How to use Bible References
Sometimes I reference the Bible in my posts, but I appreciate some of my readers may not be familiar with how to read the references. Therefore, I have decided to make this post to explain how.
WARNING: Some people may find parts of this post unnecessary/obvious and/or patronising. This is not my intention, but some people do need it explaining from a basic level, so I am trying to cover everything.
If you find my instructions confusing, here are some other links to try:
WikiHow
Wikipedia
Catholic Resources (Link is not very accessible for people with reading difficulties)
Bible references are composed of 3 parts: book, chapter and verse.
We'll look at an example
Firstly, the brackets are not always present. This is usually only if the actual verse is directly quoted, i.e.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. (Gen 37:3)
Below is the same reference with each section indicated
Book Chapter Verse
There are 66 books in the Bible, and they are either referenced in full (Genesis) or as a shortened version (Gen). Technically, the shortened version is incorrect, but I tend to use shortened versions if the book name is more than 4 characters. Sue me.
Once you've opened your Bible to Genesis (that one's easy to find; it's the one at the front. If you're not sure where each book is, most Bibles feature a contents page (usually these are in chronological order, but sometimes you get lucky and get a Bible with the books also listed in alphabetical order)), turn to chapter 37.
At frequent intervals, large numbers appear at the start of a paragraph. On this occasion, we got lucky, because Moses was extremely wise and decided to place Chapter 37 between Chapters 36 and 38. Wasn't that nice of him?
When you have found Chapter 37, you'll notice that in between the large numbers, there are smaller numbers dividing the text. These are the Verses. We are looking for the 3rd Verse, so find the small 3. Sometimes they will be above the text (superscript) and sometimes they are in line with the text, but as far as I know, they are always smaller.
SIDE NOTE: If you are looking for Verse 1 of a Chapter, as far as I know, these are never labelled directly. Verse 1 is the Verse that starts immediately after the large number signifying the start of a Chapter.
I use https://www.biblegateway.com/, which allows you to just select a section of the Bible and shows an entire chapter at a time, although there are many other apps, websites and paper versions which all work. Use whatever works best for you. Just don't use The Word on The Street (formerly The Street Bible)
SIDE NOTE: There are many translations of the Bible, designed for different audiences. In old-fashioned churches, you are most likely to hear the King James Version (KJV) or New King James Version (NKJV). More modern churches tend to use the New International Version (NIV). Other versions include:
New Living Translation (NLT)
Good News Bible
Amplified
Authorised (Just another word for KJV)
Passion (Includes extra bits clarifying and expanding upon certain areas to offer more context)
The Message (MSG) WARNING: The Message Bible uses 'contemporary language' to make it more accessible to younger readers, with the result that if you try to follow people reading from other versions you will find yourself utterly lost. However, The Message is not nearly as incomprehensible as:
The Word on The Street (formerly The Street Bible) - So modern it doesn't even have a 3 letter acronym. This one was actually written as a joke, and uses contemporary language, but also contemporary slang and references. It also usually doesn't split the verses into single verses. Example:
Gen 37:3-4
Joseph was born when Israel (formerly Jacob, remember) was well past it, so he's the blue-eyed boy. Jacob has an outrageous designer jacket made to measure for the boy. 'Course, his brothers see the favouritism in full colour and we're looking at brotherly hatred squared. Even polite conversation just sticks in their throats.
Most Bible websites and apps will allow you to toggle between versions as you please.
WARNING: Some people may find parts of this post unnecessary/obvious and/or patronising. This is not my intention, but some people do need it explaining from a basic level, so I am trying to cover everything.
If you find my instructions confusing, here are some other links to try:
WikiHow
Wikipedia
Catholic Resources (Link is not very accessible for people with reading difficulties)
Bible references are composed of 3 parts: book, chapter and verse.
We'll look at an example
(Gen 37:3)
Firstly, the brackets are not always present. This is usually only if the actual verse is directly quoted, i.e.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. (Gen 37:3)
Below is the same reference with each section indicated
Gen 37 : 3
/\ /\ /\
Book Chapter Verse
There are 66 books in the Bible, and they are either referenced in full (Genesis) or as a shortened version (Gen). Technically, the shortened version is incorrect, but I tend to use shortened versions if the book name is more than 4 characters. Sue me.
Once you've opened your Bible to Genesis (that one's easy to find; it's the one at the front. If you're not sure where each book is, most Bibles feature a contents page (usually these are in chronological order, but sometimes you get lucky and get a Bible with the books also listed in alphabetical order)), turn to chapter 37.
At frequent intervals, large numbers appear at the start of a paragraph. On this occasion, we got lucky, because Moses was extremely wise and decided to place Chapter 37 between Chapters 36 and 38. Wasn't that nice of him?
When you have found Chapter 37, you'll notice that in between the large numbers, there are smaller numbers dividing the text. These are the Verses. We are looking for the 3rd Verse, so find the small 3. Sometimes they will be above the text (superscript) and sometimes they are in line with the text, but as far as I know, they are always smaller.
SIDE NOTE: If you are looking for Verse 1 of a Chapter, as far as I know, these are never labelled directly. Verse 1 is the Verse that starts immediately after the large number signifying the start of a Chapter.
I use https://www.biblegateway.com/, which allows you to just select a section of the Bible and shows an entire chapter at a time, although there are many other apps, websites and paper versions which all work. Use whatever works best for you. Just don't use The Word on The Street (formerly The Street Bible)
SIDE NOTE: There are many translations of the Bible, designed for different audiences. In old-fashioned churches, you are most likely to hear the King James Version (KJV) or New King James Version (NKJV). More modern churches tend to use the New International Version (NIV). Other versions include:
New Living Translation (NLT)
Good News Bible
Amplified
Authorised (Just another word for KJV)
Passion (Includes extra bits clarifying and expanding upon certain areas to offer more context)
The Message (MSG) WARNING: The Message Bible uses 'contemporary language' to make it more accessible to younger readers, with the result that if you try to follow people reading from other versions you will find yourself utterly lost. However, The Message is not nearly as incomprehensible as:
The Word on The Street (formerly The Street Bible) - So modern it doesn't even have a 3 letter acronym. This one was actually written as a joke, and uses contemporary language, but also contemporary slang and references. It also usually doesn't split the verses into single verses. Example:
Gen 37:3-4
Joseph was born when Israel (formerly Jacob, remember) was well past it, so he's the blue-eyed boy. Jacob has an outrageous designer jacket made to measure for the boy. 'Course, his brothers see the favouritism in full colour and we're looking at brotherly hatred squared. Even polite conversation just sticks in their throats.
Most Bible websites and apps will allow you to toggle between versions as you please.
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