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Bible Commentaries
Many committed theologians have dedicated their lives working through a particular book of the Bible, considering various interpretative questions arising from the text, and pondering its meaning for today. The Bible commentaries recommended on this page range from devotional (non-technical) to technical. They provide the Bible student with insights from the most up-to-date findings in archeology, ancient history, parallel literature (like the Dead Sea Scrolls), and the Hebrew and Greek languages.
Devotional Commentaries
For Everyone Commentary
Respected scholars N. T. Wright and John Goldingay simply and concisely interpret Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Short passages are followed by a readable discussion with background information, useful explanations and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is also included at the back of each book. The series is great for daily devotions.
NIV Application Commentary
The NIV Application Commentary (NIVAC) provides both the historical-exegetical meaning of the text and contemporary application. Each section contains a bridge from the ancient world to the Bible's relevance today. The easy-to-read format clearly denotes when the author is discussing the meaning of the biblical text in its original historical setting, and when it is applying interpretations of the text.
Interpretation
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (INT) provides a thorough exposition of the biblical text, combining historical scholarship with theological insights. Teachers, pastors, and all serious students of the Bible will find the original intent of biblical writers and the contemporary meaning.
Semi-Technical Commentaries
Tyndale Commentary
The Tyndale Old (TOTC) and New (TNTC) Testaments Commentaries examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. The aim throughout is to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today. The introduction to each volume gives a concise but thorough description of the authorship, date and historical background of the biblical book under consideration.
Two Horizons Commentary
The Two Horizons Old (THOTC) and New (THNTC) Commentary series engages in both concentrated biblical exegesis and meaningful theological reflection. Authors discuss each book in relation to the whole of Scripture, asking what it specifically contributes to biblical theology. The result is a paragraph-by-paragraph engagement with the text that is deliberately theological in focus.
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New International Commentary
The New International Commentary on the Old (NICOT) and New (NICNT) Testaments is an excellent resource for scholars and pastors, yet accessible to all Christians. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications. Readers need not be experts in the biblical languages in order to benefit from this set.
Technical Commentaries
Anchor Yale Bible Commentary
The Anchor Yale Bible (AYB) is a project of international and interfaith scope in which Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish scholars from many countries contribute individual volumes. The project is not sponsored by any ecclesiastical organization and is not intended to reflect any particular theological doctrine.
Word Biblical Commentary
The Word Biblical Commentary (WBC) series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. This series serves as an exceptional resource for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, and pastors who are proficient in the original languages.
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Zondervan Exegetical Commentary
The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (ZECNT) provides a careful analysis and interpretation of the Greek text. The authors trace the flow of argument in each New Testament book, giving readers the tools they need to properly understand and communicate the meaning of the text.