reflects the specific version and translation you consulted.

Key Elements of a Turabian Bible Citation

Your Turabian bibliography entry for the Bible needs to include the following key pieces of information:

• Version: Specify the version you used (e.g., King James Version, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version). This is crucial because different versions have varying translations and wording.

• Translation Editor (if applicable): Some versions list a specific editor or translation team. If present, include this information.

• Publication Information: This includes the publisher and publication year (if available). For older versions, the year might refer to a significant revision or printing.

Example Citations

Here are a few examples to illustrate how to format your Bible citation in Turabian:

Example 1: King James Version

The Holy Bible: King James Version. [Place of Publication]: [Publisher], [Year of Publication or significant revision].

Example 2: New International Version

The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

Example 3: New Revised Standard Version, with editor

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version, ed. Bruce M. Metzger and Roland E. Murphy. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1989.

Note: Replace the bracketed information with the specifics of your Bible. For older versions where a precise publication date is unavailable, you may use the date of the edition you are consulting.

In-text Citations

When citing a specific passage within your paper, you'll need to use a shortened version of the title in your in-text citation, followed by the book, chapter, and verse. For example:

• (Gen. 1:1) refers to Genesis, chapter 1, verse 1.
• (John 3:16) refers to the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16.
• (Isa. 40:31) refers to Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 31.

Keep in mind the consistency throughout your entire bibliography and in-text citations. Using a consistent Bible version and citation style ensures clarity and academic rigor. Always double-check the specifics of your Bible edition to ensure accuracy in your citation.

Further Tips for Accurate Citations

• Consult your institution's style guide: While these examples are generally applicable, your university or college might have specific guidelines for citing the Bible in Turabian. Always check your institution's style guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Pay attention to details: Be meticulously precise when recording publication information. Small differences in edition details can lead to significant variations in citations.
• Maintain consistency: Ensure consistency across all your Bible citations in your paper and bibliography.

By following these guidelines, you can accurately and effectively cite the Bible in your Turabian-formatted papers, showcasing your scholarly attention to detail. Remember to always verify your specific Bible edition's information for complete accuracy.