Books
Commentary Surveys
Old Testament Commentary Survey, 5th ed.
Author: Longman III, Tremper
Publisher: Baker, 2013
Leading Old Testament scholar Tremper Longman III provides students and pastors with expert guidance on choosing a commentary for any book of the Old Testament. The fifth edition has been updated to assess the most recently published commentaries, providing evaluative comments. Longman lists a number of works available for each book of the Old Testament, gives a brief indication of their emphases and viewpoints, and evaluates them. The result is a balanced, sensible guide for those who preach and teach the Old Testament and need help in choosing the best tools.
New Testament Commentary Survey, 7th ed.
Author: Carson, D.A.
Publisher: Baker, 2013
Highly respected New Testament scholar D. A. Carson provides students and pastors with expert guidance on choosing a commentary for any book of the New Testament. The seventh edition has been updated to assess the most recently published commentaries. Carson examines sets, one-volume commentaries, and New Testament introductions and theologies, offering evaluative comments on the available offerings for each New Testament book. This is an essential guide to building a reference library.
Commentary Series and Single Volume Works
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary
Author: Gaebelein, Frank E., ed.
Publisher: Zondervan, 1991
Good for general use
New Interpreter’s Bible
Author: Keck, Leander, ed.
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Broad range of applications. Commentary verse by verse and reflection on practical issues.
Old Testament Reference Works
A Biblical History of Israel, 2nd edition
Author: Provain, Iain W., V. Philips Long, and Tremper Longman
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press, 2015
Covenant and Creation: A Theology of Old Testament Covenants
Author: Dumbrell, William
Publisher: Wipf & Stock Pub.; Reprint Edition 2009
Demonstrates God’s developing relationship with his people leading toward a new covenant and a new creation.
Intertestamental Reference Works
An Introduction to Early Judaism
Author: Vanderkam, James C.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2000
The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism
Author: Collins, John J. (editor), Daniel C. Harlow (editor)
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2010
New Testament Reference Works
Studying the Synoptic Gospels: Origin and Interpretation
Author: Stein, Robert H.
Publisher: Baker Academic, 2001
The Moral Vision of the New Testament: Community, Cross, New Creation, A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics
Author: Hays, Richard B.
Publisher: HarperOne, 1996
OT Recommended Commentaries - Genesis
Genesis: A Commentary
Author: Waltke, Bruce K., with Cathi J. Fredricks
Publisher: Zondervan, 2001
Explores the first book of the Bible as “theological literature.”
The Book of Genesis 18-50
Author: Hamilton, Victor P.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1995
American evangelical. Interaction with historical methodologies
OT Recommended Commentaries - Exodus
Exodus (The NIV Application Commentary)
Author: Enns, Peter
Publisher: Zondervan, 2000
Exodus
Author: Houtman, C.
Publisher: Peeters Publishers, 1993
Dutch Reformed scholar. Exhaustive and very useful in exegesis and interpretation. Very expensive. Use in library
OT Recommended Commentaries - Leviticus
Leviticus, Numbers (The NIV Application Commentary)
Author: Gane, Roy
Publisher: Zondervan, 2004
Useful combinations of exegesis, theological commentary, and application hints.
Leviticus: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: Balentine, Samuel
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003
OT Recommended Commentaries - Numbers
Numbers: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: Olson, Dennis
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2012
Integrates historical and theological studies. Innovative in approach to the structure of Numbers. Highlights Olson’s theme that Numbers is all about “The death of the old and the birth of the new.”
Numbers 1-20: A New Translation
Author: Levine, Baruch
Publisher: Anchor Bible, 1993
Exhaustive exegesis employing critical and literary methodologies
OT Recommended Commentaries - Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy (Apollos Old Testament Commentary)
Author: McConville, Gordon
Publisher: IVP Academic, 2002
The JPS Torah Commentary: Deuteronomy
Author: Tigay, Jeffrey H.
Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society, 2003
OT Recommended Commentaries - Joshua
Joshua: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: McCann, Jr., J. Clinton
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2002
Interprets Judges for the church and for the present time
Joshua
Author: Nelson, Richard D.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1997
Understands Joshua to be a theological accounting what later generations believed about Israel’s receiving the land. Helpful treatment of text
OT Recommended Commentaries - Judges
Judges: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: McCann, J. Clinton, Jr.
Publisher: Westminster John Know Press, 2003
Interprets Judges for the church and for the present time
The Book of Judges (NICOT)
Author: Webb, Barry G
Publisher: Eerdmans; reprinted 2012
This book discusses not only unique features of the stories themselves but also such issues as the violent nature of Judges, how women are portrayed in it, and how it relates to the Christian gospel of the New Testament.
OT Recommended Commentaries - Ruth
The Book of Ruth
Author: Hubbard, Jr., Robert L.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1989
Solid exegesis and interpretation. Historical. Evangelical
Ruth: A Commentary
Author: Nielsen, Kirsten
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1997
Paints a rich and subtle portrait of its characters. Traces the many connections between this story and other Biblical passages
OT Recommended Commentaries - 1 and 2 Samuel
First and Second Samuel: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: Brueggemann, Walter
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1990
Good for teaching and preaching. As always, Brueggemann wonderfully expands our appreciation for very familiar stories by unearthing vital components of the Hebrew text. Translates very well to sermons
1 & 2 Samuel: A Commentary
Author: Gordon, Robert P.
Publisher: Zondervan, 1999
Exegetical, non-literary approach. British Evangelical.
OT Recommended Commentaries - 1 and 2 Kings
1 Kings: Berit Olam series
Author: Walsh, Jerome T.
Publisher: Michael Glazier, 1996
A literary study of the received shape of I Kings. Provides insightful analyses of the structure of most large pericopes
1, 2 Kings: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture
Author: House, Paul R.
Publisher: Holman Reference, 1995
Aware of recent advances in literary study of scripture. Focus on theology and application
OT Recommended Commentaries - 1 and 2 Chronicles
I and II Chronicles: A Commentary
Author: Japhet, Sara
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1993
Word Biblical Commentary Vol.14, 1 Chronicles
Author: Braun, Roddy
Publisher: Nelson, 1986
Good exegesis and interpretation from a Lutheran vantage point.
OT Recommended Commentaries - Ezra-Nehemiah
The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (NICOT)
Author: Fensham, Charles
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1983
Good exegesis and interpretation. Balanced treatment of the historical problems.
Ezra-Nehemiah: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: Thronveit, Mark A.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2012
Good exegesis and interpretation. Balanced treatment of the historical problems
OT Recommended Commentaries - Esther
Esther: An Introduction and Commentary
Author: Baldwin, Joyce
Publisher: Intervarsity Press, 1985
Esther (1997): A Commentary (Old Testament Library)
Author: Levenson, Jon D.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1997
Levenson is a highly insightful Jewish commentator who takes a literary approach to the text
OT Recommended Commentaries - Job
1&2 Maccabees, Job, Psalms. (New Interpreter’s Bible)
Author: McCann, Jr., J. Clinton
Publisher: Abingdon, 1996
The Book of Job: A Commentary (The Old Testament Library)
Author: Habel, Norman C.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1985
OT Recommended Commentaries - Psalms
Psalms, Volume 1 (NIVAC)
Author: Wilson, Gerald Henry
Publisher: Zondervan, 2002
Psalms 1-50: Second Edition
Author: Craigie, Peter C.
Publisher: Nelson, 2004
Communicates the emotional and theological impact of the Psalms as originally experienced by the people of Israel in their public worship and in private devotions
OT Recommended Commentaries - Wisdom books
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs
Author: Murphy, Roland and Elizabeth Huwiler
Publisher: Baker, 1995
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs
Author: Davis, Ellen F.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2000
Popular style. Good for teaching and preaching
OT Recommended Commentaries - Proverbs
Word Biblical Commentary Volume 22, Proverbs
Author: Murphy, Roland
Publisher: Nelson, 1998
Academic
Proverbs (1999): A Commentary
Author: Clifford, Richard J.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1999
Focuses on the rhetoric of Proverb and its relevance for contemporary living
OT Recommended Commentaries - Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes (Two Horizons Old Testament Commentary)
Author: Enns, Peter
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2011
Seeking to bridge the existing gap between biblical studies and systematic theology, this distinctive series offers section-by-section exegesis of the Old Testament texts in close conversation with theological concerns.
A Time to Tear Down and a Time to Build Up: A Rereading of Ecclesiastes
Author: Fox, Michael V.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1999
Written from a Jewish perspective
OT Recommended Commentaries - Song of Songs
Song of Songs (New International Commentary on the Old Testament)
Author: Longman, Tremper III
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2001
Songs of Songs: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary (Anchor Bible)
Author: Pope, Marvin H.
Publisher: Doubleday, 1997
OT Recommended Commentaries - Isaiah
Isaiah 1- 39, Westminster Bible Companion, 1998
Author: Brueggemann, Walter
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1998
Isaiah 40 – 66, Westminster Bible Companion, 1998
OT Recommended Commentaries - Jeremiah
2 books on Jeremiah – Hermeneia
Author: Holladay, William L
Publisher: Fortress, 1986, 1989
Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 27, Jeremiah 26-52
Author: Keown, Gerald, Pamela Scalise, Thomas Smothers
Publisher: Nelson, 1995
OT Recommended Commentaries - Lamentations
Lamentations (Historical Commentary of the Old Testament)
Author: Renkema, J.
Publisher: Peeters, 1998
Lamentations: Issues and Interpretation
Author: Westermann, Claus
Publisher: Fortress, 1994
OT Recommended Commentaries - Ezekiel
The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 1-24 (NICOT)
Author: Block, Daniel I.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1997
A significant two-volume work on Ezekiel that translates very well for preaching
OT Recommended Commentaries - Minor Prophets
The Minor Prophets: Hosea-Jonah (Expositional Commentary)
Author: Boice, James Montgomery
Publisher: Baker, 2006
Great for adult education and sermon preparation
Hosea-Micah: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: Limburg, James
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2011
OT Recommended Commentaries - Hosea
Hosea: A Commentary (The OTL)
Author: Mays, James Luther
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1969
OT Recommended Commentaries - Amos
Amos: A Commentary (The OTL)
Author: Mays, James Luther
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1969
OT Recommended Commentaries - Jonah
Jonah: A Commentary (The OTL)
Author: Limburg, James, James Mays, David Peterson
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1969
Jonah: A New Translation with Introduction, Commentary, and Interpretation
Author: Sasson, Jack M.
Publisher: Anchor Bible, 1990
OT Recommended Commentaries - Micah
Micah (Old Testament Library)
Author: Mays, James Luther
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 1996
Micah the Prophet
Author: Wolff, Hans Walter
Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishing, 1981
OT Recommended Commentaries - Nahum
Nahum
Author: Maier, Walter A.
Publisher: Concordia, 1987
OT Recommended Commentaries - Malachi
Malachi: God's Unchanging Love
Author: Kaiser, Walter C.
Publisher: Baker, 1984
NT Recommended Commentaries - Matthew
Matthew: A Commentary. Volumes 1 & 2
Volume 1: The Christbook, Matthew 1-12
Volume 2: The Churchbook: Matthew 13-28
Author: Bruner, Frederick Dale
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2007
Matthew 21-28: A Commentary (Hermeneia: A Critical & Historical Commentary on the Bible)
Author: Luz, Ulrich
Publisher: Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2005
NT Recommended Commentaries - Mark
Mark (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)
Author: Stein, Robert H.
Publisher: Baker Academic, 2008
Mark: A Commentary (New Testament Library)
Author: M. Eugene Boring
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006
NT Recommended Commentaries - Luke
The Gospel According to Luke: Introduction, Translation, and Notes
Author: Fitzmyer, Joseph A.
Publisher: Doubleday, 1982
The Gospel of Luke (NIGTC)
Author: I. Howard Marshall
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1978
Focus on the Greek grammar of Luke, useful for exegesis and preaching; accessible scholarship.
NT Recommended Commentaries - Parables
The Kingdom Equation: A Fresh Look at the Parables of Jesus
Author: Timmer, John
Publisher: Faith Alive Christian Resources; 2nd edition, 2008
Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus
Author: Sondgrass, Klyne R.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2008
NT Recommended Commentaries - John
Gospel According to St John: Black’s New Testament Commentaries
Author: Lincoln, Andrew T.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic, 2006
The Gospel of John: A Commentary – 2 Volume Set
Author: Keener, Craig
Publisher: Henrickson Publishers, 2003
For background and introductory material
NT Recommended Commentaries - Acts
Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)
Author: Bock, Darrell L.
Publisher: Baker, 2007
The Acts of the Apostles : A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary
Author: Witherington, Ben
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1997
Academic, good for historical background
NT Recommended Commentaries - Romans
The Epistle to the Romans
Author: Moo, Douglas J.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1996
Romans
Author: Schreiner, Thomas R.
Publisher: Baker, 1998
NT Recommended Commentaries - 1 Corinthians
First Corinthians: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: Hays, Richard B.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2011
The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Revised Edition
Author: Fee, Gordon D.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2014
NT Recommended Commentaries - 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians, Volume 40: Second Edition
Author: Martin, Ralph
Publisher: Zondervan, 2014
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (NICNT)
Author: Barnett, Paul
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1997
NT Recommended Commentaries - Galatians
Interpreting Galatians: Explorations in Exegetical Method
Author: Silva, Moises
Publisher: Baker, 2001
Grace in Galatia: A Commentary on Paul's Letter to the Galatians
Author: Witherington III, Ben
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1998
NT Recommended Commentaries - Ephesians
Ephesians and Colossians (Paideia: Commentaries on the New Testament)
Author: Talbert, Charles H.
Publisher: Baker Academic, 2007
God’s New Society: The Message of Ephesians (Bible Speaks Today)
Author: Stott, John R. W.
Publisher: Inter Varsity Press, 1980
NT Recommended Commentaries - Philippians
Philippians: The NIV Application Commentary
Author: Thielman, Frank S.
Publisher: Zondervan, 1995
Paul's Letter to the Philippians (NICOT)
Author: Fee, Gordon D.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1995
NT Recommended Commentaries - Colossians and Philemon
Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire
Authors: Walsh, Brian J., and Sylvia C. Keesmaat
Publisher: IVP Academic, 2004
The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (NIGCT)
Author: Dunn, James D. G.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1996
NT Recommended Commentaries - 1 and 2 Thessalonians
The Letters to the Thessalonians (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)
Author: Malherbe, Abraham J.
Publisher: Yale University Press, 2004
The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians (NICNT)
Author: Fee, Gordon D.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2009
NT Recommended Commentaries - 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus
The Pastoral Epistles
Author: Marshall, I. Howard
Publisher: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2004
1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
Author: Fee, Gordon D.
Publisher: Baker, 1989
NT Recommended Commentaries - Hebrews
Hebrews: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: Long, Thomas G.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2011
Long is an outstanding preacher and so knows how to help other preachers access the text for sermon-writing
NT Recommended Commentaries - James
The Letter of James (NICNT)
Author: McKnight, Scot
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2011
From beginning to end, the book is shaped for pastors, teachers, and scholars. McKnight is less interested in shedding new light on James than on providing a commentary for those who want to explain the letter and its significance to congregations and classes.
The Message of James
Author: Motyer, J. Alec
Publisher: IVP Academic, 1985
NT Recommended Commentaries - 1 Peter
1 Peter (Two Horizons New Testament Commentary)
Author: Green, Joel B.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2007
The First Epistle of St. Peter: The Greek Text With Introduction, Notes, and Essays (Thornapple Commentaries)
Author: Selwyn, Edward G
Publisher: Baker, 1981
NT Recommended Commentaries - 2 Peter, Jude
Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 50, 2 Peter, Jude
Author: Bauckham, Richard
Publisher: Word, 1983
NT Recommended Commentaries - 1, 2, and 3 John
The Epistles of John (The Anchor Bible, Vol 30)
Author: Brown, Raymond E.
Publisher: Anchor Bible, 1982
NT Recommended Commentaries - Revelation
The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting
Author: Hemer, Colin J.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2000
Revelation Down to Earth
Author: Walhout, Edwin
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2000