Commentaries: 9 for Bible Study, and Finding One For You
Commentaries are one of the most helpful Bible study resources available. They offer information through notes, explanations, and insights from scholars or pastors. As such, commentaries are helpful for gaining a deeper understanding of a passage when studying the Bible.
As a general rule, the best commentaries for beginners in Bible study would be a whole Bible single volume commentary. These commentaries offer a big picture overview of every book of the Bible and are typically written by a pastor or group of scholars. They are written to reach a broad audience.
So, let’s take a closer look at some of the best one or two volume Bible commentaries available today to help you find one that fits your Bible study routine.
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| Commentary | Translation | Volumes | Theological Perspective | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible | KJV primarily | Single | Reformed, Puritan | Devotional |
| MacArthur Bible Commentary | NASB primarily | Single | Evangelical, Reformed, Dispensational | Exegetical, Doctrinal |
| New Bible Commentary | NIV, primarily Various | Single | Mainstream/Moderate Evangelical | Exegetical, Broad |
| Wiersbe Bible Commentary | KJV and NIV | Separate for Old and New Testaments | Evangelical, Practical | Homiletical, Devotional |
| Tony Evans Bible Commentary | CSB | Single | Evangelical | Homiletical, Practical |
| Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary | Various | Single | Evangelical | Exegetical, Visual |
| Moody Bible Commentary | NASB primarily, Various | Single | Evangelical, Reformed | Exegetical, Theological |
| Bible Knowledge Commentary | NIV primarily, Various | Separate for Old and New Testaments | Evangelical, Dispensational | Exegetical, Explanatory |
| Believers Bible Commentary | Various | Single | Evangelical, Practical | Devotional, Pastoral |
What Makes A Good Whole Bible Commentary?
There are many factors to consider when looking at whole Bible commentaries. These factors include:
Translation
While, most Bible commentaries can be used with various translations of the Bible, some will quote passages from a specific translation. So, the primary translation may be something you want to consider, especially if the commentary not saying exactly what your Bible says may bother you.
If you are wanting to find a good translation, but are struggling, then check out this article that explains not only why there are so many translations, but how to find the perfect one. Or check out this article that seeks to discover the most accurate translation in the world.
Number of Volumes
Another thing to consider when finding the best bible commentary for beginners is the number of volumes. Some commentary sets are vast and have multiple books, one for each book of the Bible. However, this quickly gets expensive.
It is best to start with whole Bible commentaries, especially if you are getting into Bible study for the first time. Most whole Bible commentaries will be one book that cover both Old and New Testaments.
However, some whole Bible commentaries will separate the Old and New Testaments into two books. This gives them more room and space to go a little deeper with their notes, explanations, and insights.
Theological Perspective
It is important to consider the theological perspective of the commentary you use. You may want to find one that closely aligns with what you believe. Commentaries can come in different theological backgrounds or perspectives. These perspectives can include,
- Lutheran
- Reformed
- Wesleyan
- Baptist
- Puritan
- Dispensational
- Evangelical
- Non-Evangelical
- Feminist
- etc.
These various perspectives will interpret and apply passages in different ways. For example, one may interpret Scripture in a way that says the Church replaces Israel, while others may not. So, consider the theological background of the commentary you are using.
Style
Commentaries come in a range of detail and can be for specific books of the Bible or the Bible as a whole. Different types of commentaries include,
- Exegetical Commentary: Scholarly and Academic
- Homiletic/Expository Commentary: Pastoral
- Devotional Commentary: Practical
Within each of these types, there is a range. So, if a commentary is described as exegetical, that does not mean that it is necessarily hard to read. Rather, it means they approach the text in a scholarly manner.
For more information on the different types of commentaries and which one is best for beginners check out this article.
Now, that we’ve looked at what makes a good whole Bible commentary, let’s look at some of the most popular ones available today.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible
Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible is a classic. Henry first started working on it in the early 1700’s but died before its completion. Later, his colleagues would finish the work (from Romans-Revelation).
Henry’s commentary has influenced numerous Christian ministers and people, including John Wesley, George Whitefield, Charles Spurgeon, and many evangelical pastors throughout the world. Spurgeon described Henry’s Commentary as,
“He is most pious and pithy, sound and sensible, suggestive and sober, terse and trustworthy. You will find him to be glittering with metaphors, rich in analogies, overflowing with illustrations, superabundant in reflections. . . .”
Matthew Henry’s commentary is both devotional and practical. As such, it is a great resource to not only deepen your understanding of Scripture, but also grow spiritually as well. It is often the first place I go when I want to read the Bible devotionally or seek to find application points when doing Bible study.
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MacArthur Bible Commentary
The MacArthur Bible Commentary was first published in 2005 and written by American pastor and teacher John MacArthur. MacArthur is known for his conservative and Reformed perspective and is widely respected in Christian circles.
MacArthur’s Commentary boasts many unique features including,
- Word studies
- Charts, graphs, and brief articles
- Summary of Christian theology
- Sections on Jesus’ life and ministry
- Harmony of historical writing
- Harmony of the gospels
- Guidance for studying, applying, and teaching God’s Word
These unique features along with MacArthur’s ability to teach clearly, make this commentary both practical and insightful. Though, it’s exegetical in nature, it is still easy to read. Check out this excerpt,
“This description of God creating heaven and earth is understood to be: (1) recent, i.e., thousands not millions of years ago; (2) ex nihilo, i.e., out of nothing; and (3) special, i.e., in six, consecutive, twenty-four-hour periods called “days” and further distinguished as such by this phrase, “the evening and the morning.”
John MacArthur Bible Commentary
As you can see, MacArthur is insightful, knowledgeable, and helpful when it comes to studying the Bible. This commentary is more academic in nature than Matthew Henry’s. Therefore, it is a great resource if you want to become a student of the Bible.
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New Bible Commentary
The New Bible Commentary has been around for over 40 years, but has been completely revised and updated for the 21st century. This commentary provides a comprehensive overview and explanation of the entire Bible.
The New Bible Commentary offers commentary based off of the NIV translation of the Bible. The commentators are not afraid to discuss or interact with the original languages, and do so in a way that is not intimidating nor challenging for those without a background in Hebrew or Greek. Which is a plus.
That said, there are times when this commentary does not take a clear stand on certain issues, whether doctrinal or textual, but rather offers all sides of the issues. This can be a pro or con depending on your preferences.
Overall, the New Bible Commentary is a great resource as an introduction to Bible study and commentaries. It offers commentary from a wide range of international evangelical scholars that balance scholarly insights with a devotional heart. That makes this commentary great for beginners or lay leaders.
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Wiersbe Bible Commentary
The Wiersbe Bible Commentary is a two volume set that was first published in 2007. It is an abridgement of Dr. Wiersbe’s popular “Be” Series of Bible study books and tools. As such, it is easy to read and emphasizes personal application.
Wiersbe’s commentary is a go to resource at my house for a family devotional time. Why? Because it is practical and insightful. It’s a perfect resource for high schoolers or anyone who want to learn to study the Bible, but are intimidated by the more scholarly or academic whole Bible commentaries.
Wiersbe is a teacher at heart and that shows in his commentary. It’s free from academic jargon, well structured, and insightful. Just check out this expert,
“This one true God exists as three persons: God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit…This doesn’t mean that one God manifests himself in three different forms, or that there are three gods; it means that one God exists in three persons, who are equal in their attributes and yet individual and distinct in their offices and ministries.”
Wiersbe Bible Commentary
As you can see, Wiersbe’s commentary makes an excellent resource for beginners in Bible study. He is able to take complex topics and offer simple explanations. This makes his commentary useful not only for beginners, but teachers and pastors as well.
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Tony Evans Bible Commentary
The Tony Evans Bible Commentary was published in 2019 and written by pastor and teacher Tony Evans. Evans is a gifted scholar, pastor, and teacher. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary is actually the first Bible commentary written solely by an African American.
What makes this commentary unique is the inclusion of video devotionals, introductions, and sermons. These are designed to help deepen your understanding of Scripture and life with God as you study His word through the Tony Evans Bible commentary.
Dr. Evan’s is a master teacher and has been named as one of the most effective preachers in the English speaking world by Baylor University. Tony Evans is able to explain the Bible in profound yet simple ways, that even experienced scholars can benefit from his commentary.
This commentary also includes unique features and articles such as,
- How to Study the Bible
- Definitions of Jey Terms and Doctrines
- Theology Overview
- Attributes of the Triune God
- Bibliology
- Names of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
- Doctrinal Outlines of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
- Kingdom Life
- Topical Index
Dr. Evans has a gift of taking complex topics and explaining them in simple, yet comprehensive terms. For example, he defines grace as, “The inexhaustible goodness of God which he freely bestows upon human beings, which is undeserved, unearned, and unable to be repaid.”
I recently used the Tony Evans Bible Commentary to work my way through Leviticus. And let me tell you, I would not have been able to make it through without his commentary. He was able to explain the passages in a way that was easy to understand and also practical to Christian life today.
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Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary
The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary was first published in 2012 and edited by Burge and Hill. It is a revision of the well-known Baker Commentary on the Whole Bible. The commentary notes were written by 43 different evangelical scholars, geared toward a broad audience.
As such, the Baker Illustrated Bible commentary offers a scholarly approach to the Biblical text that is comprehensive, accessible, and non-technical. That makes it a great resource for Christians who are beginning to study the Bible for the first time.
It’s illustrated nature means that it is complete with full-color illustrations, maps, pictures, charts, and timelines. This is a unique feature not found in most other commentaries. That said, the images and pictures are of areas or items that can make the Bible come alive, though they are not necessary.
Overall, if you are looking for a great introductory commentary of the Bible and are a more visual learner then this is the perfect commentary for you.
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The Moody Bible Commentary
The Moody Bible Commentary was published in 2014 and written by a team of 30+ professors from the Moody Bible Institute. As such, this commentary proves to be a concise, scholarly, well-written, well-researched, yet understandable resource.
The Moody Bible Commentary is a great resource for Bible teachers and pastors. Also, it makes a great resource for the “arm chair” bible student. If you want to sit with some great theologians as you study the Bible, then this is a great resource to have. Check out this excerpt,
“In these opening two chapters God established the point most fundamental to His prosecution of human depravity, namely that humanity was meant for something better…
…God’s answer in these two chapters carries with it the seeds of hope: that people were meant for something better–for complete and unbroken communion with God in the “tabernacle” of an incorruptible and untainted creation.”
The Moody Bible Commentary
This excerpt demonstrates just how scholarly, concise, and understandable the Moody Bible Commentary really is. Overall, the Moody Bible Commentary makes a great one-volume Bible commentary for beginners in Bible study, who are interested in the theology of the Bible.
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Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old and New Testament
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old and New Testament is another two-volume commentary set on the Bible. This commentary set offers notes and insights from the faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary. As such, the Bible Knowledge Commentary proves to be thoroughly conservative and evangelical.
Some special features of The Bible Knowledge Commentary include,
- Introduction, outline, commentary and bibliography for each book of the Bible
- Explanations of problem passages, alleged discrepancies, customs, geographical locations, and key Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic words
- Numerous maps, charts and diagrams for easy reference
- A presentation of each book’s argument, and how that book’s purpose unfolds and develops
- Numerous cross-references to parallel topics and passages
What I like most about this commentary set is that it explains key Greek and Hebrew words in a way that requires no knowledge of those languages themselves. This makes this commentary a great resource for Bible teachers or those beginning to develop a Bible study habit.
Pastor, teacher, and author Dr. David Jeremiah had this to say about the Bible Knowledge Commentary,
“At last…a commentary we can all believe in. Sunday School teachers and many others at our church find The Bible Knowledge Commentary extremely helpful!”
Dr. David Jeremiah
Personally, I have found the Bible Knowledge Commentary to be extremely readable, both in terms of language used and font size. Also, the ample charts, maps, and diagrams are a great help.
Overall, the Bible Knowledge Commentary will increase your knowledge and understanding of the Bible in a way that will make you feel like a student of God’s word, all without getting an expensive degree.
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Believer’s Bible Commentary
The second edition of the Believer’s Bible Commentary was published in 2015 and written by William MacDonald. It is arguably the best Bible commentary for beginners who are completely new to Bible study. The preface states,
“The purpose of the Believer’s Bible Commentary (BBC) is to give the average Christian reader a basic knowledge of what the Holy Bible is all about. The BBC is also intended to simulate such a love and taste for the Bible that the believer will want to delve more deeply into their inexhaustible treasures.”
William MacDonald
This commentary is specifically designed for the average Christian, for the beginner new to Bible study. That said, it still offers rich insights that make it valuable for mature Christians or seasoned Bible students. Just check out this excerpt for an idea of what I mean,
“These first four words of the Bible form the foundation for faith. Believe these words, and you can believe all that follows in the Bible…
…The divine record assumes the existence of God rather than seeking to prove it. The Bible has a special name for those who choose to deny the fact of God. That name is fool…
…Just as the Bible begins with God, so He should be first in our lives.”
The Believer’s Bible Commentary
You can see just how insightful and practical this commentary is. Therefore, it is ideal for not only our understanding of God’s word, but our spiritual life as well.
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Finding the Perfect Commentary For You
We’ve looked at some of the most popular one or two volume Bible commentaries available that are best for beginners. That said, not all may be ideal for you. One may suit you better than the rest. So, here are some things to consider to find the perfect one for you,
Content
First, you want to consider the content of the Bible commentary. That means you need to consider things like the translation it uses, theological perspective, and number of volumes. Here are some questions you can ask yourself about the commentaries content:
- Does this commentary align with my preferred translation in Bible study? Is it compatible with multiple tranlsations?
- What is the theological perspective of the commentary? Does it match my beliefs?
- Who are the authors and contributors and what is their backgrounds and expertise?
- How extensive is this commentary? Is it comprehensive or concise?
- Can I manage the size and cost of this commentary?
Features
The second thing you want to consider when choosing the best commentary for you is the features. You can ask yourself these questions:
- Does this commentary offer special features such as maps, charts, illustrations, etc.?
- How important are these features to me?
- Are there any features that make this commentary desirable over others?
Needs
Another factor to consider when determining the ideal commentary is your own personal needs. We all at different places in our Bible study routines and habits. So, it is important to ask ourselves questions like these about the commentaries we are considering:
- What is my purpose for using this commentary? (personal study, academic research, sermon preperation)
- Is this commentary primarily for understanding the text or practical application?
- Does this commentary address specific needs or questions I have when studying the Bible?
- Will it help me achieve my Bible study goals?
Style
The last thing to consider is the commentary style. That is, it’s approach to the text and its presentation to the reader. So, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the commentary designed for a general audience, pastors, scholars, or a specific group?
- Is it accessible in terms of language and readability?
- What category of commentary does this commentary fall into? (Scholarly, practical, pastoral).
Asking yourself these questions will be a great start in finding the ideal Bible commentary for you. If you want some more practical tips for choosing a Bible commentary, then check out this article.
Overall, I would recommend the Believer’s Bible Commentary as a first commentary due to its insightful and practical nature. It balances the scholarly information with the heartfelt devotion, making it an ideal resource for the average or beginner Bible study student.
Like I said, that doesn’t mean it is ideal for everyone. So, seek to find a Bible commentary that helps deepen your understanding of Scripture and your devotion to God without taking you out of the Bible. A good Bible commentary ought to bring you back to the Bible time and time again, not draw you from it.
