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- Bible Commentary Sets
Biblical & Theological Studies
Bible Commentary Sets
Bible commentaries are scholarly works that explain the background of a biblical book and interpret the book's meaning in a verse-by-verse format. Sets of these books are in the Reference Collection and must be used in the library but a few individual commentaries (older versions) are in the Main Collection and can be checked out.
- Anchor Bible & Anchor Yale Bible
(Yale University Press) Scholarly, attention to textual issues, treats the apocryphal books, some volumes are dated but being republished. - Ancient Christian Commentary(Intervarsity Press) Not a modern scholarly commentary, rather each volume contains brief selections by ancient scholars that have been edited. The interpretations are often allegorical so students need to exercise discernment when using this series.
- Bible Speaks Today(Intervarsity Press) Written by evangelical scholars for a general audience, especially pastors and laypeople, helpful insight into the Biblical text often with contemporary applications, does not usually treat technical matters.
- Brazos Theological Commentary
(Brazos Press) Written by theologians rather than Biblical scholars, focused on the theological message of the text though often with sound critical insights. Connections made with Christian doctrine and use of the Bible in the Church. This set of commentaries is very recent and currently in production. - Calvin's Commentary(William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.) A classic work of Biblical exposition by the 16th-century Genevan reformer, John Calvin. Most but not all Biblical books are discussed. Excellent theological insight but not a modern critical commentary. Many of his views were colored by conditions of the 16th century.
- Expositor's Bible Commentary(Zondervan Publishing House) 13 volume set, all contributors are evangelical scholars. The NIV Bible was the basis of this commentary series published in the late '80s and early '90s. Some outstanding treatments (e.g. Psalms) but other treatments uneven in quality.
- Interpretation(Westminster John Knox Press) Designed specifically for preachers and teachers in the church, combines historical scholarship and theological purpose. Sensitive to critical questions and contemporary life and faith. Generally mainstream scholarship.
- New Cambridge Bible Commentary(Cambridge University Press) Uses recent scholarship into literary, narrative and social science interpretation. Both exegetical, theological, and contains the full NRSV. Accurate and concise. Volumes still in production.
- New International Commentary on the New Testament(William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.) A classic of mid to late 20th-century evangelical scholarship, careful attention to historical and grammatical aspects of interpretation. Most volumes being republished.
- New International Commentary on the Old Testament(William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.) A classic of mid to late 20th-century evangelical scholarship, careful attention to historical and grammatical aspects of interpretation. Most volumes being republished.
- New International Greek Testament Commentary(William B. Eerdman's Publishing Co.) Scholarly, evangelical treatment based completely on the Greek New Testament. It provides theological understanding based on historical-critical-linguistic exegesis. Some volumes still being published. Intended for pastors and teachers who want an understanding of the Greek Bible.
- New Interpreter's Bible
(Abbingdon Press) Based on the concept of the mid-20th-century Interpreter's Bible, this series represents the best of mainstream scholarship. Attention to both technical questions and theological message. Written from the mid-1990s to 2000. Includes both NIV and NRSV Biblical texts. - New Testament Library(Westminster John Knox Press)
- Old Testament Library(Westminster John Knox Press) Excellent historical-critical scholarship with strong attention to textual and linguistic matters. Intended for the academic study of the Bible. Some volumes are dated and being rewritten.
- Reformation Commentary on Scripture
(InterVarsity Press) - Tyndale Old & New Testament Commentary(Inter-Varsity Press) A classic of mid 20th Century evangelical scholarship, mainly written by UK and Australian scholars. Concise and accurate presentations of background questions (author, date, etc). Helpful for students and general readers. Becoming dated.
- Word Biblical Commentary(Word Books) Strong, excellent, evangelical critical scholarship. Helpful textual comments about the original language versions with attention to questions of form, structure, and setting. Summary explanations treat theological message. Almost complete set.