This guide in intended to help the CTU community find the Bible commentaries and criticisms that are available electronically and in print in the Bechtold Library. For a more general overview of tools for biblical scholarship, see the guide Biblical Studies Tools.
Critical, Technical or Exegetical commentaries are scholarly works that examine passages in great detail. Varying viewpoints, fine technical points, literary styles, or critical theories may be discussed in these commentaries. Critical commentaries are based on the Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic text, which may require an understanding of the original languages. These titles are typically written by Biblical scholars and theologians.
Examples:
Semi-technical or expositional commentaries are less technical than the commentaries described above. However these still go into great detail, and the authors do not assume readers know the original languages.
Homiletical or Pastoral: Intended to aid in sermon preparation.
Examples:
Devotional: Focuses on the basic meaning of the text and life application. These are designed for laity or general readers, which focus on the meaning of the text and life applications. They are often used to aid in Bible study groups.
Examples:
A project of international and interfaith scope in which Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish scholars from many countries contribute individual volumes. The project is not sponsored by any ecclesiastical organization and is not intended to reflect any particular theological doctrine. The AYB aims to present the best contemporary scholarship in a way that is accessible not only to scholars but also to the educated nonspecialist. Its approach is grounded in exact translation of the ancient languages and an appreciation of the historical and cultural context in which the biblical books were written supplemented by insights from modern methods, such as sociological and literary criticism.
Written for lay people, Bible scholars, students, and religious leaders, this multi-volume commentary reflects a relatively new development in biblical studies. The readings of the books of the Hebrew Bible offered here all focus on the final form of the texts, approaching them as literary works, recognizing that the craft of poetry and storytelling that the ancient Hebrew world provided can be found in them and that their truth can be better appreciated with a fuller understanding of that art. The authors reflect a variety of religious traditions, professional backgrounds, and theoretical approaches.
This series offers commentaries on canonical, pseudepigraphic, and Apocryphal texts, employing a wide range of methodology within historical-critical interpretation, including textual criticism, history of tradition, history of religion, and contemporary literary analysis. Hermeneia is designed for the serious student of the Bible. It will make full use of ancient Semitic and classical languages; at the same time, English translations of all comparative materials—Greek, Latin, Canaanite, or Akkadian—will be supplied alongside the citation of the source in its original language.
This series is published by the Jewish Publication Society and integrates rabbinic tradition into a series of commentaries on the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The degree of engagement with source and textual criticism varies from volume to volume, but is generally conservative insofar as the Torah is viewed in its final (Jewish) canonical form. Linguistic matters along with Near Eastern literary and archeological discoveries are well treated. Detailed texts on particular topics are included in each volume. The JPS Bible Commentary series is a continuation of the JPS Torah Commentary, offering volumes on books from the Writings and Prophets.
The NICNT and NICOT series have been widely recognized by pastors, students, and scholars alike for their attention to the text of Scripture, currency with contemporary scholarship, and its service to the global church. The volumes reflect serious work in technical areas—such as linguistics, textual criticism, and historical concerns—but the commentary itself focuses on understanding the text rather than navigating scholarly debates. They are written from an evangelical perspective.
The New Testament Library (NTL) and Old Testament Library (OTL) series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition of the biblical text. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
This series presents fresh translations and modern expositions of all the books of the New Testament. Written by an international team of Catholic biblical scholars, it is intended for biblical professionals, graduate students, theologians, clergy, and religious educators. The volumes present basic introductory information and close exposition, with each author adopting a specific methodology while maintaining a focus on the issues raised by the New Testament compositions themselves. This series is inclusive in its methods and perspectives, and shaped by the context of the Catholic tradition.
The first scholarly collaboration to offer detailed feminist interpretation of every book of the Bible. The aim of this commentary series is to provide feminist interpretation of every section of the Bible, in serious, scholarly engagement with the whole text from a feminist perspective. A central concern is how the text is heard and understood by men and women today. At the same time, this commentary aims to be faithful to the ancient text.
The Commentary Series Overview by the J.D. McKean Library: a list of Selected Bible commentary series that includes their publishers, academic level, denominational affiliation, and "other stated perspectives."
Best Commentaries: Top commentaries by Book. Lists both highly reviewed commentaries and "New and Noteworthy" commentaries for each book of the Bible. Also see their series list for comprehensive information about each commentary series, including information on the publication of each volume in the series.
Commentaries by Roman Catholic Scholars from the Best Commentaries web site
