How to Cite the New American Standard Bible in MLA: A Complete Guide

Published on February 9, 2023

Have you ever found yourself struggling to correctly cite a Bible translation in your academic papers? Well, fret no more! In this comprehensive blog post, we will guide you through the process of citing the New American Standard Bible (NASB) in MLA format.

As writing conventions and citation styles continue to evolve, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date to maintain integrity and credibility in your scholarly work. With that in mind, we will also explore other common citation scenarios, such as in-text citations for quotes from websites, long citations, and the specific MLA rules for citing lengthy quotations.

So, whether you’re a student, researcher, or writer eager to improve your citation skills, this blog post has got you covered. Let’s dive in and demystify the art of citing the New American Standard Bible in MLA format!

How to Properly Cite the New American Standard Bible in MLA

So, you’re working on your research paper and need to include a citation for the New American Standard Bible, huh? Well, look no further, my friend! I’m here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of MLA citation with a sprinkle of humor to make it all a little more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

The Basics of MLA Citations

Before we dive into the specifics of citing the New American Standard Bible, let’s go over the basics of MLA citations. Don’t worry; I won’t bore you to tears with a lengthy lecture. We’ll keep it snappy!

1. In-text Citations: MLA requires you to include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses when citing a source within the text. Make sure to place these citations at the end of your sentence, just like a cherry on top of a delicious sundae.

2. Works Cited Page: Ah, the ever-important works cited page. This is where you list all the sources you used in your paper. It’s like giving credit to the masterminds behind the information you’ve incorporated. Keep it organized and tidy like a well-made bed.

Citing the New American Standard Bible

Now that we have the basics covered, it’s time to tackle the New American Standard Bible specifically. When it comes to citing this particular version of the Bible in MLA, here’s the juicy tidbit you’ve been waiting for:

In-text Citation

For in-text citations, you have two options:

1. Include the book, chapter, and verse numbers in your sentence and omit the author’s name from the parentheses. For example: (John 3:16).

2. If you don’t mention the specific verse in your sentence, provide the book, chapter, and verse numbers in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. For example: “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16).

Works Cited Entry

When creating your Works Cited entry for the New American Standard Bible, follow this format:

Title of Bible. Version, Publisher, Year.

Here’s an example:

The New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. The Lockman Foundation, 1995.

Tips and Tricks for MLA Mastery

Now that you know how to cite the New American Standard Bible in MLA, let’s sprinkle in a few extra tips to make your citation game strong.

Don’t Forget the Italics

Remember, in MLA style, we italicize the titles of books. So, when citing the New American Standard Bible, make sure to embrace your inner italic-lover and give that title some emphasis.

Include the Year

In your Works Cited entry, don’t forget to include the year of publication. It’s like giving your citation a birthday—a small but crucial detail that shows you’ve done your research.

Wrap Up

Phew! We made it through the wild land of MLA citations together. Now you can confidently cite the New American Standard Bible without breaking a sweat. Go forth and conquer your research paper, my friend, armed with proper citations and a touch of humor. Good luck!

FAQ: How to Cite the New American Standard Bible in MLA

How to In-Text Cite a Quote from a Website

When incorporating a quote from a website into your research paper, it’s crucial to provide proper credit to the original source. In MLA format, you can do this by including the author’s last name and the page number of the quote in parentheses.

For example, if you found an insightful quote on a website by John Smith on page 3, you would cite it as follows: (Smith 3).

How to Cite the New American Standard Bible in MLA

Citing the New American Standard Bible (NASB) in MLA format allows readers to locate the exact biblical verse you’re referencing. To cite the NASB, follow this format:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Bible. Version, Publisher, Year.

For instance, if you want to cite a verse from the NASB authored by the apostle John, your citation should appear like this:

John. The New American Standard Bible. NASB, Lockman Foundation, 2023.

Remember, if you are referring to a specific verse, include the book, chapter, and verse(s) within your text as well.

How to Do a Long Citation in MLA Format

Long citations can be a bit tricky, requiring some special handling to maintain the flow of your text. To properly format a long citation in MLA, follow these steps:

1. Start the citation on a new line.
2. Indent the entire quotation by 1 inch from the left margin.
3. Omit quotation marks.
4. Include the author’s name and page number in parentheses after the quotation.
5. Place the punctuation after the parentheses.

Here’s an example to illustrate the process:

~~~~
Long quote example:

Let's say you found a thought-provoking passage from a book by Jane Smith, spanning several lines:

 "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum efficitur tellus nulla, eu hendrerit erat ullamcorper in. Proin magna augue, malesuada nec varius quis, volutpat a libero. Integer metus arcu, sollicitudin eu justo in, congue imperdiet mi."

 Your citation would appear as follows:

 Smith writes, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum efficitur tellus nulla, eu hendrerit erat ullamcorper in. Proin magna augue, malesuada nec varius quis, volutpat a libero. Integer metus arcu, sollicitudin eu justo in, congue imperdiet mi" (Smith 42).

~~~~

What Are Three MLA Rules for Citing Long Quotations

To ensure the proper formatting of long quotations, it’s essential to follow these three MLA rules:

1. Indentation: Indent the entire quotation by 1 inch from the left margin. This distinguishes longer quotes from regular text and visually separates them for the reader.

2. Omission of Quotation Marks: When quoting a long passage, omit the quotation marks. The indentation itself indicates that the passage is a direct quotation.

3. Parenthetical Citation: Include the author’s last name and the page number(s) in parentheses after the quotation. This helps readers locate the original source easily and verifies the credibility of your research.

By adhering to these rules, you’ll ace the art of incorporating long quotations into your MLA-formatted paper while maintaining the integrity of your work.

Remember: Always cross-check your citations to guarantee they conform to the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or academic institution.

Now that you understand the ins and outs of citing sources in MLA format, you’ll be able to impress even the strictest of English professors with your meticulous attention to detail! So go forth, cite your sources with confidence, and conquer that research paper like a true grammar guru!