With so many Bible commentary series available today, many people want to know which ones are best. There is a wide variety of commentaries series today, because readers have a wide variety of purposes for using them.
Some are written for pastors and preachers, others for professors and scholars, and still others for lay people. Some series even attempt to be helpful to all of the above simultaneously.
Commentary series approach the biblical text in different ways:
- Some employ Arminian writers, while others utilize Calvinistic or Reformed writers. Some series reflect denominational distinctiveness, such as Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and many more.
- In some series, authors explain the original languages of the Bible, while in others they comment on the English text.
- Some devote a lot of space to history, others to theology, and still others to application.
With so much variation, it would be helpful to have a way to organize them. But are rankings the best approach?
Can commentary series be ranked?
There is no question that it would help many readers to hear the answer to the question, “What commentary series are best?“ The challenge of answering that question with complete objectivity is significant.
As mentioned above, commentaries have different purposes, different approaches, and in some cases, they can be very unique. Readers also have these characteristics. Consider these examples:
- It would not be helpful to rank a technical commentary over a devotional one, if the reader’s purpose is devotional in nature.
- It would not be helpful to rank an historical commentary over a theological one, if the reader needs a theologically-focused volume.
But what if there was another way to organize them?
Commentary Series: Tiers
Below I have organized 50 different commentaries series into five tiers of 10. These facts underlie their arrangement:
(1) Each tier of 10 is arranged alphabetically, rather than a strict 1-10 listing.
(2) Each tier contains a combination of authors who take different approaches to the biblical text and have different focuses, such as exegetical, theological, historical, and so on.
(3) The factors that determined placement into one tier instead of another are a combination of aggregate reviews, enduring usefulness to readers, and the recommendations of pastors, professors, and lay people.
I used the information I collated for listing the best Old Testament commentaries and the best New Testament commentaries by individual volume.
Is the tiered approach perfect? No. Each reader should use the information below as a starting point, and not take it as the final word on the topic. A tiered approach reduces subjectivity, but it doesn’t eliminate it altogether.
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Tier One: 1-10
The commentary series in tier one have multiple well-reviewed volumes that are considered among the very best for the particular book of the bible that they cover. The series are, on the whole, consistently helpful and sound.
| Series Title | Why Tier One? | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Baker Exegetical Commentaries on the New Testament  | contains numerous well-reviewed volumes by influential evangelical authors who exegete the Greek text in ways that are helpful to academics and pastors | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Expositor’s Bible Commentaries  | introductory to mid-level series covering the entire bible with several highly-praised volumes and, relatively speaking, has been affordable over the years for most pastors; the revision of the series in 2007 helped draw more attention to this now-classic set | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| New American Commentaries  | employs authors and perspectives from one of the largest Protestant branches, Baptist; many volumes positively reviewed by Baptist and non-Baptist alike; mid-level, not technical | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| New International Commentaries on the Old/New Testament  | perhaps the most praised mid-level series based on collated reviews; one of the oldest evangelical series, a go-to for pastors especially; stays up-to-date with new and replacement volumes | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| New International Greek Testament Commentaries  | a technical, mildly critical series on the Greek text, but does not allow textual criticism to damage theological conclusions; a favorite series for conservatives and pastors who seek technical insight | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| NIV Application Commentaries  | likely the most-popular commentary series today, it helps readers apply Scripture; dozens of well-reviewed volumes; a staple series for many pastors and it helps that volumes are affordable | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Pillar New Testament Commentaries  | contains several acclaimed volumes that are thorough in exegesis and in theological insight; the series is still incomplete (Revelation, please?), but has built a well-deserved reputation the last 30 years; edited by D.A. Carson | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Tyndale Old/New Testament Commentaries  | accessibility, affordability, and sound commentary have marked this series for decades; most volumes have proved helpful to readers who have various purposes, from devotional help to leading bible studies | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Word Biblical Commentaries  | though approaches to the text can vary widely from author to author in this series, there is no debating the indelible impact of certain volumes, most often the conservatives ones, on biblical scholarship and Christian ministry | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Zondervan Exegetical Commentaries on the New Testament  | the youngest series in the top tier, the positive reviews for released volumes help make up for its lack of longevity; as opposed to the WBC series, the content in these volumes may be the most helpfully arranged of any series | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
More people seek to own a commentary on the book of Revelation than any other book of the Bible. See best Revelation commentaries to learn more.
Tier Two: 11-20
The commentary series in tier two vary. Some have been around for years, but contain fewer well-reviewed volumes. Others are newer, and though the volumes that have been released so far have been well-received, their collective body of work is less.
| Series Title | Why Tier Two? | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Yale Commentaries  | volumes are technical, but not so dense as to overwhelm readers; employs a wide variety of critical approaches to the text that are light on theology; certain volumes are well-reviewed for the biblical book they cover | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Baker Commentaries on the OT: Wisdom and Psalms  | if this series covered more books of the bible with the same quality as it does with existing ones, it would likely be top tier; accessible to pastors, helpful to professors and scholars, it is praised for its combination of exegesis, theology, and literary insight | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Bible Speaks Today  | John Stott’s volumes elevate this series as a whole; well-reviewed by lay readers as a devotional aid, helpful to pastors as an introductory resource for preaching | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Hermeneia Commentaries  | high-grade, technical biblical scholarship for those seeking insight into the original languages; authors take a variety of critical approaches to the text | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Interpretation Commentaries  | mid-level, theologically- focused, affordable, pastor-friendly, mildly critical series; some volumes have endured for decades | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| IVP New Testament Commentaries  | influential, evangelical authors contribute volumes in this series that is designed for pastors; paperback availability make the series easily attainable; mid-level with application help, making in comparable to the NIVAC | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| J. Vernon McGee Commentaries  | not much depth, but highly illustrated, this series is favorite of many lay people; McGee’s long-lasting radio ministry helps the awareness of these introductory volumes | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Old/New Testament Library Commentaries  | volumes lack exegesis and instead focus on the literature and theology of particular books: some recent NT volumes are well-reviewed and long-lived OT contributions boost the series as a whole | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Reformed Expository Commentaries  | volumes record some of the best Reformed preaching today; understandable theology and illustrations make the biblical text clear and relevant to pastors and lay readers alike | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Zondervan Illustrated Bible Commentaries  | though the commentary itself is introductory, few series, if any, improve upon the pictures, charts, maps, and other illustrations that these volumes provide | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
The second most popular book of the Bible that people seek to own a commentary on is Romans. See best Romans commentaries to learn more.
Tier Three: 21-30
Most of the series in tier three are narrowly focused by design so have limited audiences. These characteristics mean that their readership is not as widespread as other series that have greater universal appeal.
| Series Title | Why Tier Three? | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Christian Commentaries  | preserves, simplifies, and organizes commentary from early church fathers so that modern readers can benefit from their faith, insight, and scholarship; perhaps more pastors should consider using these volumes | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Apollos Old Testament Commentaries  | few volumes released so far, but this high-quality, mid-level, mildly critical series has a chance to be important for scholars and pastors | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Focus on the Bible  | introductory, yet many volumes offer profound theological and devotional reflections; helpful to lay people and pastors alike, authors offer readers illustrations that can be used for teaching and preaching; Reformed perspective | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
For You | the name recognition of Tim Keller’s volumes elevate the series a whole, but other authors contribute solid commentaries; introductory, so lay readers can benefit | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| John MacArthur Commentaries  | most sections of this New Testament series read like sermons, which is likely where MacArthur refined his explanations of the text; MacArthur is controversial in some circles, so tier three seems fitting overall, but those devoted to his teaching will surely place it higher | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| JPS Torah Commentaries  | covering the first five books of the bible only prevents this series from being placed in a higher tier; mildly critical explanations will be maximized by those who know Hebrew; volumes read from right to left | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Mentor Commentaries  | helpful, pastor-friendly, mid-level series that utilizes Reformed authors; could climb to a higher tier if the quality of upcoming volumes remains high | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Preaching the Word  | exposition commentary, which requires authors to have preached expository sermons through the biblical book on which they write; some volumes are large because the biblical book is large, but they are still reasonably priced | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Socio- Rhetorical Commentaries  | the project of Arminian scholar Ben Witherington, the socio-rhetorical approach is brilliantly executed for books such as Acts; the narrow focus prevents the series from placing in a higher tier | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Understanding the Bible Commentaries  | formerly the New International Biblical Commentary series, some well-reviewed volumes elevate the series as a whole, though some don’t hit the mark | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
The third most popular book of the Bible that people seek to own a commentary on is John. See best John commentaries to learn more.
Tier Four: 31-40
Some of the series in tier four are solid, yet young, and they may, in time, rise higher as more people review them and use them. Others have audiences of devoted readers, but those audiences are small relative to all those who read commentaries.
| Series Title | Why Tier Four? | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Christ- Centered Expository Commentaries  | introductory, so good for lay people, but lacks sufficient depth for some pastors; the Christ-Centered approach is especially helpful with Old Testament volumes | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Concordia Commentaries  | volumes are of excellent quality, and the commentary in each volume is thorough; a product of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the authors are evangelical and affirm inerrancy | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Evangelical Exegetical Commentaries  | a relatively new series, which may rise to a higher tier over time; volumes contain refined exegesis with theological insight; many that have used them report their general helpfulness | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| For Everyone  | introductory, affordable, paperbacks that explain the basics in understandable ways; the lack of depth may prevent widespread use by pastors; OT volumes can be mildly critical | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| International Critical Commentaries  | the abridged paperback editions have made some of the superb volumes in this series affordable and accessible to many more people than when these technical commentaries were only available in hardbacks that often exceeded $120 new | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Keil- Delitzsch Commentaries  | an enduring Old Testament series whose conservative commentary is based on the Hebrew text, it is still helpful to pastors and affordable with used sets often found for under $100 on secondary markets | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Living Insights (Swindoll)  | these New Testament volumes are a favorite for those who love the teaching of long-time pastor, Charles Swindoll; introductory in nature, they may be more useful for lay people than other audiences | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| New Cambridge Bible Commentaries  | this mid-level series has a chance to climb to a higher tier as more volumes are released; some volumes are very well reviewed, others have not lived up to expectations; authors are diverse and include Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant scholars | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| New Interpreter’s Bible Commentaries  | for a series that covers all 66 books, its relatively affordable; it’s friendly layout makes it easy to wade through the mid-level, sometimes mildly critical, explanations on the biblical text; the publisher and author are Arminian | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Story of God Bible Commentaries  | the focus of the series is on the “grand story” of the bible as a whole and how individual books fit into it; the series is still new and time will tell if readers believe this approach is helpful | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
Tier Five: 41-50
The series in tier five are certainly worthy of consideration, but for different reasons do not have a wide readership today.
| Series Title | Why Tier Five? | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation  | a new series that recently changed publishers; if it survives and continues to produce quality volumes, it could rise higher as a useful resource for pastors | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Black’s New Testament Commentaries  | many volumes are now dated, but certain volumes have proved to have long-lasting influence; perhaps more for scholars now than pastors, the series’ approach is mildly critical | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Boice Expositional Commentaries  | volumes read like sermons; from the ministry of Reformed pastor James Montgomery Boice; these slim, introductory paperbacks can be used as devotional aids | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Brazos Theological Commentaries  | the series employs systematic theologians to write biblical commentaries; reviews have been mixed for these paperbacks that cost the same as many hardback commentaries | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Continental Commentaries  | advanced hardback commentaries that offer thorough and refined exegetical insight via English translations of German volumes; may not prove to be practical for many readers other than scholars | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Crossway Classics Commentaries  | abridged commentaries on certain biblical books from renown Reformed writers from previous centuries; the publisher chose to employ the NIV translation in these volumes, which has resulted in mixed reviews | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Gospel According to the Testament Commentaries  | thin affordable paperbacks that offer readers Christ-centered insight into Old Testament books with devotional and theological applications | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Holman Old/New Commentaries  | introductory and basic, these hardbacks help pastors with overviews and sermon layout; they lack exegetical, theological, and historical depth | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| International Theological Commentaries  | the series values theological diversity in authors which results in inconsistent commentary on OT books; these mildly critical paperback volumes don’t have a wide audience; a few volumes have received positive reviews | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Kregel Exegetical Commentaries  | still a new series, these mid-level hardbacks could rise to higher tiers if the quality of new releases is high; the first volumes offer theological insight into the text | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Teach the Text  | certain volumes have received good reviews, but limiting the space for authors on passages proved to be challenging for certain volumes; now discontinued, it is difficult to see this series rising to higher tiers | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
| Two Horizons Commentaries  | this series, whose volumes blended biblical studies with theological studies, produced some helpful volumes; now discontinued, it is difficult to see this series rising to higher tiers | See on Amazon using exact ISBN |
Also compare 75 different commentary series
Want to compare and contrast even more commentary series? Please see the Bible Commentary Comparison Chart, which contains 75 different series.
