Quoting Bible Verses: A Guide for Christian Writers

In the first part of this article, we covered the need to include permission statements for the Bible translation(s) you’ll be quoting from on your copyright page and how to find them. That’s a great place to start, but now we’re going to take it to the next level by looking at how to quote the verses themselves. We’ll answer the following questions:

1. What changes to the text (if any) are permissible?

2. What if I’m paraphrasing a verse instead of quoting it?

3. How do I style the book/chapter/verse references?

   
   

What Changes to the Text (if Any) Are Permissible?

In general, the text of the Scripture reference needs to match the translation exactly. The only changes permitted are those that would be allowable when quoting any other reference material. This includes changing the capitalization of the first letter of the quote or adding a period to the end of it to conform to the surrounding text. For example:

Philippians 4:4 (ESV) tells us to “rejoice in the Lord always.”

In the original, “rejoice” is capitalized, and “always” is followed by a semicolon.

Changing the text simply to match an author’s personal preferences is not permissible. For example, some authors feel strongly that pronouns for God (he, him, etc.) should be capitalized, despite publishing convention to the contrary. (That’s probably a subject for another article.) It is a violation of copyright for an author to capitalize those pronouns when quoting from a translation that has chosen to lowercase them.

When in doubt, it’s definitely best to quote the translation exactly. And then go back and double-check it!

Important: If you are using an auto-editing tool such as Grammarly, make sure you don’t allow it to make changes to quotations (whether from the Bible or any other source).

What If I’m Paraphrasing a Verse Instead of Quoting It?

Paraphrasing a verse is totally okay. While you’ll still want to include the reference you’re paraphrasing, don’t use quotation marks for your paraphrase. For example:

Philippians 4:6–7 tells us not to be anxious.

Alternatively, you could use quotation marks with a parenthetical reference indicating that the wording is yours. For example:

“Don’t let anxiety control you” (Phil. 4:6–7, author’s paraphrase).

How Do I Style the Book/Chapter/Verse References?

For references that are run into the text (as in the first example above), spell out the name of the book. This is followed by the chapter number, then a colon, and then the verse number(s), without spaces.

Like other number ranges, verse numbers are separated by an en dash rather than a hyphen. (To insert an en dash in Word, press Ctrl and the minus sign (-) simultaneously.)

For parenthetical references, such as in the second example above, abbreviating the name of the book of the Bible aids readability. You can find a list of the most commonly used abbreviations at https://www.logos.com/bible-book-abbreviations.

The Importance of Accurate Quoting

For any author, citing sources correctly is a matter of integrity and thus should be an important consideration. How much more should Christian writers prioritize citing God’s Word correctly? As we seek to be counted among those who rightly handle the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15), accuracy in quoting Scripture is essential.

Understanding Copyright and Permissions

When quoting the Bible, understanding copyright laws is crucial. Different translations have different copyright rules. Always check the specific guidelines for the translation you are using. This ensures you respect the rights of the translators and publishers.

The Role of Context in Quoting Scripture

Context is vital when quoting Scripture. Always consider the surrounding verses and the overall message of the passage. This helps maintain the integrity of the text and ensures that your audience understands the intended meaning.

Best Practices for Quoting Scripture

1. Use Exact Wording: Always quote the Scripture verbatim from the translation you are using.

2. Provide Context: Briefly explain the context of the verse if necessary.

3. Cite Properly: Ensure your citations are accurate and follow the appropriate style guide.

   
   

Resources for Further Study

For more information about quoting the Bible (as well as other considerations specific to Christian authors), The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style by Robert Hudson is an excellent resource. This book provides in-depth guidance on various aspects of writing, including how to handle Scripture references effectively.

Conclusion

Quoting Bible verses accurately is essential for Christian writers. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that you respect the text and its meaning. Remember to always check the translation and maintain the integrity of the Scripture. Happy writing!