How to write a Bible reference

A biblical reference is the indication that helps identify the verse, or verses, you want to view.

A reference has a very specific structure, it is like a formula to use to solve a problem. Depending on what you want to find, you will have to write the reference.

Below are the rules and some examples that help you understand how to write a biblical reference.

Simple rules for writing a reference

• Use colons between chapter and verse numbers (most Europeans use a different format, placing commas here).
• Use commas between verse numbers in the same chapter (and between chapter numbers, but only if no verses are indicated).
• Use semicolons between references that give chapter and verse numbers in different chapters.
• Use a single hyphen between verses to indicate "from-to" within a chapter (or between chapter numbers without verses).
• Do not use periods after abbreviated book names, but place spaces between abbreviations and chapter numbers.

Some examples

You can find the list of all book abbreviations by clicking here.