Whether you’re crafting a devotional, writing a faith-based novel, or working on a theological study, understanding how to effectively use Scripture is essential. As a Christian writer, you don’t just reference the Bible – you build upon it, reflect on it, and often structure your message around its timeless truth. That’s where tools like BibleGateway become indispensable.
In today’s digital age, BibleGateway offers more than just access to Scripture, it provides a powerful platform for research, comparison, and citation, all in one place. If you’re learning how to write a Christian book, knowing how to responsibly use and properly cite biblical texts is key to maintaining both integrity and clarity in your work.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to use BibleGateway for your writing process and how to cite it correctly in different formats, ensuring your work remains professional and faithful to Scripture.
What is BibleGateway?
BibleGateway is a free online resource that provides access to a wide range of Bible translations, tools, and study materials. It’s one of the most popular Bible websites and is widely used for both personal devotion and academic study.
BibleGateway was founded in 1993 by Nick Hengeveld, a college student at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
Nick Hengeveld originally created BibleGateway as a simple HTML search engine to make the Bible more accessible online. It quickly grew in popularity, especially among Christian internet users during the early days of the web.
BibleGateway was later acquired by Gospel Communications Network, and then by Zondervan, a Christian publishing company owned by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, which is part of News Corp.
Key features of BibleGateway
Here are some of the features you can expect when using BibleGateway:
Multiple Bible translations
BibleGateway offers access to over 200 Bible versions in more than 70 languages, allowing users worldwide to read Scripture in their native or preferred language. This includes widely used English translations such as:
- NIV (New International Version)
- KJV (King James Version)
- ESV (English Standard Version)
- NLT (New Living Translation)
- NASB (New American Standard Bible)
You can easily switch between translations to compare different renderings of the same verse or passage.
Search functionality
The powerful search engine lets users:
- Look up verses by book, chapter, and verse.
- Find passages by entering keywords or phrases (e.g., “love your neighbor”).
- Explore verses related to topics like faith, forgiveness, or wisdom.
This tool is especially helpful for locating specific scriptures or studying what the Bible says about a particular subject.
Reading plans
BibleGateway provides a variety of structured reading plans, including:
- Chronological Plan – read the Bible in the order events occurred.
- One-Year Plan – read through the entire Bible in a year.
- Old/New Testament Plans – read from both Testaments each day.
- Topical Plans – focus on themes like hope, marriage, or prayer.
Plans are available via the website, mobile app, or email subscription for daily reminders.
Audio bibles
Many Bible versions are also available in audio format, allowing users to listen to Scripture while commuting, exercising, or doing chores.
The Bible versions are narrated by professional voice actors or dramatized for a more immersive experience. Some audio Bibles are even available in multiple languages.
This is ideal for auditory learners or people with visual impairments.
Study tools
BibleGateway features a growing library of study resources, including:
- Commentaries (e.g., Matthew Henry, John Wesley, IVP).
- Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias for background on words, people, and places.
- Devotionals like Our Daily Bread or NIV 365-Day Devotional.
- Study notes from popular Bibles (e.g., NIV Study Bible, Life Application Study Bible).
Subscription option – BibleGateway Plus
For users who want more in-depth study tools, Bible Gateway Plus offers:
- Expanded access to premium commentaries, maps, word studies, and reference works.
- Ad-free browsing experience.
- Additional devotionals and theological resources.
- A 30-day free trial is often available for new users.
BibleGateway passage lookup
Looking up passages on BibleGateway is easy. You can search by passage, keyword, or topic. For example, if you type in hope, you will get all sorts of Bible verses that mention or pertain to hope.
At the top, you have a box to type in your query and another to choose which Bible version you want to search. After you put in your search, you will see a Filter By column for your results on the right hand side of the screen which easily allows you to find the passage you are looking for.
Another thing you can do when searching passages is a comparison across Bible versions.
When you’re writing a Christian book, comparing Bible translations can help you choose language that’s theologically accurate, emotionally resonant, and appropriate for your audience.
Different versions often emphasize different tones, reading levels, or interpretive nuances. For example, the ESV leans toward word-for-word accuracy, the NLT emphasizes readability, and the KJV offers poetic, traditional phrasing.
How to use the “Add Parallel” tool:
- Go to BibleGateway.com.
- Type your verse (e.g., Romans 12:2) into the search bar and choose your preferred translation (e.g., ESV).
- Click on “Add Parallel” above the verse.
- Choose a second (and even a third) translation, like NLT or KJV.
- You’ll now see the verses side-by-side for easy comparison.
Example:
ESV: “Do not be conformed to this world…”
NLT: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world…”
KJV: “And be not conformed to this world…”
Each version offers a slightly different tone. ESV is formal and literal, NLT is conversational, and KJV is classic and rhythmic. This tool is incredibly useful for choosing the right verse style that fits the voice of your book.
Using the study tools for writing
One of BibleGateway’s most underrated features for Christian authors is its built-in study tools, which go far beyond simply reading Scripture. Whether you’re writing a devotional, preparing a Bible study, or developing themes for a non-fiction Christian book, these tools can deepen your understanding and add theological richness to your work.
How to access commentaries, concordances, and word studies:
- Search for a verse or passage on BibleGateway.com.
- Once the passage loads, choose from Commentaries (e.g., Matthew Henry, IVP NT Commentary), Dictionaries, or Word studies and Greek/Hebrew insights (for supported passages) on the right hand side.
These tools offer historical context, theological background, and deeper interpretations that can clarify meaning or inspire application points in your writing.
Many BibleGateway commentaries and study notes include cross-references – links to related verses elsewhere in Scripture. For example:
When studying Psalm 23, cross-references might point you to John 10 where Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd.
Writing about faith in Hebrews 11? You might be led back to the stories in Genesis and Exodus.
These connections help you trace themes like grace, covenant, or obedience across the biblical narrative, strengthening your message with a unified biblical foundation.
Creating custom Bible notes or collections
While BibleGateway is an excellent tool for reading and studying Scripture, it doesn’t offer advanced note-taking or project management features like some Bible study apps. However, as a Christian author, you can still use it effectively to collect and organize the verses and insights that shape your writing.
With a free BibleGateway account, you can:
- Highlight meaningful verses in different colors.
- Bookmark passages you want to revisit later.
- Create a reading history that tracks your activity and helps you remember where you left off.
This is a simple way to track verses related to your book’s theme or devotional topic.
While browsing BibleGateway on desktop or mobile:
- Use the copy function to grab verses or commentary excerpts.
- Paste them into your manuscript, research file, or outline document.
- Add your own reflections or notes below each verse to begin shaping devotionals, Bible study questions, or chapter segments.
This approach allows you to keep your biblical material directly tied to your writing process.
Suggested tools for deeper organization
To go beyond BibleGateway’s basic features, use external tools to build your own custom scripture database:
Notion – Create tagged verse databases, embed links, and organize by theme or chapter.
Scrivener – Ideal for writing books; allows you to insert research notes, outlines, and verses all in one workspace.
Google Docs/Sheets – Easy to share with editors or collaborators; organize verses by topic, book, or writing stage.
These tools make it easy to search, reorganize, and integrate your Scripture notes into your manuscript efficiently.
How to cite BibleGateway
As a Christian author, citing BibleGateway properly depends on your audience and publishing context. Below are guidelines and examples for citing Scripture accessed through BibleGateway, using common citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago), as well as general best practices for Christian writers.
General guidelines for Christian authors
- Include the translation/version of the Bible (e.g., NIV, ESV, KJV).
- Credit BibleGateway if you accessed the verse through their site.
- Use standard verse notation (e.g., John 3:16).
- Check your publisher’s style guide—some Christian publishers have specific rules for citing Scripture.
MLA (Modern Language Association)
MLA no longer requires a formal citation for the Bible in the Works Cited unless a specific version or edition is used, or the source is online.
In-Text Citation:
“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16 New International Version).
Works Cited Entry:
The Bible. New International Version, BibleGateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16.
APA (American Psychological Association – 7th ed.)
APA treats the Bible as a classical work and now recommends citing the version and source if accessed online.
In-Text Citation:
(John 3:16, New International Version, 2022)
Reference List Entry:
New International Version. (2022). BibleGateway.com. https://www.biblegateway.com/
Note: Use the copyright year found at the bottom of the page or linked in the version’s details on BibleGateway.
Chicago Style (Notes and Bibliography)
Chicago recommends citing the Bible in a footnote but typically does not include it in the bibliography unless it’s a specific edition.
Footnote Example:
- John 3:16 (New International Version), accessed July 31, 2025, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16.
Practical tip for Christian writers
If your book will quote Scripture frequently, consider including a general note early in the manuscript like:
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the New International Version®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations accessed via BibleGateway.com.
You can adapt this for other translations (ESV, NLT, etc.) using their official copyright language, which BibleGateway often provides near each version’s info.
Common mistakes to avoid
When using BibleGateway as a Christian author, it’s important to handle Scripture with respect and care – not just in content but also legally. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for, along with essential copyright guidelines to keep your work above reproach.
- Failing to list the Bible translation used: Always specify the version (e.g., NIV, ESV, KJV) when quoting Scripture. Different translations can vary significantly in wording and meaning, so transparency helps your readers understand the source and context.
- Quoting too much Scripture without commentary: Using large blocks of Scripture without adding your own reflections, explanations, or insights may raise copyright concerns. Publishers often require authors to add value through commentary or application, rather than simply reproducing text.
- Mixing translations inconsistently: Switching between Bible versions without noting which translation you’re quoting can confuse readers. If you use multiple versions, clearly indicate each one every time or provide a note explaining your approach.
- Running into copyright issues: Not all Bible translations are in the public domain. The King James Version (KJV) is public domain and can be freely quoted. Most modern translations like the New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV), and New Living Translation (NLT) are copyrighted and require proper attribution (and sometimes permission) for extensive quoting.
Tips for staying within quoting limits:
- Publishers and copyright holders typically allow quoting up to 500–1000 verses or a certain percentage of the Bible without explicit permission, but this varies.
- Always check the copyright information on BibleGateway under the “Version Info” tab for each translation.
- When in doubt, contact the publisher or copyright owner to request permission, especially if your book contains many Scripture quotations.
By avoiding these common mistakes and respecting copyright rules, you protect yourself legally and uphold the integrity of your writing. Proper citation and thoughtful use of Scripture not only honor the Word but also build trust with your readers.
Harnessing BibleGateway for your Christian writing journey
BibleGateway is an incredible resource that empowers Christian authors to access Scripture easily, deepen their study, and enrich their writing with accurate and meaningful biblical content.
From comparing translations to using study tools, and from organizing your notes to properly citing Scripture, mastering these skills can elevate your work and honor the Word of God.
If you’re embarking on the rewarding path of writing a Christian book but feel unsure about any step – whether it’s writing, editing, formatting, marketing, or publishing – the team at selfpublishing.com is here to help. Our experienced professionals understand the unique needs of faith-based authors and can provide personalized guidance to bring your vision to life.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of our support so you can focus on what matters most: sharing your message and inspiring readers through God’s Word.