Where am I?
Commentary Guide
This guide has been prepared by the Buswell Library as a quick reference tool that highlights a selection of important commentaries on each book of the Bible. Different works emphasize historical, linguistic, or theological aspects of the text—few are outstanding in all areas. We have not limited our selections to those with which we agree theologically, nor would all be regarded as “Reformed” or “Evangelical”. This guide is meant as a starting point for research and exegesis; many, if not most, students will want to consult additional sources.
Whole Bible / Series
Old Testament
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New Testament
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More Information About This Guide
We have selected commentaries for this guide based on their usefulness in exegeting the Scriptures, focusing primarily on substantial recent works, but not exclusively. The list includes some commentaries that have stood the test of time, some that embody the best evangelical scholarship on the particular book, and some that reflect the most recent scholarly work. Some knowledge of biblical Hebrew and Greek is required to get the full benefit of many, but not all, commentaries listed.
For those seeking guidance in developing their personal libraries, our advice is “try before you buy”. There is no “one size fits all” commentary. Use libraries and other resources to see what you find most helpful, and then invest in works that help you most.
To aid in using the Buswell Library itself, we have added under each section a list of locations in our collection in which to find most of the commentaries on that particular biblical book. However, remember that commentaries on several books of the Bible may be combined in one volume, which means that solely browsing the shelves of Matthew commentaries, for example, will not turn up commentaries that deal with all of the Gospels together or those that are part of a set on the whole Bible.