Biblical Commentary
What is a Bible commentary?
Definition: Bible commentaries contain observations and interpretations surrounding a biblical text, typically organized according to the text’s sequential flow. Many times, commentaries cover a single book of the Bible, but sometimes they focus on a particular section (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount) or they include several books of the same genre (e.g., the Minor Prophets).
Most commentaries open with an introduction, which discusses who wrote the book and when, the historical background, the intended audience, and how that book fits into the main storyline and themes of the whole Bible. The introduction typically also highlights the structure and major themes of the book.
From there, most commentaries move through the book verse by verse or section by section, discussing important insights in the text. Discussion within a commentary can focus on scholarly analysis, lay-level exposition and application, or anywhere in between.
How can a Bible commentary help me?
A Bible commentary is no substitute for the Bible itself, but here are three ways they can aid you in your time studying the Word:
1. They can help you discover new information.
One way to use a commentary is to read it side by side Scripture. Start by studying a passage and considering any questions or takeaways, then turn to the commentary to see what other treasures you can find in that passage.
2. They can help fill knowledge gaps.
Another way to use commentaries is to use them as a reference when you have questions about a passage. For example, you may come across a theological word, cultural concept, or biblical event you don’t know about—a gap between the original reader’s world and yours. A commentary can help you fill that gap by teaching you how the original audience would have understood those references. From there, you can apply the meaning of the text to your context.
3. They can help you avoid interpretive errors.
A Bible commentary is one of the best tools you can have on hand to check your own interpretation of Scripture against other respected pastors, scholars, and church leaders. They can help you avoid errors and misunderstandings about the Bible while improving your understanding of biblical passages and themes.
Which commentaries should I start with?
If you’re just starting out, start slow. Pick a few commentaries from pastors and theologians you respect, and see what they have to say on particular passages.
From there, you can begin using commentaries more regularly in your Bible study.
Wait to use a critical commentary until you’re established in your knowledge of biblical Greek or Hebrew; otherwise, you won’t be able to engage with the author’s arguments. Critical commentaries are highly valuable, but only if you know how to handle them.
Find the full article and links to additional content here: What Is a Bible Commentary—and Why You Need One
Information above is taken from Logos.com
Recommended Commentaries for Each Book of the Bible:
OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra & Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
NEW TESTAMENT: The Gospel of Matthew, The Gospel of Mark, The Gospel of Luke, The Gospel of John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, The Pastoral Epistles, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter & Jude, The Epistles of John, Revelation
Recommended Whole Commentaries by Theologians:
MacArthur NT Commentary Series
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary comes from the experience, insight, and wisdom of one of the most trusted ministry leaders and Bible teachers of our day. Each volume was written to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible, dealing thoroughly with every key phrase and word in the Bible without being unduly technical. This series helps provide a better, fuller, and richer understanding of God’s word while challenging all readers-no matter what their expertise-to grow in a vibrant, spiritual walk. You can find it here: MacArthur NT Commentary Series or get all his notes in his Study Bible App for only $5.99.
- 25,000 explanatory notes from John MacArthur on virtually every passage based on the ESV text
- More than 140 two-color maps, charts, timelines, and illustrations
- Introduction to each Bible book
- Articles on biblical and theological issues
- Extensive outlines on key Bible doctrines
- Verse references hyperlinked to the Bible
The Treasury of David by Charles H. Spurgeon – Commentary on the Book of Psalms
One of the most comprehensive commentaries on the Psalms ever written. Spurgeon devoted nearly two decades to completing the project. For each Psalm, Spurgeon offers verse-by-verse commentary, followed by detailed explanatory notes, quotations, and sayings for each verse. Find this free commentary here: The Treasury of David
John Calvin Commentaries
Calvin’s Commentaries are, in the words of Philip Schaff, one of the few exegetical works that have outlived their generation. Calvin preached and wrote prolifically on the Bible. His commentaries display a rare combination of exegetical insight, pastoral concern, and theological depth which have inspired generations of Christians.
Calvin wrote commentaries on most books of the Bible, and is best known for his commentaries on the Pauline epistles, his harmony of the Gospels, and his 5-volume work on the Psalms. Find this free commentary here: John Calvin Commentaries
Matthew Henry Commentaries
Matthew Henry’s Commentary is a comprehensive biblical commentary written in the early 1700s by an English non-conformist pastor, Matthew Henry. It is known for its practical, devotional, and insightful exposition of every book of the Bible, characterized by its rich analogies, metaphors, and reflections. Although Henry died before finishing it, his fellow ministers completed the work using his notes, and it remains a classic work of Christian literature, celebrated for its clear, powerful, and timeless guidance.
Quoting Charles Spurgeon: “First among the mighty for general usefulness we are bound to mention the man whose name is a household word, Matthew Henry. He is most pious and pithy, sound and sensible, suggestive and sober, terse and trustworthy….” Find this free commentary here: Matthew Henry’s Commentary
More to come….