Bible commentaries are typically organized passage by passage (book, chapter, and verse) through the Bible. This system of analysis is called “versification” of the biblical text. Commentaries are meant to be used alongside the Bible text to offer deeper insight, explanation, illustration, and historical background.
How do you use a Bible Commentary?
Lectio Divina is an ancient way of reading the Bible. It’s a way to center oneself and focus on a short passage and think about what the text is saying. Lectio Devina is a new meditation bible study that students can join on campus. Lectio Divina is an ancient way of reading the Bible.
How to find a good Bible Commentary?
Special features:
- Introduction, outline, commentary and bibliography for each book of the Bible
- Explanations of problem passages, alleged discrepancies, customs, geographical locations, and key Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic words
- Numerous maps, charts and diagrams for easy reference
- A presentation of each book’s argument, and how that book’s purpose unfolds and develops
What are some good Bible commentaries?
The forces of good and evil are more potent in here than outside. In this pressurized labyrinth of depression, many lose their way. Some give up and surrender to evil, others detach themselves from the world and loved ones like broken feathers on a windy day. And some, well, they simply give up on hope and on life.
What is the most recommended Bible?
The bible says each animal that chews the cud and divides the hood ... and the spiritual witness in Heaven outside his bodily form, so, I will argue most Christians are wrong in their moral monism. What I mean is, most of the elite Christians I know ...
Should I use a Bible commentary?
Should You Use A Bible Commentary? Everyone is different but in short, the answer is no... at least, not at first. Give yourself a chance to get to read the text and get to know it. Read it over and over and over and over... you get the idea.
What are the different types of Bible commentaries?
Types of CommentariesInternational Critical Commentary. Word Biblical Commentary. Hermeneia. ... New International Biblical Commentary. New International Commentary on the New Testament. ... Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary. Pillar New Testament Commentary. ... Life Application Bible Commentary. Holman Commentary.
What is the most comprehensive Bible commentary?
To accomplish this, the ESV Study Bible combines the best and most recent evangelical Christian scholarship with the highly regarded ESV Bible text. The result is the most comprehensive study Bible ever published--with 2,752 pages of extensive, accessible Bible resources.
How do you read a Bible commentary?
1:143:01Using Bible Commentaries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPick a commentary volume that covers the passage you want to explore. Find the book. And then theMorePick a commentary volume that covers the passage you want to explore. Find the book. And then the chapter and verse. Just like you would if you were looking something up in the bible.
What is a critical Bible commentary?
A critical commentary: Is based on the Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic text. Was (preferably) published in the last 40 years or so. Has a large bibliography and footnotes. Often has a translation of the original text.
Who wrote a commentary of the Bible?
Matthew Henry (18 October 1662 – 22 June 1714) was a Nonconformist minister and author, who was born in Wales but spent much of his life in England. He is best known for the six-volume biblical commentary Exposition of the Old and New Testaments.
What is a good commentary?
To write a commentary, write about your observations and analysis of the text you read. You should craft a clear and specific thesis statement about the novel, poem, or play you are evaluating. Your thesis statement should explain your stance or argument about the text.
What is a one volume Bible commentary?
The only one-volume Bible commentary to cover all the texts (even including 1 Enoch) regarded by one or more Christian churches as canonical, the ECB provides reader-friendly treatments and succinct summaries of each section of the text that will be valuable to scholars, students and general readers alike.The primary ...
How many Bible commentaries are there?
In general, there are four types of Bible commentaries, each useful for the intended purpose to aid in the study of Scripture.
What do you use for Bible study?
A few simple bible study tools will get you started and take you a long way.Bible. All right, this one is obvious, right? ... Bible Dictionary. Using a Bible Dictionary (Vine's is popular), or even a regular English dictionary is crucial to making sure you understand what you are reading. ... Concordance. ... Bible Atlas. ... Commentary.
Is enduring word commentary good?
Enduring Word is a fascinating commentary with precise and accurate Biblical exegesis. It has grown me rapidly in my understanding of the Bible and even in my willingness to live for Christ. This app has also helped me tremendously in teaching and preparing Bible studies as I grow in my knowledge of Scripture.
How do I choose the right Bible?
PICK A BIBLE TRANSLATION. The goal is to find a Bible in a language you can understand and get excited to read every day. ... CHECK OUT DIFFERENT STUDY BIBLE FEATURES. Find a study Bible that works best for you. ... ASK A BIBLE MENTOR. If you have questions about choosing a Bible, reach out to The Chara Project team of mentors.
What is a Bible commentary?
Updated June 10, 2019. A Bible commentary is a written, systematic series of explanations and interpretations of Scripture. Commentaries often analyze or expound on individual books of the Bible, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Some commentary works provide analysis of the whole of Scripture. The earliest Bible commentaries contained ...
Why do we use commentaries in the Bible?
Commentaries are meant to be used alongside the Bible text to offer deeper insight, explanation, illustration, and historical background. Some commentaries also feature detailed introductions to the books of the Bible .
What is an expository commentary?
Expository. Expository commentaries are typically written by pastors and expository Bible teachers who teach verse by verse through the Bible. These commentaries usually include teaching notes, outlines, illustrations and practical applications of the authors' study and teaching on the books of the Bible.
What is an exegetical comment?
Exegetical. Exegetical commentaries are typically written by Bible scholars and theologians. They are more technical or academic in nature, concentrating on the original languages, context or grammar of the text. These commentaries are written by some of the most knowledgeable theologians in church history.
Who said no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation?
The Apostle Peter would agree with Paul’s statement as he wrote that “no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet 1:20-21).
Why does the Bible say "the Lord says the Lord"?
The phrase “thus says the Lord” or “tell the people” appears over a thousand times in the Bible because it is God speaking through the authors of the Bible. Even when a prophet of God spoke, they never once spoke for themselves but only for God. The Apostle Paul knew that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). All Scripture includes the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. The Apostle Peter would agree with Paul’s statement as he wrote that “no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet 1:20-21). Peter, and I believe the church, considered Paul’s writings as Scripture as Peter wrote of Paul’s letters or epistles, “There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures” (2 Pet 3:16) so clearly, Scripture includes the New Testament too. We trust the Bible over anything that anyone else writes but what about study Bibles or Bible commentaries? Can we trust them?
What is the ESV MacArthur study Bible?
John MacArthur. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible is a very useful Bible full of daily applications for the believer.
Did the prophets speak for themselves?
Even when a prophet of God spoke, they never once spoke for themselves but only for God. The Apostle Paul knew that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17).
Is the Bible inspired by God?
First of all, study Bibles or Bible commentaries are not inspired by God. They might be written by inspired men who have the Spirit of God but that is never going to be equal to Scripture. It cannot override Scripture. It is only a man who writes and not God Who inspires the words.
Why do we use commentary in the Bible?
Use one, or more, commentaries to gain insight from the studies of other men — to provide clarification for challenging passages. And for an explanation as to the cultural background of the passage under study. But always remember the distinction between the Bible and any commentary you use. It can be tempting to elevate the words ...
Why is it important to use Bible commentary?
A good Bible commentary can be an invaluable aid in your study of the Bible. A commentary can help you to understand the culture and customs that are reflected in the Bible. A culture and customs that are often foreign to us today.
What does it mean when the Bible is inspired?
When we speak of the Bible as being inspired, we mean that the Holy Spirit spoke to the human authors and what they recorded was what the Spirit wanted recorded. There is debate as to the form that inspiration took, but whatever it was, the result was without error and what God wanted us to have.
What is a sports commentator?
The sports commentators are experts in the sport that they are explaining. In the same way, those who write Bible commentaries have invested countless hours in study and research into that portion of the Bible they are commenting on. They might be considered experts on that portion of Scripture.
Why do we use multiple commentaries?
It is a study aid. Use multiple commentaries to see multiple perspectives, evaluate what they say, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you study . He should be your primary guide in studying Scripture and evaluating the words of any commentary.
What is the Bible about?
The Bible is the story of God’s dealing with humanity from the time of creation up until the time of the early church. The Bible is not a systematic theology text answering all the questions we might have about God.
How long did it take to write the Bible?
The Bible is a collection of writings from a variety of authors that took over a thousand years to complete. This makes the Bible unique among the world’s literature. There are certainly other ancient collections of writings, but none of them speak with the authority of God.
Why do we use commentary in the Bible?
Use one, or more, commentaries to gain insight from the studies of other men. To provide clarification for challenging passages. And for explanation as to the cultural background of the passage under study. But always remember the distinction between the Bible and any commentary you use.
Why is it important to use Bible commentary?
A good Bible commentary can be an invaluable aid in your study of the Bible. A commentary can help you to understand the culture and customs that are reflected in the Bible. A culture and customs that are often foreign to us today.
What does it mean when the Bible is inspired?
When we speak of the Bible as being inspired, we mean that the Holy Spirit spoke to the human authors. And that what they recorded was what the Spirit wanted recorded. There is debate as to the form that inspiration took. But whatever it was, the result was without error and what God wanted us to have.
Why are commentaries important in the Bible?
Good commentaries can be a helpful, and sometimes essential, tool for rigorous Bible study. They can give us needed insight into the culture and customs of the Bible. As well as insight into a different way of understanding passages, even those that are quite familiar.
What is a sports commentator?
The sports commentators are experts in the sport they are explaining. In the same way, those who write Bible commentaries have invested countless hours in study and research into that portion of the Bible they are commenting on. They might be considered experts on that portion of Scripture.
What makes the Bible unique?
This makes the Bible unique among the world’s literature. There are certainly other ancient collections of writings. But none of them speak with the authority of God. None of them contain God’s revelation of himself and his plan of redemption to a fallen humanity.
Is commentary a work of the Holy Spirit?
But it is important to remember that the commentary you use, no matter who wrote it, is not an inspired work of the Holy Spirit. It reflects a human understanding of the Scripture. An understanding that is fallible. And is flavored by the doctrinal positions held by the author.
What is a Bible commentary?
Written by well-known and popular theologians, Bible commentaries aid in the study of Scripture by providing explanation and interpretation of Biblical text. Whether you are just beginning to read Scripture or have been studying the Bible daily, commentaries offer greater understanding with background information on authorship, ...
Who wrote the commentary on the Bible?
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. This one volume commentary was prepared by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown and published in 1871.
How many volumes are in the Exposition Commentary series?
Edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, this the Christ-centered Exposition Commentary series, includes 47 volumes when complete and takes a Christ-centered approach to expositing each book of the Bible. Rather than a verse-by-verse approach, the authors have crafted chapters that explain and apply key passages in their assigned Bible books. Readers will learn to see Christ in all aspects of Scripture, and they will be encouraged by the devotional nature of each exposition presented as sermons and divided into chapters that conclude with a "Reflect & Discuss" section, making this series ideal for small group study, personal devotion, and even sermon preparation.
When was Matthew Henry's commentary written?
Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise) Originally written in 1706, Matthew Henry's six volume Complete Commentary provides an exhaustive look at every verse in the Bible. Also included is the one volume.
When was the Bible first printed?
Originally printed in 1560, believers can read the Scripture along with study assistance unashamedly rooted in the theology of Calvin, Luther, Zwingli, and other Reformation leaders.
Who painted the word pictures of the New Testament?
Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament. A.T. Robertson, a renowned scholar of the Greek New Testament, takes through the New Testament, verse by verse, painting word pictures from the Greek to bring to light the words and actions of Jesus and the early Christians.
Why do people use Bible commentaries?
And because most people use bible commentaries as reference tools — rather than read straight through them — they may not know that the volume they purchased isn’t a good fit for them until they are looking up a particular book or passage months, or years, after their purchase. By thinking through the tips below, ...
Why is it frustrating to use a Bible commentary?
When a person uses a bible commentary that doesn’t match their skill level, it can lead to frustration because not much learning occurs. For example, if someone has spent years studying the bible, an introductory-level commentary may not be as beneficial as one that has more depth.
What is the most likely way to find information about someone who has published a commentary?
It’s likely that if someone has published a commentary, there is information that can be found about them online. For instance, see if the author has a website, blog, faculty page, or an “about” page on a church website.
What is the Old Testament for everyone?
On one end of the spectrum, John Goldingay’s Old Testament For Everyone series is written for those who are new to bible reading — it’s “for everyone.”. On the other end of the spectrum, The New International Greek Testament Commentary is written for those who have been trained in New Testament Greek.
When were commentaries published?
Most free online commentaries are in the public domain, which means they were published before 1923, before modern-day copyright laws were established. As a result, anyone can publish them, download them, and use them for no cost.
Who wrote the Bible commentary?
Written by Daniel Joseph Isaiah in Bible commentaries. Choosing a bible commentary can seem overwhelming sometimes due to the amount of options there are. All major Christian book companies publish commentaries, which results in hundreds of volumes on the market. Some companies have even published multiple series’ as each one targets different ...
What does God instruct us to read?
God instructs all people — women, men, children, youth, seniors, and everyone else — to read the Bible (e.g. Joshua 1:8). Yet parts of Scripture aren't easy to understand at first and it's not... Continue Reading.
Why do people use commentaries?
All kinds of people use commentaries to enhance their study of the Bible. Scholars use commentaries and so do new Christians, though they often use very different volumes. The former may be looking for insight into the original languages; the later may be looking for a devotional aid.
Why are there different types of Bible commentaries?
There are different types of Bible commentaries because the people who use them have different needs and purposes. Some readers are scholars, others are pastors, and still other are Christians looking to study the Bible on their own. Common ways to categorize Bible commentaries include:
Why do pastors use mid level commentaries?
Pastors generally favor mid-level commentaries to help them with preaching and teaching. A true “intermediate” option, mid-level commentaries are generally insightful and practical and meet the needs of serious, content-driven Bible studies.
What is a mid level Bible comment?
Mid-level commentaries are the most popular kind of Bible commentary . Pastors generally favor them to help them with preaching and teaching. Many of the best-reviewed commentaries for each book of the Bible are mid-level. Pastors generally favor mid-level commentaries to help them with preaching and teaching.
Why do people avoid introductory Bible commentaries?
Sometimes readers assume that “introductory” means superficial and so they avoid these commentaries because they want to do an “in-depth” Bible study.
What is the goal of exegetical Bible commentaries?
Exegetical bible commentaries aim to explain the meaning of the text, which is to say the author’s original intent.
What can a pastor learn from another pastor?
They can learn how another pastor preaches a particular verse, passage, or book of the Bible. In essence, pastors seek wisdom when using these kinds of commentaries in relation to preaching, which other kinds of commentaries may not offer. Some pastors use expositional commentaries as devotional aids.
Types of Commentaries
Expository
- Expository commentaries are typically written by pastors and expository Bible teachers who teach verse by verse through the Bible. These commentaries usually include teaching notes, outlines, illustrations and practical applications of the authors' study and teaching on the books of the Bible. Example: The Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament
Exegetical
- Exegetical commentaries are typically written by Bible scholars and theologians. They are more technical or academic in nature, concentrating on the original languages, context or grammar of the text. These commentaries are written by some of the most knowledgeable theologians in church history. Example: Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)
Devotional
- Devotional commentaries are designed to enhance the readers' personal reflection and practical application of the Bible text. They are geared for times of soul-searching and listening for the voice and heart of God through the text. Example: The 365 Day Devotional Commentary
Cultural
- Cultural commentaries are meant to help readers gain an understanding of the cultural background of the Bibletext. Example: The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament
Online Resources
- The following websites offer a wide range of free online Bible commentaries: 1. BibleStudyTools.com 2. BibleGateway 3. Bible Hub 4. Blue Letter Bible 5. Christian Classics Ethereal Library 6. StudyLight.org Most top Bible study software programstoday come with a host of valuable Bible commentaries included in their resource bundles.
Top Commentaries
- Try one of the top Bible commentators and commentariesto help answer your questions and narrow down your search for a great study resource.
God-Breathed
Not Inspired
- First of all, study Bibles or Bible commentaries are not inspired by God. They might be written by inspired men who have the Spirit of God but that is never going to be equal to Scripture. It cannot override Scripture. It is only a man who writes and not God Who inspires the words. Their comments might be inspiring but they are not inspired. These ...
A Multitude of Counselors
- I have three study Bible’s with commentary because I want to see how other men view certain passages and to see if I can learn something from them. They might have insight that I don’t have. They might have read something in the passage that I missed. Like the proverb that says “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed”(Prov 15:22) and in a similar manner, th…
Good Bible Commentaries
- Here is some of my personal favorite study Bibles or commentaries: 1. My first choice is the ESV Reformation Study Bible from Ligonier Ministries, editor, Dr. R.C. Sproul, who is one of the most trusted Bible scholars, theologians, philosophers, teachers, authors, and pastors of the last seventy-five years. 2. Next is the ESV MacArthur Study Bible, which comes with a heavy dose fro…
Conclusion
- I hope you can see the great value now in Bible commentaries or study Bibles. Whichever version you use, find a trusted author; read the comments, but ultimately, trust the Word of God. That is the only text in all of human history that cannot be burned, banned, or broken. The Word of God abides forever. Everything else will pass away before God’s Word ever does. Uh, I wouldn’t try hol…