Because of the large number of commentaries available, a brief explanation of the following recommendations is necessary. First, a brief description of some of the most popular commentary series will be provided. Second, there will be a recommendation of some of the best multi-volume sets. Third, some one and two volume sets will be recommended. Fourth, commentaries on the individual books of the Bible will be suggested. These are classified according to level of difficulty. (Inclusion on this list does not necessarily imply agreement with every exegetical presupposition or conclusion drawn by a particular author).
COMMENTARY SURVEYS
Carson, D.A. New Testament Commentary Survey.
Longman, Tremper, III. Old Testament Commentary Survey.
Thomas, Derek. The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher’s Library.
COMMENTARY SERIES
Anchor Bible Commentaries (ABC) – Generally critical series; includes commentaries on the apocrypha.
Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (ACC) – This new ongoing series published by IVP collates the most outstanding comments of the early church fathers on the text of Scripture.
Bible Speaks Today (BST) – Brief and thorough commentaries directed toward the layman.
Communicator’s Commentary (CC) – This commentary series is specifically directed toward pastors. Generally helpful.
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (EBC) – 10 volumes. Evangelical series directed at the layman. Commentaries by VanGemeren on Psalms and Carson on Matthew are standouts.
Hermeneia – Generally critical series. Many volumes accessible only to scholars.
International Critical Commentary (ICC) – The classic commentary by C.E.B. Cranfield on Romans is probably the only volume worth the high price.
Interpretation – Moderately critical; directed toward pastors.
New American Commentary (NAC) – Generally helpful expository commentaries.
New International Bible Commentary (NIBC) – Good series for both laymen and pastors. Original languages are transliterated.
New International Commentaries on the Old Testament and the New Testament (NICOT & NICNT) – Generally evangelical. Very thorough and scholarly commentaries, yet helpful for any student. Original languages restricted to the footnotes. Usually highly recommended.
New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC) – Scholarly, technical series that interacts at length with textual questions. Knowledge of Greek is necessary.
NIV Application Commentaries (NIVAC) – Newer series with a different approach. Each text is dealt with in terms of 1) The original meaning, 2) A bridge from the original context to today ,and 3) A discussion of the contemporary significance. Broadly evangelical. Generally helpful.
Old Testament Library (OTL) – Generally critical series of commentaries.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC) – Scholarly, evangelical commentary series.
Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries and New Testament Commentaries (TOTC & TNTC) – This is probably the best place for a beginning student to start. The series is evangelical, brief and very helpful.
Word Biblical Commentaries (WBC) – Technical. Some, but not all, volumes in the series are outstanding.
RECOMMENDED SETS
Calvin, John. Calvin’s Commentaries.
Hendriksen, William and Simon Kistemaker. New Testament Commentaries.
Henry, Matthew. Commentary on the Bible. Available in several versions.
ONE AND TWO VOLUME SETS
Barker, Kenneth, ed. The NIV Bible Commentary. 2 vols.
Elwell, Walter, ed. Evangelical Commentary on the Bible.
Wenham, G.J., J.A. Motyer, D.A. Carson, and R.T. France, eds. New Bible Commentary, 21st Century Edition.
INDIVIDUAL COMMENTARIES
GENESIS
Kidner, Derek. Genesis – Introductory.
Ross, Allen. Creation and Blessing – Intermediate
Waltke, Bruce. Genesis – Intermediate.
Wenham, Gordon. Genesis 1-15 and Genesis 16-50. – Advanced.
EXODUS
Bush, George. Commentary on Exodus – Intermediate.
Cole, Alan. Exodus – Introductory.
Currid, John D. Exodus, 2 vols. – Intermediate.
Enns, Peter. Exodus – Intermediate.
Motyer, J. Alec. The Message of Exodus – Introductory.
LEVITICUS
Bonar, Andrew. Leviticus - Intermediate
Harrison, R. K. Leviticus – Introductory.
Hartley, J. E. Leviticus – Advanced.
Ross, Allen P. Holiness to the Lord – Intermediate.
Wenham, Gordon. The Book of Leviticus – Intermediate.
NUMBERS
Ashley, T. R. The Book of Numbers – Intermediate/Advanced.
Philip, James. Numbers – Intermediate.
Wenham, Gordon. Numbers – Introductory.
DEUTERONOMY
Craigie, P. C. The Book of Deuteronomy – Intermediate/Advanced.
McConville, J. G. Deuteronomy – Intermediate – Advanced.
Miller, P. D. Deuteronomy – Advanced. [Moderately critical]
Thompson, J. A. Deuteronomy – Introductory.
JOSHUA
Davis, Dale Ralph. No Falling Words – Intermediate.
Hess, Richard. Joshua – Introductory.
Woudstra, M. H. The Book of Joshua – Intermediate.
JUDGES
Block, Daniel I. Judges, Ruth – Intermediate.
Cundall, A. E. and L. Morris, Judges and Ruth – Introductory.
Davis, Dale Ralph. Such a Great Salvation – Intermediate.
Wilcock, Michael. The Message of Judges – Intermediate.
RUTH
Atkinson, D. The Message of Ruth – Intermediate.
Block, Daniel I. Judges, Ruth – Intermediate.
Hubbard, R.L. The Book of Ruth – Intermediate.
Morris, Leon. Judges and Ruth: An Introduction and Commentary – Introductory.
I & II SAMUEL
A.A. Anderson, II Samuel – Advanced.
Baldwin, Joyce. 1 & 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary – Introductory.
Gordon, R.P. 1 and 2 Samuel – Intermediate.
Klein, R.W. I Samuel – Advanced.
I & II KINGS
Dilday, Russell. 1, 2 Kings – Intermediate.
House, Paul R. 1, 2 Kings – Intermediate.
Nelson, R. First and Second Kings – Advanced.
Provan Iain. 1, 2 Kings – Intermediate.
Wiseman, Donald. 1 & 2 Kings – Introductory.
I & II CHRONICLES
Allen, Leslie. 1, 2 Chronicles – Intermediate.
Braun, R. 1 Chronicles – Advanced.
R. Dillard, 2 Chronicles – Advanced.
Japhet, S. I and II Chronicles – Advanced. [Moderately critical]
Pratt, Richard. I and II Chronicles – Intermediate.
Selman, Martin. 1 Chronicles – Introductory.
Selman, Martin. 2 Chronicles – Introductory.
EZRA & NEHEMIAH
Blenkinsopp, J. Ezra-Nehemiah – Advanced.
Fensham, F. Charles. The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah – Intermediate.
Kidner, D. Ezra and Nehemiah – Introductory.
Williamson, H. G. M. Ezra-Nehemiah – Advanced.
ESTHER
Baldwin, J.G. Esther – Introductory.
Bush, R. Esther – Advanced.
Jobes, Karen. Esther – Intermediate.
JOB
Andersen, Francis I. Job – Introductory.
Hartley, J. E. The Book of Job – Intermediate.
PSALMS
Allen, Leslie C. Psalms 101-150 – Advanced.
Boice, James Montgomery. Psalms – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Psalms 1-50 – Advanced.
Dickson, David. Psalms – Intermediate.
Kidner, Derek. Psalms – Introductory.
Mays, J. L. Psalms – Advanced.
Tate, Marvin E. Psalms 51-100 – Advanced.
VanGemeren, Willem. Psalms in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary ed by Gaebelein. – Intermediate.
PROVERBS
Bridges, Charles. Proverbs – Intermediate.
Hubbard, D.A. Proverbs – Intermediate.
Kidner, Derek. Proverbs – Introductory.
Longman, Tremper, III. The Book of Proverbs. – Intermediate/Advanced.
Waltke, Bruce. Proverbs: A Commentary, 2 vols. – Advanced.
ECCLESIASTES
Bridges, Charles. Ecclesiastes – Intermediate.
Crenshaw, J. L. Ecclesiastes – Intermediate.
Eaton, Michael. Ecclesiastes – Introductory.
Kidner, D. A Time to Mourn and A Time to Dance – Introductory.
Longman, Tremper, III, Ecclesiastes – Intermediate.
SONG OF SONGS
Burrowes, G. Song of Solomon – Intermediate.
Carr, G. Lloyd. The Song of Solomon – Introductory.
Gledhill, T. The Message of the Song of Songs – Intermediate.
Pope, M. H. Song of Songs – Advanced.
ISAIAH
Motyer, Alec. The Prophecy of Isaiah – Intermediate.
Motyer, Alec. Isaiah – Introductory.
Oswalt, J. Isaiah 1-39 and Isaiah 40-66 – Intermediate.
Young, E. J. The Book of Isaiah. 3 vols. – Advanced.
JEREMIAH
Harrison, R. K. Jeremiah and Lamentations – Introductory.
Thompson. J. A. The Book of Jeremiah – Intermediate.
LAMENTATIONS
Brooks, Richard. Great is Your Faithfulness – Introductory.
Harrison, R. K. Jeremiah and Lamentations – Introductory.
EZEKIEL
Block, Daniel. Ezekiel. 2 Vols. – Intermediate.
Craigie, P. C. Ezekiel – Introductory.
Duguid, Iain. Ezekiel – Intermediate.
Stuart, Douglas. Ezekiel – Intermediate.
Taylor, John B. Ezekiel – Introductory.
DANIEL
Baldwin, J. G. Daniel – Introductory.
Ferguson, Sinclair. Daniel – Intermediate.
Goldingay, J. Daniel – Advanced.
Longman, Tremper, III Daniel – Intermediate.
Young, E.J. Daniel – Intermediate.
HOSEA
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
Hubbard, D. A. Hosea – Introductory.
Hubbard, D. A. Joel and Amos – Introductory.
Kidner, D. The Message of Hosea – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 1 – Intermediate/Advanced.
Stuart, Douglas. Hosea – Jonah – Intermediate/Advanced.
JOEL
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
Hubbard, D. A. Joel and Amos – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 1 – Intermediate/Advanced.
Stuart, Douglas. Hosea – Jonah – Intermediate/Advanced.
AMOS
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
Hubbard, D. A. Joel and Amos – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 1 – Intermediate/Advanced.
Stuart, Douglas. Hosea – Jonah – Intermediate/Advanced.
OBADIAH
Baker, D. W., T. D. Alexander, and B. Waltke. Obadiah, Jonah, Micah – Introductory.
Baker, D. W. Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 2 – Intermediate/Advanced.
Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah – Intermediate.
Stuart, Douglas. Hosea–Jonah – Intermediate/Advanced.
JONAH
Baker, D. W., T. D. Alexander, and B. Waltke. Obadiah, Jonah, Micah – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 2 – Intermediate/Advanced.
Stuart, Douglas. Hosea–Jonah – Intermediate/Advanced.
MICAH
Baker, D. W., T. D. Alexander, and B. Waltke. Obadiah, Jonah, Micah – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 2 – Intermediate/Advanced.
Waltke, Bruce. A Commentary on Micah.
NAHUM
Baker, D. W. Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 2 – Intermediate/Advanced.
Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah – Intermediate.
HABAKKUK
Baker, D. W. Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 2 – Intermediate/Advanced.
Robertson, O. Palmer. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah – Intermediate.
ZEPHANIAH
Baldwin, J. G. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 3 – Advanced.
HAGGAI
Baldwin, J. G. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 3 – Advanced.
ZECHARIAH
Baldwin, J. G. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 3 – Advanced.
MALACHI
Baldwin, J. G. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi – Introductory.
Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets – Introductory/Intermediate.
Craigie, Peter. Twelve Prophets – Introductory.
McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets, Vol. 3 – Advanced.
MATTHEW
Boice, James Montgomery. The Gospel of Matthew – Introductory/Intermediate.
Carson, D.A. Matthew in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary ed by Gaebelein. – Intermediate.
France, R.T. The Gospel of Matthew – Advanced.
Keener, Craig S. A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew – Advanced.
Morris, Leon. The Gospel According to Matthew - Intermediate – Advanced.
MARK
Cranfield, C.E.B. The Gospel According to St. Mark – Advanced.
Edwards, James. The Gospel According to Mark – Intermediate.
France, R.T. Mark (NIGNT) – Advanced.
Lane, William. The Gospel of Mark – Intermediate.
LUKE
Bock, Darrell. Luke, 2 vols. – Advanced.
Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke – Intermediate.
Morris, Leon. Luke: An Introduction and Commentary – Intermediate.
Stein, Robert H. Luke (NAC) – Intermediate.
Sproul, R.C. A Walk with God – Introductory.
JOHN
Boice, James Montgomery. The Gospel of John – Introductory.
Carson, D.A. The Gospel According to John. – Intermediate/Advanced.
Hendriksen, William. John – Intermediate.
Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary – Intermediate/Advanced.
Morris, Leon. The Gospel of John – Intermediate/Advanced.
ACTS
Boice, James Montgomery. Acts – Introductory/Intermediate.
Bruce, F.F. The Book of Acts – Intermediate.
Johnson, Dennis. The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption. – Intermediate.
Marshall, I. Howard. The Book of Acts – Introductory/Intermediate.
ROMANS
Boice, James Montgomery. Romans – Introductory/Intermediate.
Hodge, Charles. A Commentary on Romans – Intermediate.
Moo, Douglas. The Epistle to the Romans – Intermediate.
Morris, Leon. The Epistle to the Romans – Intermediate.
Murray, John. Epistle to the Romans – Intermediate.
Schreiner, Thomas. Romans – Advanced.
Sproul, R.C. The Gospel of God – Introductory.
I CORINTHIANS
Hodge, Charles. I & II Corinthians – Intermediate.
Kistemaker, Simon. I Corinthians – Intermediate.
Morris, Leon. I Corinthians – Introductory.
Thiselton, Anthony. The First Epistle to the Corinthians – Advanced.
II CORINTHIANS
Barnett, Paul. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians – Intermediate.
Hodge, Charles. I & II Corinthians – Intermediate.
Hughes, Philip E. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians – Intermediate.
Kruse, Colin. II Corinthians – Intermediate.
GALATIANS
Bruce, F.F. Galatians – Advanced.
Fung, R. Y. K. The Epistle to the Galatians – Intermediate.
Hendriksen, William. The Epistle to the Galatians – Intermediate.
EPHESIANS
Boice, James Montgomery. i– Introductory.
Hendriksen, W. Ephesians – Intermediate.
Hodge, Charles. Ephesians – Intermediate.
O’Brien, Peter T. The Letter to the Ephesians – Intermediate.
Sproul, R.C. The Purpose of God – Introductory.
PHILIPPIANS
Boice, James Montgomery. Philippians – Introductory.
Hendriksen, William. Philippians – Intermediate.
O’ Brien, Peter T. Philippians – Advanced.
Silva, Moisés. Philippians – Intermediate.
COLOSSIANS
Hendriksen, William. Colossians – Intermediate.
O’ Brien, Peter T. Colossians – Advanced.
I & II THESSALONIANS
Bruce, F. F. I and II Thessalonians – Intermediate.
Green, Gene L. The Letters to the Thessalonians – Intermediate.
Morris, Leon. The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians – Intermediate.
Wanamaker, Charles A. 1 & 2 Thessalonians – Advanced.
I & II TIMOTHY & TITUS
Guthrie, Donald. The Pastoral Epistles – Intermediate.
Knight, George W. III. The Pastoral Epistles – Advanced.
PHILEMON
O’Brien, Peter. Colossians, Philemon – Advanced.
HEBREWS
Ellingworth, Paul. The Epistle to the Hebrews – Advanced.
Hughes, Philip E. A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews – Intermediate.
Lane, William. Hebrews – Advanced.
Owen, John. An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews. 7 vols. – Advanced.
JAMES
Davids, Peter H. The Epistle of James – Advanced.
Manton, Thomas. James – Intermediate.
Moo, Douglas J. James – Intermediate.
I & II PETER & JUDE
Bauckham, Richard J. II Peter & Jude – Advanced.
Davids, Peter. The First Epistle of Peter – Intermediate.
Kelly, J. N. D. I & II Peter, Jude – Intermediate.
Kistemaker, Simon. Peter & Jude – Intermediate.
Michaels, J. Ramsey. I Peter – Advanced.
I - III JOHN
Kistemaker, Simon. James & I, II, III John – Intermediate.
Kruse, Colin. The Letters of John – Intermediate.
Marshall, I. Howard. The Epistles of John – Intermediate.
Stott, J. R. W. I, II, & III John – Intermediate.
REVELATION
Aune, David. The Book of Revelation, 3 vols. – Advanced.
Beale, Gregory K. The Book of Revelation – Advanced.
Gregg, Steve, ed. Revelation: Four Views: A Parallel Commentary – Intermediate.
Hendriksen, William. More Than Conquerors – Introductory.
Kistemaker, Simon. Revelation – Intermediate.
Ladd, George E. The Book of Revelation – Intermediate.
Mounce, Robert. The Book of Revelation – Intermediate.
Wilcock, Michael. I Saw Heaven Opened – Introductory. |
