Recommended Commentary Series
Expositor's Bible Commentary by Call Number: BS2341.53 .E96 2005This 12-volume reference uses the New International Version (NIV) for its English text, but also refers freely to other translations and to the original languages. Each book of the Bible has, in addition to its exposition, an introduction, outline, and bibliography. Notes on textual questions and special problems are correlated with the expository units; transliteration and translation of Semitic and Greek words make the more technical notes accessible to readers unacquainted with the biblical languages. In matters where marked differences of opinion exist, the authors deal fairly with opposing views.Anchor Bible Commentary by
Call Number: Shelved by book of the BibleThe Anchor Bible Commentary Series comes from a Roman Catholic perspective. It is comprised of a translation and exegesis of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Intertestamental Books. For each biblical book, the series includes an original translation; overviews of the historical, critical, and literary evolution of the text; an outline of major themes and topics; a verse-by-verse commentary; treatment of competing scholarly theories; historical background; and photographs, illustrations, and maps of artifacts and places associated with biblical figures and sites.
New International Biblical Commentary by Call Number: Shelved by book of the BibleAs an 18-volume set, the New International Biblical Commentary strikes the balance between the detailed technical commentary and the popular level commentary. Based on the New International Version translation, each volume presents an introductory chapter detailing the background of the book, its audiences, its authorship, its important themes, and other helpful information.
New Interpreter's Bible by Call Number: BS491.2 .N484 1994ISBN: 0687063477This twelve volume commentary series covers the entire Bible – including the Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical books. An additional 30 contributors provide further insight through scholarly articles relating to Old Testament and New Testament issues.
Word Biblical Commentary by Call Number: BS 491.2 .W67This series consisting of 61 volumes emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence.
Tips for Searching
To find Bible Commentaries in the library catalog, try a Subject Search, using this pattern:
Bible [book of Bible] commentaries
EX: For commentaries on the book of Genesis, select "Subject" from the drop-down menu by the search box (by default, it searched "Keyword") and type in "Bible genesis commentaries"
Special Resource: Commentary Surveys
Biblical commentaries vary widely, with different interpretative points of view, and varied emphases. Some will have a greater interest in historical or literary or theological issues; some may be more focused on devotions or preaching applications. Some may identify with a particular denomination or doctrinal background, and it's not always stated clearly up front. You can evaluate Bible commentaries by researching their authors/publishers, reading carefully for the commentary's purpose, or finding more information in commentary surveys. Reviews of Biblical Literature (RBL), a database maintained by the Society of Biblical Literature, contains many reviews of different commentaries online, and check out also these surveys in the library here:
Old Testament Commentary Survey by Call Number: Z7772.A1 L64 2013ISBN: 9780801039911Publication Date: 2013-04-15
New Testament Commentary Survey by Call Number: BS2341.2 .C33 2013ISBN: 9780801039904Publication Date: 2013-11-15
Commentary and Reference Survey by Call Number: Z7770 .G59 2007ISBN: 9780825427374Publication Date: 2007-02-15
