Introduction to Old and New Testament Commentary Series
Abingdon Old/New Testament Commentaries (Abingdon)
These are designed to be ‘compact, critical commentaries’ on the books of the Old and New Testament. They offer section-by-section exposition and are written with theological students and pastors in mind. In addition to the commentary proper, these volumes include helpful discussions of the literary genre and structure of the book(s) in question. The commentary on Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah and Micah, for instance, also has very useful sections discussing the theological and ethical significance of those prophets.
The Anchor Bible (Doubleday)
This series, which tends to be moderately critical, is of mixed value, with individual volumes ranging from excellent to very poor. The Anchor Bible covers both Testaments, including the Apocrypha. Each volume offers an introduction, a new translation, linguistic and exegetical notes. Some commentaries in this series also feature a detailed exposition of the text, but the length and complexity of the treatment vary enormously, with some volumes being immensely detailed, while others can be rather thin (e.g., 980 pages on Amos’s nine chapters contrast with 116 pages on the five chapters of Lamentations). The focus, on the whole, is on issues such as philology and historical background rather than on the theology of the biblical books. This is an international and interfaith project, which includes Protestant, Catholic and Jewish scholars writing primarily for scholars, although the editors claim, somewhat optimistically, that the series ‘is aimed at the general reader with no special formal training in biblical studies’.
Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (IVP)
This ecumenical project differs from most of the other series introduced here in that it aims to present readers with the the best of the early church fathers’ theological, spiritual and pastoral insights rather than a contemporary commentary on the biblical text. Commentaries present the biblical text in the translation of the RSV, which is then followed by selected comments from the church fathers on key issues in the passage. As the volumes in this series are intended to supplement commentaries in the historical-critical tradition, they offer hardly any discussion of introductory issues such as date, authorship etc. Also, no attempt has been made to comment on every verse or feature in the text. As the editors point out, comments by the fathers have been selected rather for their insight, rhetorical power and ‘faithful representation of the consensual exegesis of the early church’. This series, which is presented as part of the ‘post-critical revival of the early commentary tradition’, deserves particular attention for its endeavour to provide a link between contemporary Christian traditions in all their variety and their common ancestors in the early church, which had fallen silent in recent decades.
Apollos Old Testament Commentary (IVP)
The aim of these evangelical commentaries is to expound the books of the Old Testament in a scholarly manner that is nonetheless accessible to non-experts. They are intended primarily to serve the needs of preachers but are meant to be useful also to scholars and serious students of the Bible. Particular attention is paid to the relevance of the Old Testament to modern readers. Each volume features a detailed introduction, which, apart from discussing issues such as authorship, date, sources, etc., also addresses questions of theology, interpretation and application. Authors provide their own translation of the text, which is followed by textual notes, a discussion of the passage’s context and literary structure, the commentary proper and an exposition of its theological message within the framework of biblical theology.
Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms (Baker)
As the title indicates, this series is devoted exclusively to the Old Testament wisdom books (including the Song of Songs) and the book of Psalms. Apart from a strong interest in the message of the books in question, particular attention is paid to their poetic structure and to literary devices featuring in the biblical text. Authors provide their own translation of the text; there are quite extensive textual notes, verse-by-verse exegesis and sections exploring the theological implications of the passage.
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker)
This evangelical commentary series is a major new project that engages directly with the Greek text while also offering detailed interaction with secondary literature. Although the commentaries are intended to be widely accessible (Greek terms are rendered both in Greek font and in transliteration, and all foreign-language expressions are translated), they are clearly most suitable for serious pastors, students and scholars. One of the express aims of these commentaries is to integrate detailed, scholarly exegesis and sustained theological reflection.
Berit Olam: Studies in Hebrew Narrative & Poetry (Liturgical Press)
Despite the subtitle, this is not a series of monographs. However, the subtitle is highly appropriate, because these commentaries focus on the final form of the text, approaching the books of the Old Testament as literary works and with the conviction that their truth can be better appreciated only with a fuller understanding of the ancient Hebrew craft of poetry and storytelling. The series’ editors note that the authors come from various religious traditions and professional backgrounds and reflect a variety of theoretical approaches. The publishing house, Liturgical Press, was founded by St John’s Abbey, a Benedictine Abbey in Minnesota.
The Bible Speaks Today (IVP)
The editors stress that the volumes in this series are intended to be expositions, not commentaries. The aims are threefold: ‘to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life and to be readable’. Exposition is section by section, and the outlook is evangelical. Some volumes are surprisingly extensive.
Black’s/Harper New Testament Commentaries (Continuum/Hendrickson)
This series aims to offer reliable and enlightening exposition of the New Testament for the modern reader. Basing their remarks on their own fresh translations, authors introduce the historical, literary and theological backgrounds of the New Testament books, before providing a verse-by-verse exposition. Key terms and phrases from the translation are highlighted in the commentary discussion, which does not require knowledge of Greek, as Greek terms are generally explained. There are some excellent commentaries in this series.
Blackwell Bible Commentaries (Blackwell)
This is a fairly new, innovative series, which is devoted especially to the ‘reception history’ of the biblical books. Thus it looks at the way the Bible down the ages has been - and still is - used in hymns, sermons, official church statements and the like; it considers its role in the evolution of religious beliefs and practices, the way it has influenced social and political developments and its influence on literature, music and the arts. The underlying premise is ‘that how people have interpreted, and been influenced by, a sacred text like the Bible is often as interesting and historically important as what it originally meant’.
The Church’s Bible (Eerdmans)
Details to be added soon …
Continental Commentaries (Augsburg Fortress)
These are translations of leading German commentaries from a variety of series. They are critical commentaries of a high scholarly standard, which means that they can be quite technical at times. However, because they tend to offer important theological insights, these commentaries can be of real benefit to the preacher who is prepared to go the extra mile. Some volumes in this series are acknowledged masterpieces and most have made a significant contribution to the study of the book in question.
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Tyndale House)
Details to be added soon …
The Daily Study Bible (Westminster John Knox)
Details to be added soon …
Eerdmans Critical Commentary (Eerdmans)
This fairly recent series promises to be a major scholarly project. Volumes include the author’s own translation, critical notes and commentary on literary, historical, cultural and theological aspects of the text. They reflect recent advances in scholarly study of the Bible and are informed by newer methodological approaches. The series is aimed at ‘serious general readers and scholars’, and contributors are expected to be ‘sensitive to the original meaning of the text and to bring alive its relevance for today’.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Zondervan)
Details to be added soon …
Forms of the Old Testament Literature (Eerdmans)
Details to be added soon …
Hermeneia (Fortress)
This is a large-scale historical-critical commentary series, which aims to utilize the full range of philological and historical tools, including textual criticism and the methods of the history of tradition. The commentaries, some of which are translations from German works, are designed for the serious student of the Bible. Full use is made of ancient Semitic and classical languages, but English translations of comparative materials are supplied. ‘Insofar as possible, the aim is to provide the student or scholar with full critical discussion of each problem of interpretation’. On the whole, the standard of scholarship is very high, and there are a number of classic works in this series. A few of the volumes are rather dated, but these are now being replaced.
International Critical Commentary (T & T Clark)
This is a major scholarly project, which was begun more than a century ago. In recent years, new volumes have started to appear, both in order to fill existing gaps but also to replace older volumes. The new additions make use of new linguistic, textual, historical and archaeological evidence as well as changes and developments in methods of study. But even the old commentaries are often still worth consulting, even though they are seriously dated by now. As the series is primarily aimed at scholars, Hebrew, Greek and Latin texts are cited without translation. Only a few of the new volumes have appeared, but they are of an exceptionally high standard. The main advantage of a series like this is that the commentaries leave no stone unturned and provide answers to just about any philological or textual question one might care to ask.
International Theological Commentary (Eerdmans)
International in scope, authorship and theological approach, this series, which is restricted to the Old Testament, aims to move beyond a descriptive-historical approach to offer relevant exegesis of the text as Holy Scripture. It focuses on the theological significance of the Old Testament, emphasising its relevance for the life of the Church. Many of the commentaries are particularly sensitive to issues that are of relevance to those living outside the ‘Christian’ West. Authors represent a wide range of geographical, ideological and ecclesiastical backgrounds.
Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Westminster John Knox)
As the subtitle suggests, this series is intended to be a resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. As such, it is written especially with teaching and preaching needs in mind. It therefore focuses less on detailed exegesis than on the key themes of the biblical books, seeking to bring ‘an understanding of what the text says into dialogue with the critical questions and problems of contemporary life and faith’. The aim is commendable, but the execution is not always successful in that the exegesis can sometimes be on the thin side. There are some fine volumes in this series, however.
IVP New Testament Commentaries (IVP)
These are brief, passage-by-passage commentaries that are based on the NIV, come from an evangelical background and are designed to be immediately nurturing rather than academically rigorous. They provide some background information on authorship, setting, theme and various interpretive issues, but their particular focus is on the message of the New Testament for today’s church. In addition to the commentary proper, they feature bottom-of-the-page notes that offer some additional information of a more scholarly nature.
JPS Torah Commentary (Jewish Publication Society)
This is a Jewish commentary series, which presents the Hebrew text together with the English translation by the Jewish Publication Society. Torah is understood in an inclusive sense. Published volumes therefore cover not only the books from Genesis to Deuteronomy but also, for instance, Esther and Jonah. The series offers detailed comment on the Hebrew text, and commentators make use of traditional rabbinic commentaries, the Mishna, Midrash and Talmud. Commentators have been praised for being respectful to the Jewish tradition, while at the same time adhering to the highest standards of biblical criticism.
The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary (Baker)
Details to be added soon …
New American Commentary (Broadman & Holman)
Details to be added soon …
The New Cambridge Bible Commentary (CUP)
This relatively new series, which is a passage-by-passage commentary based on the NRSV, ‘aims to elucidate the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures for a wide range of intellectually curious individuals’. The aim is to provide accessible, jargon-free commentaries that utilise developing areas in biblical studies, such as rhetorical criticism, narrative criticism and social-scientific approaches to shed fresh light on the biblical texts.
The New Century Bible Commentary (Marshall, Morgan & Scott/Eerdmans; Sheffield Academic Press; T & T Clark International)
On the whole, this series is characterized by a somewhat moderately critical stance, with the emphasis being on the final shape of the biblical books as they have come down to us. In these verse-by-verse commentaries, particular attention is paid to understanding what the text says, without necessarily looking at broader theological or expository concerns. Because of this, quite a few questions are left unanswered, and the commentaries can be rather dry at times. However, there are some fine volumes in what is a disappointing series over all.
New International Biblical Commentary (Hendrickson)
Based on the translation of the NIV, this is a generally competent series that is neither too technical nor overly long. Being aimed both at general readers and serious students, it presents a section-by-section exposition of the biblical text, with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Hebrew or Greek transliterated. A separate section of notes at the end of each chapter provides additional textual and technical comments.
New International Commentary on the Old/New Testament (Eerdmans)
This series of commentaries, which adopts a conservative critical approach, aims to bridge the cultural gap between today’s world and the world of ancient Israel. The target readership consists of scholars, pastors and serious Bible students. Following an introduction that looks at the background, authorship, date purpose, structure and theology of the book, the commentary proper features the author’s own translation from the original language as well as verse-by-verse comments. The comments aim to balance in-depth discussions of technical matters, such as textual criticism, critical problems etc., with exposition of the biblical writer’s theology and its implication for the life of faith today. The text of these commentaries demands no specialist knowledge, whereas the footnotes presuppose some familiarity with Greek and Hebrew.
New International Greek Testament Commentary (Paternoster/ Eerdmans)
These commentaries aim to be sensitive to theological themes as well as to the details of the text’s historical, linguistic and textual context. NIGTC is a scholarly series that provides detailed verse-by-verse commentary preceded by general comments on each section and subsection of the text, is up-to-date, bibliographically fairly exhaustive and within the evangelical tradition. Commentators are expected to interact with the latest New Testament research and to make their own scholarly contributions to the ongoing study of the biblical text. Some knowledge of Greek is assumed, and there is a tendency for these commentaries to be quite technical. However, for clergy and others with some knowledge of Greek, this is a series to look out for.
New International Version Application Commentary (Zondervan/Hodder & Stoughton)
Details to be added soon …
New Interpreter’s Bible (Abingdon)
This ecumenical series of commentaries, which covers the entire Bible (incl. the apocryphal and deuterocanonical books) in twelve volumes, is aimed to meet the needs of preachers, teachers and all students of the Bible. Introductions to each book cover essential historical, socio-cultural, literary and theological issues. The commentaries feature the full text of both the NIV and NRSV, a full, verse-by-verse critical commentary providing an exegetical reading of the biblical text as well as reflections that offer a detailed exposition of issues raised in the discussion and dealt with in the commentary. The volumes are very attractively produced, but they do come with a hefty price tag.
Old/New Testament Library (SCM/WJK)
The Old/New Testament Library is a series of commentaries and general studies designed for use by students, pastors and teachers. It includes some translations of significant German commentaries and aims to present a critically informed, theological reading of the Old and New Testament. Some commentaries, like Gerhard von Rad’s volume on Genesis, are classics. The contributors in this well-known series tend to be scholars of international standing.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Eerdmans/Apollos)
The Pillar New Testament Commentary, aimed at ‘serious readers of the Bible’, seeks to make clear the meaning of the text of Scripture as we have it. Writers in the series are expected to interact with contemporary scholarship but avoid undue technical detail. This evangelical series is intended to achieve a blend of rigorous exegesis and exposition, scholarship and pastoral sensitivity, with an eye to biblical theology and the contemporary relevance of the Bible.
Sacra Pagina (Liturgical)
This series is the New Testament equivalent of Berit Olam. Written by an international team of Catholic scholars, it is intended for biblical professionals, graduate students, theologians, clergy and religious educators. The volumes provide basic introductory information as well as new translations from the Greek, critical engagement with the text and theologically sensitive expositions within the Roman Catholic tradition. The editors note that the series is ‘catholic in two senses of the word: inclusive in its methods and perspectives, and shaped by the context of the Catholic tradition’. The volumes published thus far are somewhat uneven in terms of the depth of coverage they offer.
SCM/Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible (SCM/Brazos)
This new series is the most sustained attempt yet to offer theological interpretation. As Walter Brueggemann notes in his blurb, these commentaries reflect the ‘growing resistance to the historical-critical project’. In contrast to all the other series introduced here, these commentaries are written not by biblical scholars but by theologians, such as Stanley Hauerwas, Robert Jenson, Kevin Vanhoozer and John Webster, to mention only some of the better-known contributors. Working on the premise that ‘doctrine provides a structure and cogency for understanding the scriptures’, this series deliberately aims to offer what is called ‘doctrinal interpretation’. In doing so, the commentaries are meant to serve the church in ‘aiding preaching, teaching and study groups, as well as theological scholars and students’. Being different from any other commentary series currently on the market, this is one to watch, if only to get a different perspective. However, these commentaries need to be used alongside more traditional, exegetical ones, because they lack the exegetical rigour that characterizes the established scholarly commentary series, as can be seen, for instance, in Hauerwas’s volume on Matthew, which engages with various theologians but fails to interact with biblical scholarship on that gospel.
The Two Horizons Old/New Testament Commentary (Eerdmans)
This is another new series, which also seeks to offer theological exposition. To put it in the words of the series editors, the Two Horizons Commentary aims ‘to bridge the gap between biblical studies and systematic theology’. It does that by offering section-by-section exegesis of the biblical text ‘in close conversation with theological concerns’. Most of the volumes are written by biblical scholars who are, however, encouraged to team up with theologians in order for the commentaries to be informed by both perspectives. The series has a distinctive format in that the first half of each volume contains the commentary proper, whereas the second half consists of a theological essay that seeks to elucidate the key themes of the biblical book in question, investigate these themes in the light of biblical theology and relate them to current issues in theology. This, too, is a series to watch.
Tyndale Old/New Testament Commentaries (IVP)
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These commentaries will benefit well-read laypersons as well as ministers. This well-established evangelical series focuses on explaining the meaning of the text with only minimal interaction with secondary literature. Introductions to each book give concise treatment of questions such as authorship, date and various important interpretative issues. The commentary engages with the biblical text section-by-section, but it also comments on individual verses and engages with problems of interpretation. Given the confines of the series, there are several volumes that are surprisingly informative.
Word Biblical Commentary (Word)
This full-scale, scholarly series, which is aimed at professional scholars, teachers, students and ministers, offers fresh translations, extensive engagement with relevant secondary sources and detailed exegesis of the Hebrew or Greek text. There are numerous bibliographies, extensive philological and textual notes, comments on the form, structure and setting of the passage in question and ‘explanation’ sections, which are meant to draw out the main themes of the passage. Helpfully, all Hebrew and Greek terms are translated, thus making the commentaries accessible to a wider readership. The series is promoted as ‘a showcase of the best in evangelical critical scholarship’, which is not entirely inappropriate, but two reservations are in order. First, not all commentaries are of as high a standard as the blurb would have it, and secondly, the term ‘evangelical’ is here defined rather broadly.
