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REL 302/502: Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

SBL Citations

The SBL (Society of Biblical Literature) Handbook of Style is intended to assist those writing on Near Eastern studies, biblical studies, and early Christianity. It is based on the Chicago Manual of Style, and covers citation questions specific to writing in these fields that are not covered in other style handbooks.

The SBL Handbook of Style is available as an e-book and in the reference section of Payson Library. The call number is Ref PN147 .S26 200.

The Student Supplement for The SBL Handbook of Style is available as a PDF. 

Citing the Bible in SBL Style

Parenthetical Citations: The first time you reference a version of the Bible, give the book (abbreviated without a period), chapter, and verse, followed by the abbreviated name of the version (not italicized) in parentheses:

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Prov 13:20 NIV).

If future references come from the same edition of the Bible, include only the book, chapter, and verse in the parenthetical citation:

The events transpired “in the ninth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, in the tenth month” (Jer 39:1).

Bibliography: Do not include biblical references in the bibliography unless required by your professor.

Chicago (Turabian) Citations

Using Citation Managers