Answered By: Michael Cullen
Last Updated: Feb 07, 2023     Views: 75

In APA

Religious or classical works are cited like books. They are ancient, have been published multiple times and in many languages, and are well known internationally. Therefore you only need to cite them in-text, within your essay, and not also in the reference list, unless you are using a translated copy, or a commentary. Translations are common with classical Greek or Roman texts, and you can usually find translation details on the book's title page or cover. 

APA 7th edition, Section 8.28: "To directly quote from material with canonically numbered sections (e.g., religious or classical works...), use the name of the book, chapter, verse, line...instead of a page number", e.g:

Anticipating the final judgment of the nations, Christ describes the separation of "people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats" (New Revised Standard Version Bible, 1989/1993, Matthew 25: 32).

In Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS, notes-bibliography version)

References to classical primary sources and to the Jewish or Christian scriptures are ordinarily given only in-text or in notes. Please see CMOS17, 14.239: "Parenthetical or note references to the Bible should include book (in roman and usually abbreviated), chapter, and verse—never a page number. A colon is used between chapter and verse". Further, Identify the version (translation) that you are using in your first citation, e.g. in footnotes:

1. 2 Kings 11:8 (New Revised Standard Version).

2. 1 Cor. 6:1–10 (NRSV).

Unless quoting from a commentary, you do not also need to include these works in your bibliography.

In AGLC

AGLC does not have a rule for the Bible. Law students undertaking Logos or Core Curriculum course units should follow the information in the Chicago Referencing Guide: Religious & Classical works for citing Biblical books.

See the Referencing Guide - Religious & Classical Works tabs for each of these styles, APA, CMOS and AGLC for examples and more details. Those links are also attached.