General Rules:
* Capitalize "Bible" when referring to the holy book itself:
* "The Bible is a collection of sacred texts."
* "She studied the Bible for hours every day."
* Don't capitalize "bible" when used as a general term:
* "Some religions have their own bibles."
* "He wrote a bible of cooking tips."
* Don't italicize "Bible" (unless your specific style guide dictates otherwise). It's considered a proper noun.
Specific Cases:
* When referencing specific books within the Bible: These are capitalized and italicized, just like book titles:
* "She read from the _Book of Psalms_."
* "The _Gospel of Matthew_ is the first book in the New Testament."
* If you're discussing different versions of the Bible: Capitalize the specific version:
* "The King James Version of the Bible is still popular."
* "She preferred the New International Version."
Example:
"The _Bible_ is a sacred text for many Christians. It is a collection of books written over centuries, including the _Old Testament_ and the _New Testament_. There are many different versions of the _Bible_, but the _King James Version_ remains one of the most well-known."
If in doubt, consult your style guide (like MLA, APA, or Chicago Manual of Style) or ask your instructor for specific instructions.