New Interpreter's Bible Commentary | Reviews and Volumes

The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary series is one of the most well-respected bible study tools available today.

NIBC commentaries provide detailed introductions to all 66 books of the bible. Authors also provide thorough explanations of each passage of Scripture.

For those that want to dig deeper, there are in-depth notes as well as discussion on alternate readings and translations.

The original New Interpreter’s Commentary series was published in the 1950’s, but it underwent a significant revision in the 1990’s.

The original series utilized the King James Version and the Revised Standard Version of the bible.

The updated edition used the New International Version and the New Revised Standard Version.

Which commentary series is best for your purposes? See Best Bible Commentaries: Top 50. Based on aggregate reviews.

Note: The NIBC commentary is available in a 12-volume set or in a one-volume abridged edition. Scroll down to see both options.


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Want to save money on bible commentaries?

Logos Bible Software is the best digital resource for bible commentaries, theology books, and more. When you sign up through Best Bible Commentaries, you will save 10% on the cost of the software in addition to getting five free books. Click on the LOGOS image above to learn more.

New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary Series: Reviews

Patrick J. Wilson, The Christian Century:

“The New Interpreter’s Bible commentators are consistently aware that they are in conversation with preachers and teachers in the church. The New Interpreter’s Bible is the commentary preachers and teachers need for the years ahead.”

James W. Cox, Review and Expositor:

“The entire set should be among the few sets of commentaries on the bookshelves of the serious student of the Scriptures.”

Victor P. Hamilton, Asbury College”

“The quality of both the commentary and the Reflections sections is consistently high. The New Interpreter’s Bible is an invaluable addition to the library of both academician and pastor.”

Amy-Jill Levine, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville, TN

“For this magnificent achievement, Abingdon Press deserves praise from clergy, academics, and anyone interested in the Bible.”

Note: Compare the NIBC commentary series with dozens of other series on the Bible Commentary Comparison Chart.

Purpose of the New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary Series

From the publisher: The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary offers critically sound biblical interpretations.

Guided by scholars, pastors and laity representing diverse traditions and academic experience, this collection of commentary meets the needs of preachers, teachers, and all students of the Bible.

Easy-To-Use Format

A detailed, critical commentary providing an exegetical “close-reading” of the biblical text
Reflections that present a detailed exposition of issues raised in the biblical text
Introductions to each book that cover essential historical, sociocultural, literary, and theological issues
An ecumenical roster of contributors
Comprehensive, concise articles
Numerous visual aids (illustrations, maps, charts, timelines) enhance use

Interviews from the New Interpreter’s series on Best Bible Commentaries

Robert W. Wall on Acts: (click to read full Q & A)

Preview: “I was at Tyndale House in Cambridge on sabbatical when I wrote a first draft or the first half of Acts.

Lots of people there were also working on Acts — typically using more ‘traditional’ approaches to its narrative.

More than a particular passage, what is memorable are those conversations with others about interpreting Acts. Almost daily ‘a-ha’ experiences.”

One-Volume NIBC Edition

Get this book on: Amazon using it’s exact ISBN.

From the publisher: “The portability, accessibility, and affordability of the one-volume commentary will appeal to professors and students as well as lay persons and pastors.

This commentary contains articles on all the books of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, as well as numerous general articles on biblical interpretation, geographical and historical setting, religion, text, canon, translation, Bible and preaching/teaching, with bibliographies for each article.”