If you have been searching the universe for a gigantic digital table subdivided into small boxes filled with fun and informative Bible commentary goodness, your search is over! The comparison chart below is a quick-reference guide to 75 different Bible commentary series.
There are many different commentary series because there are many different purposes and uses for Bible commentaries.
Before buying a commentary, readers want to know what English translation a commentary uses, what the theological convictions of the author are, and what makes a particular volume in a series unique. The chart below helps answer those questions.
Also, see the Best Commentary on Every Book of the Bible to learn more.
| Series | Notes |
|---|---|
21st Century Commentaries | The translation is NASB. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is laypeople and pastors. All authors are premillennial. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook using the exact ISBN |
| Abingdon Commentaries  | The translation is NRSV. The perspective is Methodist. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Anchor Yale Commentaries | The translations are original. The perspective is Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish. The approach is critical. The audience is academics. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture  | The translation is RSV. The perspective is orthodox Christianity. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Apollos Old Testament Commentary  | The translations are original. The perspective is broadly Protestant. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Baker Commentary on the OT Wisdom and Psalms  | The translations are original. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Baker Exegetical Commentary on the NT  | The translations are original. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is laypeople and pastors. Includes Greek exegesis. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| The Bible Speaks Today  | The translation is the NIV. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation  | The translation is HCSB. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is laypeople and pastors. Focuses on themes. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Black’s New Testament Commentaries  | The translations are original. The perspective is mostly critical. The audience is academics and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Also, see the Best Revelation commentaries to learn more.
| Series | Notes |
|---|---|
| Brazos Theological Commentaries  | The translation is NRSV. Authors affirm the Nicene Creed. The audience is laypeople and pastors. All authors are theologians. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Calvin (John) Commentaries | The translation is the author’s. Calvin was a leader of the Protestant Reformation. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Cambridge Bible Commentaries  | The translation is the NEB. Perspective is liberal to moderate. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Christ-Centered Exposition Commentaries  | The translation is the HCSB. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
College Press Commentaries | The translation is the NIV. Perspective is Restoration Movement. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Communic. Commentary  | The translation is the NIV. Perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
Concordia Commentaries | The translations are mostly original. Perspective is Lutheran evangelical. The audience is laypeople and pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Continental Commentaries | The translations are original. Perspective is critical. Translates German scholarly commentaries into English. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Cornerstone Biblical Commentaries  | The translation is NLT. Perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Crossway Classic Commentaries  | The translation is NIV. Perspective is Reformed. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Also, see the best Romans commentaries to learn more.
| Series | Notes |
|---|---|
| Daily Study Bible  | The translation is the author’s own. Perspective is liberal to moderate. The audience is pastors and laypeople. OT authors vary. NT author is William Barclay. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| Evangelical Exegetical Commentaries  | The translations are the authors’. Perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Evangelical Press Study Commentary  | The translation varies. Perspective is Reformed. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Exegetical Guide to the Greek NT  | The translations are the authors’. Perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and academics. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Expositor’s Bible Commentary – Revised  | The translation is NIV. Perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Focus on the Bible  | The translation is NIV. Perspective is Reformed and evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
For Everyone | The translation is the author’s. Perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
For You | The translation is NIV. Perspective is Reformed. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| The Gospel According to the Old Testament  | The translation is ESV. The perspective is Reformed. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Henry (Matthew) Commentaries  | The translation is KJV. Perspective is Protestant. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Also, see the Best John Commentaries to learn more.
| Series | Notes |
|---|---|
Hermeneia | The translation is the author’s own. Perspective is mostly liberal and critical. The audience is academics. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Holman Commentaries | The translation is NIV. Perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| International Critical Commentary  | The translation is the author’s own. Perspective is critical. The audience is mostly academics. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| International Theological Commentaries  | The translation is RSV. Perspective is moderately critical. The audience is pastors and professors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Interpretation | The translation is RSV. Perspective is moderately critical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| IVP New Testament Commentary  | The translation is NIV. Perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| JPS Torah Commentaries  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is critical. The audience is pastors and academics. Pages turn from right to left. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Keil-Delitzsch Commentaries  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is orthodox Lutheran. The audience is pastors. Generally conservative. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| Kregel Exegetical Commentaries  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors. Combines scholarship and application. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Lectio Continua Expository Commentaries  | The translation is ESV. The perspective is Reformed. The audience is pastors. Reads like a sermon. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Also, see Best Whole-Bible Commentaries: Top 25 to see the list.
| Series | Notes |
|---|---|
| Living Insights: Chuck Swindoll Commentaries  | The translation is NASB. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| MacArthur (John) Commentaries  | The translation is NASB. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Mentor Commentaries  | The translation is the author’s choice. The perspective is Reformed. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Montgomery Boice (James) Commentary  | The translation is NIV. The perspective is Reformed. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| New American Commentary  | The translation is NIV. The perspective is evangelical and Baptist. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| New Beacon Bible Commentaries  | The translation is NIV. The perspective is Wesleyan. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| New Cambridge Bible Commentary  | The translation is NRSV. The perspective is critical to evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| New Century Commentaries  | The translation is N/RSV. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| New International Biblical Commentary  | The translation is NIV. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| New International Commentary on the OT and NT  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Also, compare dozens of Study Bibles: Best Study Bibles Comparison Chart.
| Series | Notes |
|---|---|
| New Intern. Greek Testament Commentary  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and academics. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary  | The translation is NRSV/NIV. The perspective is critical to evangelical. The audience is pastors and academics. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| NIV Application Commentary  | The translation is NIV. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Old and New Testament Library  | The translation is RSV. The perspective is critical to evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Paideia Commentaries  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is Catholic to Protestant. The audience is pastors and academics. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Pillar New Testament Commentary  | The translation is NIV. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
The Preacher’s Commentary | The translation is NKJV. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Preaching the Word  | The translation is NIV, revised use ESV. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Reformation Commentary on Scripture  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is Reformed Protestant. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Reformed Expository Commentaries  | The translation is the ESV. The perspective is Reformed. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Also, see the Best Commentary Series: The Top 50 to learn more.
| Series | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sacra Pagina Commentaries  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is Catholic. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Smyth & Helwys Commentaries  | The translations vary. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors and laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN |
| Socio- Rhetorical Commentaries  | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is Arminian evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Story of God Bible Commentary  | The translation is the NIV. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Teach the Text Commentaries  | The translation is the NIV. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Thru the Bible: J. Vernon McGee  | The translation is the KJV. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is laypeople. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Two Horizons | The translations are the authors’. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Also, see the Best Matthew Commentaries to learn more.
| Series | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tyndale OT and NT Bible Commentaries  | The translation is the NIV. The perspective is broadly evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Understanding the Bible Commentary  | The translation is the NIV. The perspective is critical to evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Walvoord (John) Prophecy Commentary  | The translation is the ESV. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Wesleyan Bible Study  | The translation is the NIV. The perspective is Arminian. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Word Biblical Commentary  | The translations are the authors’. The perspectives vary. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Wycliffe Exegetical Commentaries  | The translation is the author’s. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Zondervan Exegetical Commentary  | The translation is the NIV. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
| Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary  | The translation is the NIV. The perspective is evangelical. The audience is pastors. See on Amazon using the exact ISBN See on Christianbook the using exact ISBN |
Also, see the Best Commentaries on Genesis to learn more.
