11 Great Online Bible Commentaries

Bible commentaries are great tools for anyone seeking to study the Old and New Testaments. They offer insight, historical context, and detailed explanations that can demystify complex passages and concepts.

Written by theologians, scholars, and pastors, these commentaries provide various perspectives, interpretations, and theological views.

Whether you are a casual reader, a student of theology, or a minister preparing sermons, commentaries can enhance your understanding by connecting ancient texts to modern life.

They bridge cultural gaps and shed light on the Bible’s profound wisdom, making the Scriptures more accessible and personally relevant to contemporary readers.

1. Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

“Barnes’ Notes on the Bible” is a well-known set of commentaries written by Albert Barnes, a 19th-century American theologian. Published over a series of years from 1832 to 1872, these notes cover the entire Old and New Testaments.

Albert Barnes was associated with the Presbyterian Church, and his writings reflect a moderate evangelical perspective. He carefully avoided extreme doctrinal positions and aimed to explain the Bible in a manner accessible to the average reader.

People appreciate “Barnes’ Notes on the Bible” for its clear, concise language and practical application.

It has been a useful tool for laypeople, pastors, and students alike, providing insights into the historical and cultural context of biblical texts without requiring a deep theological background.

Its enduring popularity attests to its balanced and comprehensible approach to Bible study.

See Barnes’ Notes on the Bible on biblehub.com.

2. Benson Commentary

The “Benson Commentary” on the Old and New Testaments was written by Joseph Benson, a minister and theologian of the Methodist Church. Published in five volumes between 1811 and 1818, it represents a Wesleyan Arminian perspective.

The commentary reflects Benson’s meticulous study of the Scriptures and his intention to provide practical explanations and applications. He aimed to make the Bible understandable for ordinary readers without sacrificing scholarly rigor.

The theological perspective of the “Benson Commentary” is consistent with Methodist teaching, emphasizing personal salvation, holiness, and the free grace of God.

It often appeals to those within the Methodist tradition or those interested in a historically Wesleyan interpretation of the Scriptures.

People appreciate “Benson Commentary” for its devotional quality and insightful interpretations.

It offers a rich blend of theological insights and practical application, making it a valuable resource for scholars and laypeople interested in understanding the Bible from a Wesleyan perspective.

See the Benson Commentary on biblehub.com.

3. The Biblical Illustrator

“The Biblical Illustrator” is an extensive compilation of sermons, outlines, illustrations, and writings on the Bible. It was compiled by Joseph Exell, who served as the editor.

First published in the late 19th century, the series covers the entire Bible and includes contributions from a wide array of ministers and theologians.

The theological perspective of “The Biblical Illustrator” is diverse, reflecting a broad spectrum of Christian thought. Exell included contributions from various denominations and theological traditions, making it an ecumenical resource.

What sets “The Biblical Illustrator” apart is its wealth of illustrative material and practical insights, assembled to aid in sermon preparation and personal study.

Each biblical passage is followed by sermons, expositions, illustrations, and practical applications drawn from the works of many renowned preachers and writers.

People appreciate “The Biblical Illustrator” for its depth and breadth, providing rich insights from a wide variety of theological perspectives.

It is particularly valuable for pastors and teachers looking for illustrative material to bring biblical texts to life in their preaching and teaching.

Its ecumenical nature and comprehensive coverage have contributed to its lasting appeal and usefulness.

See the Biblical Illustrator on biblehub.com.

4. Calvin’s Commentaries

“Calvin’s Commentaries” were penned by John Calvin, a leading figure in the Reformation and a significant theologian in the development of Reformed theology.

The commentaries were published between 1540 and 1564 and cover most of the Bible, except for the books of Judges, Ruth, 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, the Song of Solomon, and Revelation.

Calvin’s work is firmly rooted in the Reformed tradition, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the doctrines of grace.

His commentaries are renowned for their exegetical rigor and theological depth, and they provide an early and influential expression of Reformed doctrine.

People appreciate “Calvin’s Commentaries” for their clear and systematic explanations of biblical texts.

Calvin’s keen insights into the meaning of the Scriptures and his ability to relate them to the theological debates of his time have made his commentaries a lasting resource for scholars, pastors, and serious students of the Bible.

Despite being written in the 16th century, they continue to be a standard reference and a rich source of theological reflection, especially for those within the Reformed tradition.

See Calvin Commentaries on biblehub.com.

5. Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

The “Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges” is a series of commentaries on the Bible specifically designed for educational purposes.

Published between 1882 and 1897, it was created under the editorial supervision of J. J. S. Perowne, the Bishop of Worcester. The series brought together contributions from numerous scholars of various theological backgrounds.

The theological perspective of the series is broad, reflecting the diversity of Anglican thought during the late 19th century.

It doesn’t adhere to a single theological tradition but aims to provide objective, scholarly analysis and interpretations.

The purpose of the “Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges” was to provide students, teachers, and general readers with reliable, well-researched commentaries on the Bible.

The series combines linguistic, historical, and literary insights into the text, making it accessible without sacrificing academic rigor.

People appreciate the series for its balance of scholarly depth and accessibility. It remains a valuable resource for those seeking a solid understanding of the Bible grounded in historical and literary context.

Its enduring appeal lies in its educational focus, making biblical scholarship available to a wider audience, including students and lay readers.

See the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges on biblehub.com.

6. Expositor’s Bible Commentary

The “Expositor’s Bible Commentary” was published during the late 19th century, specifically between 1887 and 1896. It’s a set of 49 volumes that aimed to provide a practical homiletic exposition of the entire Bible.

Sir William Robertson Nicoll edited the series, and it was written by various notable theologians and preachers of the time, including F. B. Meyer, Alexander Maclaren, and G. Campbell Morgan, among others.

The theological perspective of the “Expositor’s Bible” is primarily aligned with moderate to conservative evangelical thought within the Church of England and Nonconformist traditions.

It sought to combine rigorous textual analysis with practical insights, aiming to be accessible to both clergy and educated lay readers.

The series was well-received and continues to be appreciated for its blend of scholarly insight and pastoral application. Many readers find value in the timeless spiritual wisdom it conveys, and it has been appreciated for the eloquent prose style of some of its contributors.

The “Expositor’s Bible” is often considered a classic in evangelical literature, and its enduring appeal lies in its ability to provide substantial theological reflection alongside practical guidance for Christian living and preaching.

It offers a window into the theological thought and preaching practices of the late Victorian era.

See the Expositor’s Bible Commentary on biblehub.com.

7. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

The “Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary” is a well-known one-volume Bible commentary authored by the Reverend Robert Jamieson, Reverend A. R. Fausset, and Reverend David Brown.

First published in 1871, it became an essential reference for Bible students in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The theological perspective of the commentary aligns with conservative Protestant and evangelical beliefs of the time. It provides a verse-by-verse exposition of the entire Bible and is characterized by a strong belief in the literal inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures.

The commentary’s approach to interpretation is generally literal, with careful attention to historical context, original language, and the unity of the entire Bible.

It aims to offer readers not just scholarly insight but also practical application and devotional reflection.

Many people appreciate the “Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary” for its concise yet comprehensive explanations.

While reflecting the theological understanding of its era, it continues to be valued for its attention to detail and its commitment to a high view of Scripture.

The blend of scholarly rigor and pastoral concern found in this work has contributed to its enduring popularity, particularly among those with conservative theological leanings.

See the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary on biblehub.com.

8. Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament

The “Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament” is a celebrated 10-volume work authored by the German theologians Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch. It was published incrementally between 1861 and 1890 and covers the entire Old Testament.

Keil and Delitzsch were committed to conservative Lutheran orthodoxy. Their commentary is rooted in a historical-grammatical interpretation and a strong belief in the inerrancy and divine inspiration of the Scriptures.

They often countered liberal critical theories of their time, defending the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch and other traditional stances.

The theological perspective reflected in the commentary aligns with conservative Protestant and evangelical beliefs.

It combines detailed linguistic analysis with a robust defense of the historical reliability and theological integrity of the Old Testament texts.

People have appreciated the “Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament” for its scholarly depth and willingness to engage with critical scholarship from a conservative standpoint.

Its linguistic insights, detailed exegesis, and theological reflections continue to be valuable for scholars, pastors, and serious students of the Bible.

While some aspects of the work might reflect the controversies and questions of its time, the comprehensive and scholarly nature of the commentary has made it an enduring resource, respected and consulted by many who seek to understand the Old Testament in its original context and its Christian meaning.

See the Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament on biblehub.com.

9. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

“Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary” is a shortened version of the renowned Bible commentary by the Welsh minister Matthew Henry. It was first published after Henry’s death in 1721, condensing his extensive six-volume work into a more accessible format.

Henry’s commentary represents a Protestant, Reformed, and Puritan theological perspective. His writings focus on practical application and personal devotion, often connecting biblical texts with daily Christian living.

The “Concise Commentary” preserves the rich insights and devotional flavor of the original while making it more accessible to a broader readership.

Its theological orientation is characterized by an unwavering belief in the authority and inerrancy of Scripture, a focus on Christ-centered interpretation, and a clear exposition of Reformed doctrines such as predestination and the sovereignty of God.

People appreciate “Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary” for its spiritual depth, practical wisdom, and accessible language.

It has been a popular resource for personal Bible study, family devotions, and sermon preparation for both clergy and laypeople alike.

The commentary’s ability to explain complex theological concepts in a straightforward manner has contributed to its enduring popularity and usefulness across various Christian traditions.

See Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on biblehub.com.

10. Matthew Poole’s Commentary

“Matthew Poole’s Commentary” is a well-known biblical commentary written by the English Nonconformist theologian Matthew Poole. It was initially published in Latin between 1669 and 1676 and later translated into English.

Poole’s work comes from a Reformed Protestant perspective, reflecting Puritan theological views of the 17th century. His commentary is celebrated for its scholarly rigor, blending textual analysis with historical context and practical application.

“Matthew Poole’s Commentary” includes concise yet insightful explanations of biblical passages, often engaging with various interpretations to present a balanced view.

Poole’s ability to explain complex theological matters in clear and simple terms has made his work a treasured resource for ministers, scholars, and lay readers alike.

People appreciate “Matthew Poole’s Commentary” for its clarity, depth, and devotion to scriptural integrity. It has endured as a valuable tool for biblical study and sermon preparation, known for its accessibility to readers of varying levels of theological understanding.

See Matthew Poole’s Commentary on biblehub.com.

11. Pulpit Commentary

“The Pulpit Commentary” is a comprehensive 23-volume collection of homilies and exegetical commentaries on the Bible. It was edited by Joseph S. Exell and Henry Donald Maurice Spence-Jones and was published between 1880 and 1919.

The work reflects a broad Anglican perspective and includes contributions from over 100 writers representing various Christian denominations. While it incorporates critical scholarship, it primarily focuses on providing practical insights for preaching.

People appreciate “The Pulpit Commentary” for its extensive content and thorough exploration of biblical texts. Its homiletical approach offers sermonic material and expositions valuable to preachers and teachers.

The combination of scholarly insight and pastoral application continues to make it a widely used resource in biblical studies.

See the Pulpit Commentary on biblehub.com.