Turabian 9 Author-Date Style

For the most part, the Bible should not be included in a reference list.  However, as always, consult with your professor

When citing a Bible passage in the Author-Date system, use a parenthetical citation including the abbreviated book name, chapter and verse number.

Indicate which Bible version is being used by indicating the version immediately following the passage citation using either the accepted abbreviation or spelled-out name as shown in the examples below. Note the version is placed in brackets.

(I Tim 1:3 [ESV])

(I Tim 1:3 [English Standard Version])

Subsequent citations of the same Bible version, do not need to include an indication of the version.  However, when using a different version, indicate the new version utilizing the methods listed above.

Turabian indicates two options for abbreviating the names of books of the Bible in section 24.6, the traditional abbreviation and the shorter abbreviation.  Lincoln Christian University requires traditional abbreviations. For example, abbreviate Genesis as Gen. and 1st Corinthians as 1 Cor. Note that book numbers are indicated using Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3)  Arabic numbers are also used to indicate chapters and verses with a colon between.

Turabian provides a list of abbreviations for Bible version in section 24.6.4.  This list does not contain the New International Version or English Standard Version which are both commonly used at Lincoln Christian University campus.  The recommended abbreviations for these Bible versions are NIV and ESV.