Derek Thomas

It is difficult to imagine a less user-friendly layout than the Word Biblical Commentary Series. The series is uneven and occasionally goes overboard in literary/source criticism. But at least one up-to-date, critical commentary on Genesis should be on our shelves, and this is about the best. Maintians a literary view of Genesis 1.

Easy to read yet biblically robust expositions that seek to bridge the gap between technical and popular commentaries. Upholds a literal, six-day creation account and provides a helpful introduction to 'seed-theology.'

Adopts a critical stance.

In a refreshing way pays close attention to the text without getting bogged down in critical discussions. Helpful section on the Decalogue in volume 2.

A superb commentary. Scholarly, simple, and sensible. While focusing on the text his footnotes will point eager students in the right direction for further study.

Clearly and cogently presents Leviticus as a series of directories for public worship and establishes the importance of Leviticus for the NT. Especially helpful on the Holiness Code.

Ambivalent regarding dating but exegesis of text is extremely useful.

Overall, a good, brief exposition of the text. While his introductory discussions are solid (esp. on typology), his discussion on the transmission of the text is at points muddied.

Especially helpful on the role of the covenant in Deuteronomy.

Sets the standard for how to expound and apply historical narrative.

It is difficult to recommend a single commentary on Joshua, and this one is not as good as it could be.

An exemplary "theo-centric exposition" - full of anecdotes and applications. Those looking for more background information, see Block.

Look for this series to set the standard for reformed, expository commentaries.

A substantial commentary in size and achievement.

This is a brief commentary, but other commentaries, e.g. the two by Klein and Anderson in the Word Biblical Commentary Series, are heavily into text and literary criticism and have very little to help busy preachers.

A theological expository commentary

A theological expository commentary

Helpful tips for preaching.

Masterful exegesis. His interaction with Samuel-Kings and Chronicles is thorough; however, you may be left wanting for application of the text.

Excellent! Keeps the theology of the text central. Identifies 28-major biblical-theological motifs.

A serious commentary; takes a traditional approach to dating, theology, etc.

Succinct. Helpful appendices on historical matters.

A short commentary; pays close attention to literary and historical aspects.

Look for this series to set the standard for reformed, expository commentaries.

This is the most comprehensive commentary on Job 1-20 available. Volumes 2 and 3 are still pending. Clines deserves to be read thoroughly, though there are times when he is irritatingly defensive on Christological implications in the 'big' texts in Job. For a summary, consult his commentary in the New Bible Commentary, 21st Century Edition, pp. 459-484.

This commentary has serious weaknesses in setting the psalms in a New Testament context.

These volumes are uneven in quality and orthodoxy. Craigie does not accept the imprecations in the psalms as inspired: "These psalms are not the oracles of God." p. 41. See War Psalms of the Prince of Peace, below, for a good treatment of the imprecations of the Psalms. These three volumes from the Word Biblical Commentary are included because of the great deal of modern research in psalm genre this century. A modern commentary is, therefore, essential. But little sermonic help will be found in these volumes.

Still one of the best. Especially helpful are his 'doctrinal and practical remarks.'

Bridges was a first -class scholar and pastor. Though dates, his keen exegesis and searching application show that commentaries can be both scholarly and practical.

A lifetime achievement. This historio-grammatical commentary is sure to set the standard for commentaries on Proverbs for years to come. A definitive work.

Bridges was a first -class scholar and pastor. Though dates, his keen exegesis and searching application show that commentaries can be both scholarly and practical.

Takes Qohelet as 'a type of pseudonym.' Maintains two speakers 1) Qohelet (1:12-12:7) and 2) an unnamed individual (1:1-11 and 12:8-14). Interesting but too idiosyncratic.

A heavier and more detailed study than his commentary in the TOTC.

Young has now been replaced in the NICOT series by John N. Oswalt, a sensible commentary worth consulting, but is still preferred.

Provides much more detailed exegetical and historical discussions than Ryken. The two compliment each other nicely.

A superb commentary. Includes a helpful index of sermon illustrations.

Technical and thorough. However, his 'Theological Implications' are proportionally brief. Though a wealth of information, a busy pastor may find Duguid a more helpful tool.

Exceptionally good.

Outstanding. 6th century date.

6th century date.

Despite a 2nd century date and viewing the visions as pseudonymous 'quasi-prophecy,' deals ably with the text.

Gomer is presented typically as a harlot because she is a member of wayward Israel not because she was immoral. Clever but not convincing! Nevertheless, a very good commentary.

A masterfully done commentary. Nicely weds a redemptive-historical hermeneutic with a pastor's touch.

A masterfully done commentary. Nicely weds a redemptive-historical hermeneutic with a pastor's touch.

A masterfully done commentary. Nicely weds a redemptive-historical hermeneutic with a pastor's touch.

Bock is a preeminent scholar on Luke. These two gigantic commentaries are to be preferred to Marshall. There is a great deal of theological comment in these volumes which make them very useful for sermon preparation. However, Bock does not always come down on one side in issues of controversy. He is a progressive dispensationalist.

A smaller version of [his BECNT work].

Yes, a third commentary on Luke! This will be the most helpful for application.

The best!

A masterful redemptive-historical commentary.

A classic. Strong on history and more accessible than his Greek commentary [1990, IVP].

A colossal commentary (over a thousand pages!). Moo's interpretation of Romans 7 is definitely not recommended; nevertheless, his commentary has already become a standard and has more to offer than Cranfield. See his contribution on Romans in the New Bible Commentary, 21st edition for shorter treatment.

Though replaced by Moo, this ranks as one of the finest Reformed commentaries ever written. Murray was a master exegete and brilliant systematician. Every shelf should have a copy of this commentary.

Coupled with Murray on the one hand and Moo on the other, you will gain a firm exegetical and theological grasp of a text. Note that since his commentary, Schreiner has changed his view from seeing righteousness as 'transformative' to 'forensic,' see Paul: Apostle of God's Glory in Christ (Downers Grove; IVP, 2001), p. 192.n2.

Truly a classic.

A nice blend of exposition, theology, and application.

Has been replaced by Paul Barnett in the NICNT series.

A nice blend of exposition, theology, and application.

A wonderful commentary written by an accomplished church historian who shows himself an able biblical scholar.

A model commentary: expositional, pastoral, confessional, and Christological.

Still one of the best commentaries to turn to and the most reliable guide to put into the hands of the average reader.

This is regarded as one of the best commentaries on Ephesians despite the face that Lincoln does not think Paul wrote it! For discerning readers only, then.

A masterful work. Consult before Lincoln.

Outstanding.

A lifetime accomplishment. One of the finest and most exhaustive expositions ever written. The story is told that upon completion Own is said to have exclaimed, "Now my work is done; it is time to die!"

Not as thorough as his Pillar Commentary.

Dates 1 Peter late.

Does not believe Peter wrote it!

A monumental and comprehensive work. Amillennial.

Very accessible and readable. The opening section is crucial reading for interpreting apocalyptic literature. Amillennial.