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.

Abbreviations Biblical passage displayed
Luke 9 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, <strong>chapter 9</strong>
Luke 1, 3 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, <strong>chapters 1</strong> and <strong>3</strong> (only two chapters)
Luke 1–3 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, <strong>chapters 1 to 3</strong> (three chapters in total)
Luke 1:2 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, <strong>chapter 1</strong>, <strong>verse 2</strong>
Luke 1:2, 4 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, <strong>chapter 1</strong>, only <strong>verses 1</strong> and <strong>4</strong>
Luke 1:2-10 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, <strong>chapter 1</strong>, <strong>verses 2 to 10</strong>
Luke 1:2-10, 30 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, <strong>chapter 1</strong>, <strong>verses 2 to 10</strong>, and <strong>verse 30</strong>
Luke 1:2; 10:30 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, <strong>verse 2 of chapter 1</strong> and <strong>verse 30 of chapter 10</strong>
Luke 1:2–10:30 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, the entire selection <strong>from verse 2 of chapter 1 to verse 30 of chapter 10</strong>
Luke 1:1-10; 10:3-6 The Gospel according to <strong>Luke</strong>, the two passages <strong>Luke 1:1-10</strong> and <strong>Luke 10:3-6</strong>
Luke 1:1-10; 10:3-6; 12:4-10 Three passages: <strong>Luke 1:1-10</strong>; <strong>Luke 10:3-6</strong> and <strong>Luke 12:4-10</strong>
Luke 1:1-10; John 10:3-6 Two passages: <strong>Luke 1:1-10</strong> and <strong>John 10:3-6</strong>
Acts 28-Romans 1 All the passages between <strong>Acts, chapter 28</strong>, and the letter to the <strong>Romans, chapter 1</strong>

Confused books

Abbreviations Book or passage
John 1 The Gospel according to John, chapter 1
1 John The entire first letter of John
1 and 2 John The first and second letters of John
John 1 and 2 The Gospel of John, chapters 1 and 2 (abbreviated as <code>John 1-2</code>)
1 John 2 The first letter of John, chapter 2

Confusing abbreviations

Abbreviations Confused books
Ex, Ez, Es and Eze They are Exodus, Ezra, Esther and Ezekiel respectively
Phm and Php They are Philemon and Philippians respectively