Bible Commentaries - choosing the right one for you

Posted by Les Ellison  ·  Be the first to comment

Bible commentaries are there to help you read, study and share the Bible. Whether you just want to know what that strange word means, or get deep into the whole Bible, a good commentary can help explain and interpret your preferred Bible translation.

The range of Bible commentaries has grown as more and more people of different ages, backgrounds and traditions take a deeper interest in the Bible and its meaning. As social culture becomes ever more diverse, and as language develops and changes, so does the demand for commentaries that explore the Bible with direct relevance to real life.

Bible Commentaries - who needs one?

New readers, experienced Christians, serious students, teachers and church leaders all get more from the Bible with a good Bible commentary. Commentaries offer greater understanding with background information, notes on authorship, historical context, Bible themes and life application.

Bible commentaries may be ordered ‘thought by thought’ while others might follow a ‘verse by verse’ structure. Just about every Bible translation is supported by at least one Bible commentary. Many cover the whole Bible in one volume. Other commentaries form a series of books each matched to a separate Testament or individual Bible book.

Bible Commentaries - how do I choose?

A good place to start is with your favourite Bible translation. It might be the time honoured and established favourite, the King James Version (KJV). It might be its modern language equivalent, the Standard English Version (ESV) or it may be any of the other modern translations.

Whatever your preferred translation, there will almost certainly be a choice of Bible commentaries to match your requirements and price range.

Next, choose if you want a Bible commentary as a companion to the whole Bible or to an individual book. A general, whole Bible commentary is probably a good start. Later you could get more detailed, individual commentaries to the Bible books that most interest you.

Now the hard part - and it’s really a matter of personal taste. The good news is there’s an enormous range of commentary styles, layouts, authors and prices to choose from. But don’t be put off - enjoy the search. Look at the reviews given by other authors, check out on line versions and make use of Eden.co.uk’s satisfaction guarantee.

Bible commentaries - so what’s on offer?

There are classic commentaries by Biblical sages of the past like John Calvin, Matthew Henry, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon and William Barclay. Without doubt, they’re still fascinating reads though you may want something a bit more up with modern life and language.

Today’s most popular Bible commentary authors include John Stott, Tom Wright and many more. Favourite commentaries presented by brand or series include The Bible Speaks Today (BST) and the For Everyone series.

Commentaries for particular translations such as the New International Version (NIV) or New Living Translation (NLT) are printed by their original publishers and independently by many others. Special editions focus on interests and issues relevant to women, young people, teenagers, pastors and teachers.

 

Bible commentaries - hard-copy, full-text or on-line?

Most Bible commentaries are hard-copy and feature maps, charts, diagrams, photographs and time lines. The most complete commentaries, containing the full text of the Bible translation, are often called 'study Bibles'. Full-text commentaries are the convenient one-book solution, but may mean a heavier book with less substantial paper or with smaller print.

Many Bible commentaries include free access to further on-line and internet material. Commentaries available as on-line resources often provide cross-references to other Bible versions. This may be useful if you own and read more than one Bible translation or want to compare your preferred version with what others might be reading.

Quick Guide to

Quick guide - Bible Commentaries


Bible Commentaries - what are they?

  • Additional help for readers, students, pastors and teachers to get the most from the Bible.
  • Accessible guides to background, authorship, and context of the Bible.
  • A guide to the themes of Bible and their life application.

Bible Commentaries- why should I want one?

  • As a guide and companion to your preferred translation of the Bible.
  • For a deeper understanding of the Bible's original context and it's meaning for today.
  • As a practical and meaningful gift for any Bible reader, student, pastor or teacher.
19th March

March 19th, 2012 - Posted & Written by Les Ellison

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