Top Reviewed Bible Commentary Series
Series are listed in alphabetical order. Some series contain just Old Testament books; others, just New Testament books.
Apollos Old Testament Commentary
From the publisher: “The Apollos Old Testament Commentary (AOTC) aims to take with equal seriousness the divine and human aspects of Scripture. It expounds the books of the Old Testament in a scholarly manner accessible to non-experts, and it shows the relevance of the Old Testament to modern readers. Written by an international team of scholars and edited by David W. Baker and Gordon J. Wenham, these commentaries are intended to serve the needs of those who preach from the Old Testament, as well as scholars and all serious students of the Bible.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: J.G. McConville by Deuteronomy; Daniel by Ernest Lucas
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series
Link: See the Apollos Old Testament Commentary volumes on Amazon
Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms
From the publisher: “The series is tailored to the distinctives of poetry and Wisdom literature, featuring emphasis on the message of the biblical book; special attention to poetic structure and literary devices; incisive comments based on the author’s translation of the Hebrew text; exegetical rigor that incorporates linguistic, historical, and canonical insights; closing reflections on each section that explore the text’s theological dimensions; and textual notes that highlight important features of the Hebrew text.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Psalms by John Goldingay; Proverbs by Tremper Longman III; Ecclesiastes by Craig Bartholomew; Song of Songs by Richard Hess
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms series
Link: See the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms volumes on Amazon
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
From the publisher: “The chief concern of the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (BECNT) is to provide, within the framework of informed evangelical thought, commentaries that blend scholarly depth with readability, exegetical detail with sensitivity to the whole, and attention to critical problems with theological awareness. We hope thereby to attract the interest of a fairly wide audience, from the scholar who is looking for a thoughtful and independent examination of the text to the motivated lay Christian who craves a solid but accessible exposition.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Mark by Robert H. Stein; Luke by Darrell Bock; John by Andreas J. Kostenberger; Acts by Darrell Bock; Romans by Thomas Schreiner; 1 Corinthians by David E. Garland; James by Dan G. McCartney; 1 Peter by Karen Jobes; 1-3 John by Robert W. Yardbrough; Revelation by Grant R. Osborne
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series
Link: See the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament volumes on Amazon
Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Original (1976) and Revised (2012)
From the published: Original – “Written primarily by expositors for expositors…its stance is that of a scholarly evangelicalism committed to the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the Bible…the chief principle followed in this commentary is the grammatico-historical…to make clear the meaning of the text at the time and in the circumstances of its writing.” Revised – “Continuing a Gold Medallion Award-winning legacy, this completely revised edition of [the EBC] series puts world-class biblical scholarship in your hands. Based on the original twelve-volume set that has become a staple in college and seminary libraries and pastors’ studies worldwide, this new thirteen-volume edition marshals the most current evangelical scholarship and resources.”
The original Expositor’s Bible Commentary (EBC), edited by Frank Gaebelein, was compiled between the years of 1976-1992 with 50 different authors contributing. The Revised Expositor’s Bible Commentary Series, edited by Tremper Longman III and David E.Garland, is a 2012 update to the original that includes the work of 56 different authors – 30 of whom are new.
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Genesis by John Sailhammer; Esther by Elaine Phillips; Job by Elmer Smick; Isaiah by Geoffrey Grogan; Daniel by Andrew E. Hill; Jonah by John Walton; Matthew by D.A. Carson; Acts by Richard Longenecker; Hebrews by R.T. France
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the original and revised Expositor’s Bible Commentary series
Link: See the Revised Expositor’s Bible Commentary volumes on Amazon
Interpretation
From the publisher: “A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Genesis by Walter Brueggemann; Exodus by Terence E. Fretheim; Ruth by Katharine Doob Sakenfeld
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ pages on the Interpretation Bible Commentary – Old Testament volumes and Interpretation Bible Commentary – New Testament
Link: See the Interpretation Bible Commentary volumes on Amazon
IVP New Testament Commentary
From the publisher: “Each volume, informed by the best of up-to-date evangelical scholarship, presents passage-by-passage commentary based on the NIV along with background information on authorship, setting, theme and various interpretive issues… Preachers, teachers, students and other individuals who want to dig deep into the heart of the New Testament will find an indispensable companion in the IVP New Testament Commentary Series.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Matthew by Craig Keener; 1-2 Thessalonians by G.K. Beale; 1 Peter by I. Howard Marshall
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ pages on the IVP New Testament Commentary series
Link: See the IVP New Testament Commentary volumes on Amazon
New American Commentary
From the publisher: “The New American Commentary is introduced to bridge the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This new series has been designed primarily to enable pastors, teachers, and students to read the Bible with clarity and proclaim it with power.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Genesis by Kenneth Mathews; Exodus by Douglas Stuart; 1 and 2 Kings by Paul House; Ruth by Daniel Block; Daniel by Stephen R. Miller; Matthew by Craig Blomberg; Luke by Robert H. Stein; Acts by John Polhill; Galatians; 2 Corinthians by David E. Garland; 1 Peter by Thomas Schreiner
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the NAC: Old Testament and NAC: New Testament series
Link: See the New American Commentary volumes on Amazon
New International Commentary on the Old Testament | New Testament
From the publisher: OT: “All of the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today”; NT: “Written for scholars, pastors, and lay readers alike…undertaken to provide earnest students of the New Testament with an exposition that is thorough and abreast of modern scholarship and at the same time loyal to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Genesis by Victor Hamilton; Joshua by Marten Woudstra; Ruth by Robert L. Hubbard; Isaiah by John Oswalt; Ezekiel by Daniel Block; Jonah by Leslie Allen; Matthew by R.T. France; Mark by William L. Lane; Luke by Joel Green; John by J. Ramsey Michaels; Acts by F.F. Bruce; Romans by Douglas Moo; 1 Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee; The Pastoral Epistles; Hebrews by F.F. Bruce; James by Scot McKnight; 1 Peter by Peter H. Davids; The Epistles of John by I. Howard Marshall; Revelation by Robert H. Mounce
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries ‘ page on the New International Commentary on the New Testament series and the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series
Link: See the New International Commentary New Testament volumes and the New International Commentary on the Old Testament volumes on Amazon
New International Greek Testament Commentary
From the publisher: “At a time when the study of Greek is curtailed in many schools of theology, we hope that the NIGNT will demonstrate the continuing value of studying the Greek New Testament… the volumes of the NIGNT are for students who want something less technical than a full-scale critical commentary… the supreme aim of this series is to serve those who are engaged in the ministry of the Word of God and thus glorify God’s name.”
Best for: students, pastors, teachers, professors, and scholars with training in Hebrew who can follow a technical commentary
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Mark by R.T. France; Luke by I. Howard Marshall; Romans by Richard N. Longenecker; 1 Corinthians by Anthony C. Thiselton; 1 Thessalonians by Charles Wanamaker; The Pastoral Epistles; Hebrews by Paul Ellingworth; James by Peter H. Davids; Revelation by G.K. Beale
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the New International Greek Testament Commentary series
Link: See the New International Greek Testament Commentary volumes on Amazon
NIV Application Commentary
From the General Editor: The primary goal of the NIV Application Commentary Series is to help you with the difficult but vital task of bringing an ancient message into a modern context. The series not only focuses on application as a finished product but also helps you think through the process of moving from the original meaning of a passage to its contemporary significance. These are commentaries, not popular expositions. They are works of reference, not devotional literature.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Exodus by Peter Enns; Judges, Ruth by K. Lawson Younger; 1 and 2 Kings by August H. Konkel; Esther by Karen Jobes; Isaiah by John Oswalt; Daniel by Tremper Longman III; Ezekiel by Iain M. Duguid; Mark by David E. Garland; Luke by Darrell Bock; John by Gary Burge; Acts by Ajith Fernando; Romans by Douglas Moo; 1 Corinthians by Craig Blomberg; Hebrews by George Guthrie; The Letter of John by Gary M. Burge; Revelation by Craig S. Keener
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page the NIVAC: Old Testament and the NIVAC: New Testament series
Link: See the NIV Application Commentary volumes on Amazon
New Testament Library | Old Testament Library
From the General Editor: The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing; The New Testament Library series offers… fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, critical portrayals of the historical world… careful attention to their literary design, and a theologically perceptive exposition…”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Exodus – Brevard Childs; I and II Chronicles – Sara Japhet; Micah – James L. Mays
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ pages the Old Testament Library and the New Testament Library series
Link: See the Old and New Testament Library volumes on Amazon
The Pillar New Testament Commentary
From the publisher: “Designed for serious pastors and teachers of the Bible, the Pillar commentaries seek above all to make clear the text of Scripture as we have it…[the authors’] ideal is a blend of rigorous exegesis and exposition, with an eye alert both to biblical theology and the contemporary relevance of the Bible.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Matthew by Leon Morris; Mark by James R. Edwards; Luke by James R. Edwards; John by D.A. Carson; Acts by David G. Peterson; Romans by Leon Morris; Romans by Colin Kruse (updated); 1 Corinthians by Roy Ciampa and Brian Rosner; The Letters to the Thessalonians by Gene L. Green; James by Douglas Moo; The Letters of John by Colin G. Kruse
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Pillar New Testament Commentary series
Link: See the Pillar New Testament Commentary volumes on Amazon
Preaching the Word
From the publisher: “For years, Crossway’s Preaching the Word commentary series has helped pastors, preachers, and anyone who teaches God’s Word to better interpret and apply the message of the Bible. Under the careful editorial oversight of experienced pastor and best-selling author R. Kent Hughes, this series is known for its commitment to biblical authority, its pastoral tone and focus, and its overall accessibility.”
Best for: individual study, devotional reading, Bible studies, adult Sunday school classes
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Exodus by Philip Graham Ryken; Numbers by Iain M. Duguid; Hebrews by R. Kent Hughes
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Preaching the Word series – New Testament volumes; and the Preaching the Word series – Old Testament volumes
Link: See the Preaching the Word volumes on Amazon
Reformed Expository Commentary
From the publisher: The REC series has “four fundamental commitments. First, these commentaries aim to be biblical…Second, these commentaries are unashamedly doctrinal…Third, these commentaries are redemptive-historical…Fourth, these commentaries are practical…” All authors are “pastor-scholars.”
Best for: individual study, devotional reading, Bible studies, adult Sunday school classes
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Esther and Ruth by Iain M. Duguid; Daniel by Iain M. Duguid
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Reformed Expository Commentary series
Link: See the Reformed Expository Commentary volumes on Amazon
Socio-Rhetorical Bible Commentary
From the publisher: [Ben] Witherington’s distinctive socio-rhetorical approach helps unearth insights that would otherwise remain hidden using only form criticism, epistolary categories, and traditional criticism.
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Matthew by Craig Keener; Acts by Ben Witherington; Galatians by Ben Witherington; Philippians by Ben Witherington; 102 Thessalonians by Ben Witherington; Hebrews by Daniel A. deSilva
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Socio-Rhetorical Bible Commentary series
Link: See the Socio-Rhetorical Bible Commentary volumes on Amazon
Tyndale Old Testament Commentary / Tyndale New Testament Commentary
From the publisher: This series is “designed to help readers understand what the Bible actually says and what it means…[each commentary] examines the text section by section, drawing out its main themes. It also comments on individual verses and deals with problems of interpretation. The aim throughout is to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: 1 and 2 Kings by Donald J. Wiseman; Esther by Debra Reid; Isaiah by J. Alec Motyer; Daniel by Joyce Baldwin; Ezekiel by John B. Taylor; Jonah by T. Desmond Alexander; Matthew by R.T. France; Mark by R. Alan Cole; Luke by Leon Morris; John by Colin Kruse; Acts by I. Howard Marshall; 1 Corinthians by Leon Morris; 1 Peter by Wayne Grudem; James by Douglas Moo; The Letters of John by John Scott
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary and Tyndale New Testament Commentary series
Link: See the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary volumes and the Tyndale New Testament Commentary volumes on Amazon
Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (currently) | New International Bible Commentary (formerly)
From the publisher: “Each volume in the Understanding the Bible Commentary Series breaks down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Genesis by John Hartley; Job by Gerald Wilson; Psalms by Craig Boyles; Romans by James R. Edwards; 1-2 Timothy and Titus by F.F. Bruce
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Understanding the Bible Series series
Link: See the Understanding the Bible Series volumes on Amazon
Word Biblical Commentary
From the publisher: “WBC series delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. It emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Genesis by Gordan Wenham; Joshua by Trent Butler; Ezekiel by Leslie Allen; Jonah by Douglas Stuart; Matthew by Donald A. Hagner; Mark by Robert Guelich; Luke by John Nolland; Romans by James D.G. Dunn; Pastor Epistles by William Mounce; Hebrews by William Lane; James by Ralph Martin; 1 Peter by J. Ramsey Michaels; 1 2 3 John by Stephen S. Smalley; Revelation by David Aune
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Word Biblical Commentary series
Link: See the Word Biblical Commentary volumes on Amazon
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament | Old Testament
From the publisher: “The idea for this series was refined over time by an editorial board who listened to pastors and teachers express what they wanted to see in a commentary series based on the [original] text…We arrived at a design that includes seven components for the treatment of each biblical passage”: Literary Context, Main Idea, Translation and Graphical Layout, Structure, Exegetical Outline, Explanation of the Text, and Theology in Application.”
Best for: expository preachers, Bible college and seminary students, church elders and teachers, experienced Bible readers
Examples of well-reviewed volumes: Matthew by Grrant R. Osborne; Mark by Mark Strauss; Luke by David E. Garland; Acts by Eckhard Schnabel; Galatians by Tom Schreiner; James by Craig Blomberg and Mariam Kamell 1 2 3 John by Karen Jobes
More information: See the Best Bible Commentaries’ page on the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament and the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series
Link: See the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary of the New Testament volumes and Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament volumes on Amazon
Also see:
New Testament commentaries (book-by-book index)
Old Testament commentaries (book-by-book index)
Author interviews (Q & A index)