Note: it isn't necessary to add a period after the abbreviated book name.

If you're referring to a specific chapter and verse(s), abbreviate the name of the book of the Bible (see a list of abbreviations for the Old Testament, Apocrypha, and New Testament).

Example: Genesis, Luke 4, Revelation 1-3.

If you're referring to the book of the Bible as a whole, or a chapter of a book of the Bible (but without specific verses), use the full name of the book of the Bible.

When referring to books of the Bible within the body of your paper: The researchers consulted the Bible (King James Version, 1769/2017) to provide items for the development of their religious values assessment.

In the body of your paper, include a sentence similar to this: Then cite the Bible in your reference list. You do not need to repeat the version name in subsequent references.

Include both the original and republished publication dates in the reference. The first time you paraphrase or quote from the Bible, identify which version of the Bible that you used.

Cite esv bible