Bible verses in dialogue

raburrell · Jun 16, 2009

Is there a correct way to write a label for a Bible verse when a character speaks it in dialogue?

eg:
"Proverbs six, verse fifteen. There are (etc)"
or
"Proverbs 6:15. There are (etc)"

veronie · Jun 16, 2009

I believe the general rule is to spell numbers in dialogue, as best as possible, so I'm fairly sure your first example is correct.

blacbird · Jun 16, 2009

raburrell said:
"Proverbs six, verse fifteen. There are (etc)"

I'd spell it out, as here, but your punctuation (U.S. style) isn't standard. The best way to do it, for clarity, it would be:

"Proverbs six, verse fifteen: 'There are (etc)' "

caw

dpaterso · Jun 17, 2009

Made me remember a similar thread from last month:

Quoting (Bible verses) in Manuscript Format
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142081

-Derek

raburrell · Jun 17, 2009

dpaterso said:
Made me remember a similar thread from last month:

Quoting (Bible verses) in Manuscript Format
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142081

-Derek

D'oh - thanks. Should have hit search first...

Bible verses in dialogue

raburrell

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veronie

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blacbird

dpaterso

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raburrell

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