A Bible commentary is a written work that provides explanation, interpretation, and application of Biblical texts. Commentaries examine the language, context, and background of Scripture passages to bring out their fuller meaning. They are produced by scholars and theologians and can vary greatly in scope, depth, and theological perspective.
Commentaries serve several important functions for students of the Bible:
- They provide historical and cultural background on the Biblical texts and their authors. Knowing more about the original context and audience helps readers better grasp the intent and meaning of the passages.
- They explain difficult concepts, terms, locations, and objects that may be unfamiliar to modern readers. Commentaries decode archaic language, illuminate obscure references, and clarify theological subtleties.
- They offer analysis of the texts’ structure, literary forms, key themes, and flow of thought. This literary examination unveils layers of meaning that may not be immediately apparent.
- They compare and contrast different passages of Scripture that are related by theme, doctrine, or event. Seeing how various texts connect gives readers a more cohesive understanding.
- They point out problems in the texts and propose solutions. Perceived historical or theological contradictions are addressed and resolved when possible.
- They relate texts to broader Biblical theology. Passages are examined in light of the Bible’s overall teaching to identify unifying themes, principles, and divine truths.
- They suggest contemporary application of texts. Commentaries extract timeless truths and lessons that remain relevant for modern believers.
There are two main types of Bible commentaries:
1. Single book commentaries
As the name implies, these commentaries focus exclusively on a single book of the Bible. They provide much more extensive and detailed analysis than commentaries covering the entire Bible since they devote all their attention to one text. Single book commentaries examine the minutiae of language and attempt to be comprehensive in interpreting each verse and passage within that Biblical book.
2. Whole Bible commentaries
These commentaries survey the entire Bible, providing explanation and exposition across all the books. Since they cover so much textual ground, whole Bible commentaries tend to be more general and selective in their analysis. They focus on the big picture and key themes that tie all the books together into one cohesive revelation. Whole Bible commentaries may only offer exegesis for representative or significant passages instead of each individual verse.
Some types of whole Bible commentaries include:
- One-volume commentaries – These provide concise commentary on the entire Bible in a single book. Given space limitations, their comments are more cursory.
- Multi-volume commentaries – These sets devote multiple volumes to expounding the whole of Scripture. This allows for much more detailed and comprehensive treatment.
- Exposition commentaries – These focus primarily on explicating and applying the texts devotionally, with less emphasis on technical exegesis.
- Homiletical commentaries – These are structured around preaching and sermon preparation. They extract main themes and offer guidance for teaching and applying texts.
- Study Bible commentaries – These are integrated with the biblical text in study Bibles. Concise notes and explanations appear alongside verses.
Key Elements of a Good Commentary
When selecting a commentary, readers should look for certain marks of scholarly excellence:
- Thorough exegesis – The commentary rigorously analyzes the original language, grammar, and historical/cultural context of the passage.
- Theological soundness – Its interpretation aligns with orthodox Christian beliefs based on authorial intent.
- Logical argumentation – Claims are backed by reasoned evidence, not mere assertions of opinion.
- Accessibility – Concepts are explained clearly using plain language where possible.
- Practical application – It draws out ways the text applies to Christian living beyond just historical information.
- Intertextuality – It references connections to other relevant biblical texts.
- Interaction with other views – It acknowledges and engages with alternate interpretations.
- Reputable scholarship – It reflects thorough research and interacts with other established experts in the field.
The best commentaries combine rigorous academics with pastoral wisdom – sound doctrine applied to life. They distill the fruits of scholarship to nourish readers and equip them to understand Scripture on their own.
Functions of Commentaries
Bible students utilize commentaries in various ways:
- As a reference manual when confronted with perplexing verses or concepts.
- As a lens for focused, guided study of a particular book.
- To get answers to specific textual, historical or theological questions.
- As a precursor to their own reflection on the passage.
- As a time-saver by building on others’ study and insights.
- As a way to enrich their overall understanding by consulting expert knowledge.
- As one voice in an ongoing conversation about the text’s meaning.
Commentaries should be seen as a supplement to students’ own engagement with Scripture, not a replacement. They are conversation partners that can help readers hear the text afresh. The Spirit illuminates the Word to each believer; commentaries do not hold the final authority.
Dangers & Pitfalls
While commentaries offer much enriching insight, they can be detrimental when used improperly or relied on too heavily. Potential dangers include:
- Substituting the commentator’s understanding for the reader’s own inductive study.
- Accepting the commentator’s opinions uncritically based on credentials.
- Reading selectively only to confirm preexisting views.
- Using fragmented commentary remarks as proof-texts instead of studying entire passages.
- Letting commentaries shape the reading of the text rather than vice-versa.
- Consulting only commentaries from one theological perspective.
- Becoming overly dependent on external tools rather than wrestling with Scripture directly.
The key is retaining independence of thought. Commentaries are dialogue partners, not arbiters. Readers must keep the primacy of Scripture and utilize external tools judiciously in submitting to the text.
How to Use Commentaries Well
To maximize the value gained from commentaries, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Always study the biblical text directly for yourself first before consulting commentaries.
- Look at multiple commentaries and compare perspectives to get a well-rounded understanding.
- Consider the theological stance and worldview biases of the commentator that may influence their interpretation.
- Focus on arguments rooted in Scripture over individual opinions or speculations.
- Look for themes and big picture connections illuminated across texts.
- Consider historical context and language background provided, but don’t treat ancient settings as appendages.
- Think critically rather than accepting claims at face value. Follow the commentator’s reasoning.
- Aim for a dialogue where you remain engaged and weigh the evidence.
- Look for contemporary relevance and application alongside exegetical details.
- Use commentaries to spur your own deeper probing of the passage rather than replacing it.
The right balance must be struck between an open mind towards external voices, yet also maturity in critically evaluating and integrating those perspectives under Spirit-guided study.
Types of Commentaries
There are many different kinds of commentaries tailored to various needs:
- Technical commentaries – Focus on exegesis of the original languages and historical-critical details.
- Expository commentaries – Expound systematically on the text verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage.
- Homiletical commentaries – Offer outlines and guidance for preaching the passages.
- Devotional commentaries – Emphasize personal application and spiritual nurture in daily reading.
- Bible study commentaries – Aim to guide group study with background facts and discussion questions.
- Topical commentaries – Examine Scripture thematically by tracing concepts across texts.
- Single-volume commentaries – Cover the whole Bible concisely in one book.
- Multi-volume commentaries – Offer extensive examination in a set of multiple books.
- Commentary series – Provide different commentaries by various authors on individual books.
- Ancient commentaries – Written by early church fathers offering a historical perspective.
With this diverse range, students can find the right depth and focus of commentary tailored to their needs and aims in Bible study.
Popular Commentary Series
Some of the most widely used modern commentary series include:
- Tyndale Commentaries – Original language exegesis and contemporary application on each book.
- IVP New Testament Commentary – Scholarship with a practical emphasis aimed at preachers and teachers.
- Baker Exegetical Commentary – Technical and scholarly commentary from a conservative stance.
- Pillar Commentaries – In-depth exegetical commentaries for studying and preaching.
- New International Commentary – Verse-by-verse exposition from a scholarly evangelical perspective.
- Hermeneia – Critical historical-theological analysis aimed at academics and scholars.
- Word Biblical Commentary – Detailed exegetical and lexical analysis of the Hebrew and Greek.
Some series emphasize pastoral applicability, while others target an academic audience. Comparing entries on the same texts reveals interpretive diversity.
Ancient Commentaries
Some seminal works of Biblical commentary were produced in the early centuries of the church by figures like:
- Origen – Wrote extensive commentaries integrating Hellenistic learning with theology.
- John Chrysostom – Known for explanatory homilies treasured for their eloquence and insight.
- Augustine – His work On the Psalms combined exegesis with philosophical reflection.
- John Calvin – Architect of Reformation theology whose commentaries profoundly influenced Protestantism.
- Matthew Henry – Produced enduringly popular verse-by-verse observations for application.
These classic commentaries have shaped the tradition of biblical exposition over the centuries. While dated in some respects, they still offer illuminating perspective as part of the church’s collective wisdom.
Study Bible Commentaries
Integrated study Bibles merge commentary notes directly alongside the biblical text for easy access. Popular study Bibles featuring commentary include:
- NIV Study Bible – Conservative evangelical notes from an international team of scholars.
- Life Application Study Bible – Practical focus on applying the text personally.
- Archaeological Study Bible – Elucidates archaeological, geographical, and cultural context.
- MacArthur Study Bible – Commentary reflects John MacArthur’s Calvinist theology.
- Thompson Chain Reference – Unique topical chains connect related passages contextually.
- Reformation Study Bible – Modernized version of the Geneva Bible with Reformed notes.
Study Bibles make commentary accessible point-of-need while reading Scripture itself. This allows for integrating external insight in one’s direct engagement with the text.
Online Commentaries
Websites like BibleGateway.com and BibleHub.com host free online commentaries with verse-by-verse exposition to supplement Bible study. Benefits include:
- Hyperlinked chapter/verse references for quick navigation.
- Layering multiple commentaries for comparison.
- Powerful word and phrase searches within and across commentaries.
- Custom highlighting, bookmarking, and notation capabilities.
- Accessibility across any device with internet connectivity.
Technology expands options for leveraging commentaries digitally. However, thoughtful discretion is still needed when utilizing multiplicity of voices at one’s fingertips.
Bible Commentaries in Summation
In summary, Bible commentaries enrich understanding by providing specialized knowledge and scholarly perspective on the text. The diversity of interpretations across commentators displays the complexity and depth contained within Scripture. While commentaries should inform students’ study, the Spirit and the text itself remain the prime authorities. With discernment, commentaries can aid in grasping revealed truth – equipping believers not just with information, but transformative wisdom that renews mind and life.