Scripture references in captions
Captions are read quickly and out of context, so one consistent citation format matters more than which format you pick. Pulpitscribe supports three and applies the one you choose to every reference in the sermon.
| Whisper hears | Standard | Abbreviated | Spoken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romans eight thirty one | Romans 8:31 | Rom. 8:31 | Romans chapter 8, verse 31 |
| first Corinthians thirteen four through seven | 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 | 1 Cor. 13:4–7 | 1 Corinthians chapter 13, verses 4 to 7 |
| Romans chapter eight, verses twenty eight and thirty one | Romans 8:28, 31 | Rom. 8:28, 31 | Romans chapter 8, verse 28 and verse 31 |
| Psalm one nineteen verse one oh five | Psalm 119:105 | Ps. 119:105 | Psalm 119, verse 105 |
| Psalm twenty three | Psalm 23 | Ps. 23 | Psalm 23 |
| Hebrews chapters eleven and twelve | Hebrews 11–12 | Heb. 11–12 | Hebrews chapters 11 to 12 |
| Philippines four thirteen | Philippians 4:13 | Phil. 4:13 | Philippians chapter 4, verse 13 |
Rules the grammar follows
- Chapter and verse are always two numbers. “Eight thirty one” is 8:31, never 831.
- Psalms is the exception: “Psalm one nineteen” is Psalm 119, “Psalm one verse nineteen” is Psalm 1:19, and a single psalm is written “Psalm”, not “Psalms”.
- Ranges use an en dash (4–7); consecutive verses joined by “and” become a range, non-consecutive ones a list (28, 31).
- Books that are also ordinary words or names — John, Mark, James, Job, Acts, Numbers — only become citations when a verse, the word “chapter”, a numbered prefix, or a lead-in like “turn to” makes the intent clear. “I asked Mark two questions” is left alone.
- A translation tag, when enabled, goes after every citation: Romans 8:31 (ESV).