Books
Commentary Surveys
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. (Click on the down arrow for the rest of the book list.)
Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources, 10th ed.
Author: Glynn, John
Publisher: Kregel, 2007
Now in its tenth edition, this reliable, acclaimed guide lists and ranks approximately 900 commentaries and 1,600 other biblical resources for the benefit of professors, Bible students, and pastors. Two new chapters on exegetical software round out this comprehensive guide.
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Commentary Series and Single Volume Works
Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries
Author: Heibert, Theodore, et. al. eds.
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament – intended for theological students and pastors
Eerdman's Commentary on the Bible
Author: Dunn, James D. G. and John W. Rogerson, eds.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2003
Good layperson’s resource
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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
Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture
Author: Childs, Brevard
Publisher: Fortress Press, 1979
Seeks to describe the form and function of the Hebrew Bible in its role as sacred scripture for Israel.
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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
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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.”
Genesis: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Author: Brueggemann, Walter
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2010
Excellent for preaching. Brueggemann nicely highlights key textual features that fit nicely into sermons
OT Recommended Commentaries - Exodus
Exodus (The NIV Application Commentary)
Author: Enns, Peter
Publisher: Zondervan, 2000
The Book of Exodus: A Critical, Theological Commentary
Author: Childs, Brevard S.
Publisher: Westminster Press, 1995
A very technical analysis of the text. However, note the excellent “Theological Reflection” and “Excursus” essays
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
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OT Recommended Commentaries - Numbers
Numbers 1-20: A New Translation
Author: Levine, Baruch
Publisher: Anchor Bible, 1993
Exhaustive exegesis employing critical and literary methodologies
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.”
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
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
The Book of Joshua
Author: Woudstra, Marten H
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1981
Solid exegesis and interpretation. Woudstra provides good links to NT materia
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
Kings. Volume 1/1 Kings 1-11
Author: Mulder, M.J.
Publisher: Peeters Publishers, 1998
Exegetically detailed. Academic
My God is Yahweh: Elijah and Ahab in an Age of Apostasy
Author: Van’t Veer, M.B.
Publisher: Paideia Press, 1981
Highly recommended, but may be difficult or expensive to find
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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
Word Biblical Commentary Psalms 101-150, Volume 21 Revised
Author: Allen, Leslie C.
Publisher: Nelson, 2002
Explores how Psalms demonstrates the spiritual life of Israel
OT Recommended Commentaries - Wisdom books
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs
Author: Davis, Ellen F.
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2000
Popular style. Good for teaching and preaching
The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job & Ecclesiastes
Author: Kidner, Derek
Publisher: IVP Academic, 1985
Explains the structure of the texts, their relationship to each other, and their unique position within the canon
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
To Pluck Up, to Tear Down: A Commentary on the Book of Jeremiah 1-25
Author: Brueggemann, Walter
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1988
To Build, to Plant: A Commentary on Jeremiah 26-52
Author: Brueggemann, Walter
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1991
OT Recommended Commentaries - Lamentations
Lamentations: Issues and Interpretation
Author: Westermann, Claus
Publisher: Fortress, 1994
Lamentations: A Commentary (Old Testament Library)
Author: Berlin, Adele
Publisher: Westminster John Knox, 2002
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 (The IVP New Testament Commentary Series)
Author: Keener, Craig S.
Publisher: IVP Academic, 2011
Best commentary
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
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NT Recommended Commentaries - Mark
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)
Author: Lane, William L.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2nd edition, 1974
Considered a classic
Mark (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)
Author: Stein, Robert H.
Publisher: Baker Academic, 2008
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NT Recommended Commentaries - Luke
Luke (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) (2 Volumes)
Author: Bock, Darrell
Publisher: Baker, 1996
the essential work on Luke
Jesus and the New Age: A Commentary on St. Luke's Gospel
Author: Danker, Frederick
Publisher: Fortress Press, 1988
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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
John: The NIV Application Commentary: From Biblical Text…to Contemporary Life
Author: Burge, Gary M.
Publisher: Zondervan, 2000
The Gospel of John: A Commentary
Author: Bruner, Frederick Dale
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2012
This commentary is rich in biblical insights, broadly historical, and deeply theological.
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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
Excellent resource for preachers who are preaching Romans.
The Message of Romans
Author: John Stott
Publisher: IVP Academic, 2001
Less academic – good for preachers’ sermon preparation.
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NT Recommended Commentaries - 1 Corinthians
The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Revised Edition
Author: Fee, Gordon D.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2014
1 Corinthians
Author: Garland, David E.
Publisher: Baker, 2003
NT Recommended Commentaries - 2 Corinthians
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (NICNT)
Author: Barnett, Paul
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1997
2 Corinthians
Author: Hafemann, Scott
Publisher: Zondervan, 2000
NT Recommended Commentaries - Galatians
Galatians (IVP New Testament Commentary Series)
Author: Hansen, G. Walter
Publisher: IVP Academic, 1994
Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 41, Galatians
Author: Longenecker, Richard
Publisher: Nelson, 1990
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
Paul's Letter to the Philippians (NICOT)
Author: Fee, Gordon D.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1995
Epistle to the Philippians (NIGTC)
Author: O’Brien, Peter T.
Publisher: Paternoster Press, 1991
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
1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
Author: Fee, Gordon D.
Publisher: Baker, 1989
Letters to Paul's Delegates: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus
Author: Johnson, Luke T.
Publisher: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 1996
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 Epistle of James
Author: Davids, Peter H.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2013
NT Recommended Commentaries - 1 Peter
1 Peter (Two Horizons New Testament Commentary)
Author: Green, Joel B.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2007
The First Epistle of Peter
Author: Davids, Peter H.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1990
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 Letters of John (The Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC))
Author: Kruse, Colin G.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2000
The Epistles of John (The Anchor Bible, Vol 30)
Author: Brown, Raymond E.
Publisher: Anchor Bible, 1982
This book is very technical – not easily used for sermon preparation. But it is the go-to technical volume.
NT Recommended Commentaries - Revelation
Revelation (Word Biblical Commentary)
Author: Aune, David E.
Publisher: Nelson, 1998, 2014
The Book of Revelation
Author: Mounce, Robert H.
Publisher: Eerdmans, 1997
Click the down arrow for five additional Commentaries on Revelation.