When you quote Scripture, you are actually quoting God. Therefore, it is essential to be accurate and precise when you write out His Word.
Copying and pasting Scripture into documents is common, and while most Bible translations are accurate, errors are always possible, particularly in more obscure or difficult passages. It is also essential to contextually understand a verse before quoting it, as it can lead to misunderstanding or even heresy.
So, if you struggle to quote a Bible verse properly, you’ve landed on the right page. Read on as we share simple steps you can follow in citing verses from the Bible.
4 Steps to Quote Bible Verses Properly
1. Use quotation marks to indicate the beginning and end of the quoted Scripture.
When writing a paper, you need to quote directly from sources. Quotation marks tell the reader that the words are not your own but are borrowed from another source. They also help to set the words apart from the rest of your text, making them easier to read and understand.
There are two types of quotation marks: double and single. Double quotation marks are typically used for shorter quotes, while single quotation marks are reserved for longer passages. When choosing which type of quotation mark to use, you should also consider the punctuation before and after the quote.
In general, commas and periods go inside the quotation marks, while colons and semicolons go outside. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it is always best to consult a style guide if unsure. Remember, using quotation marks correctly is a vital part of academic writing, so take care to use them correctly in your work.
For example, if you are quoting from the King James Version of the Bible, you would write: “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:23).
If you are quoting from the New International Version, you will write: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:23).
As you can see, there are some slight differences between these two versions. Therefore, choosing a Bible translation before you start writing is important. Once you have chosen a translation, make sure to cite the specific chapter and verse that you are quoting. This will allow your reader to find the passage in their own Bible quickly.
What do you do when the text you’re referencing is already in quotation marks?
There are times when you may need to quote something already in quotation marks. This often occurs when quoting the Bible, as many verses are in dialogue format. In such cases, you can use single inside or double quotation marks to show that you are quoting the original source.
For example, if you want to quote John 14:6, which reads, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me,” you would write it as follows: In John 14:6 Jesus says, “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” Using this format helps your readers easily understand what text is being quoted and what is not.
2. Lead into your Scripture quotation slowly.
Instead of just placing a Scripture quotation into your paper without any introduction, take a few sentences as introductory phrases to lead up to it. For example, if you are writing about how Jesus is the only way to salvation, you might say something like this:
“The Bible is clear that Jesus is the only way to salvation. In John 14:16, Jesus says, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’ This passage makes it clear that there is no other way to know God except through Christ.”
In this case, “The Bible is clear that Jesus is the only way to salvation…” is your introductory phrase before quoting the Bible verse. This will help your reader understand the passage’s context and see how it fits into your argument.
3. Use parenthetical documentation to cite your sources.
Parenthetical documentation is when you document the book’s name, the chapter, and the verse or verses inside parentheses. It allows you to give credit to the source of information in a subtle way. It also lets your readers find the information easily if they want to check it themselves. This is usually done at the end of a sentence, before the period. For example:
The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
4. Place end punctuation appropriately.
Always remember: when you’re using parenthetical documentation, the ending punctuation goes after the parentheses.
For example, Scripture says, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
The period should be placed after the last parentheses, as shown in this example. If there is no parenthetical documentation, then the period goes after the final word followed by the quotation marks, like so:
An example would be 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
Why Do We Need to Quote the Scripture Properly?
It’s important to quote the Bible properly because:
- The Bible is the Word of God.
- God’s Word is powerful and true.
- Misquoting the Bible can lead to false teaching.
- Quoting the Bible correctly can help others understand what the Scripture says.
If we are writing something that includes the Bible, we want to ensure that we represent what it actually says. Otherwise, we might end up teaching something that isn’t true.
Bottom Line
There are specific guidelines that must be followed when quoting from the Bible in a paper or other written format. These guidelines will ensure that the quote is accurately represented and that the reader understands the context in which it was spoken.
The first step is to find a trustworthy translation. Many different translations are available, but some are more accurate than others. Since the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, you will need to rely on a translation unless you are fluent in one of those languages.
Once you have chosen a translation, make sure to cite the specific chapter and verse that you are quoting. This will allow your reader to find the passage in their own Bible quickly.
Finally, set the Scripture apart from the rest of your writing by using quotation marks or indenting it on the page. By taking these simple steps, you can be confident that you are accurately representing God’s Word in your writing.
