Topical Encyclopedia
A commentary, in the context of biblical studies, is an explanatory work that provides interpretation, analysis, and insights into the text of the Bible. These works are essential tools for pastors, theologians, scholars, and laypersons seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture. Commentaries can vary in scope, ranging from comprehensive multi-volume sets covering the entire Bible to single-volume works focusing on individual books or sections.
Purpose and UseThe primary purpose of a commentary is to elucidate the meaning of biblical texts. This involves examining historical context, linguistic nuances, cultural background, and theological themes. Commentaries often address difficult passages, offering various interpretations and discussing differing scholarly opinions. They serve as a bridge between the ancient world of the Bible and contemporary readers, helping to apply biblical truths to modern life.
Types of Commentaries1.
Exegetical Commentaries: These focus on the original languages of the Bible—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. They provide detailed analysis of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, often requiring some knowledge of these languages from the reader.
2.
Expository Commentaries: Aimed at a broader audience, these commentaries explain the text in a more accessible manner. They are often used for sermon preparation and personal study, emphasizing practical application.
3.
Devotional Commentaries: These focus on spiritual growth and personal reflection, offering insights that encourage readers to apply biblical principles to their daily lives.
4.
Critical Commentaries: These engage with scholarly debates and historical-critical methods, often addressing questions of authorship, date, and historical reliability.
Historical DevelopmentThe tradition of biblical commentary dates back to the early church fathers, such as Origen and Augustine, who wrote extensive works on Scripture. The medieval period saw the rise of scholastic commentaries, with figures like Thomas Aquinas contributing significantly. The Reformation era brought a renewed focus on Scripture, with reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin producing influential commentaries that emphasized sola scriptura, the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
Modern CommentariesIn the modern era, commentaries have proliferated, reflecting a wide range of theological perspectives and academic approaches. Conservative evangelical commentaries often emphasize the inerrancy and authority of Scripture, seeking to uphold traditional interpretations while engaging with contemporary scholarship.
Notable Commentary SeriesSeveral commentary series are highly regarded within conservative Christian circles:
·
The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Known for its scholarly yet accessible approach, this series covers the entire Bible and is widely used in evangelical circles.
·
The New International Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (NICOT/NICNT): This series is respected for its thorough scholarship and commitment to the authority of Scripture.
·
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Authored by John MacArthur, this series offers verse-by-verse analysis from a conservative evangelical perspective.
Biblical Basis for CommentaryThe practice of interpreting and explaining Scripture is rooted in the Bible itself. In
Nehemiah 8:8 , we read, "They read from the Book of the Law of God, clearly explaining and giving insight so that the people could understand the reading." This passage highlights the importance of making Scripture understandable to the people, a task that commentaries continue to fulfill.
In the New Testament, the Bereans are commended for their diligent study of Scripture: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true" (
Acts 17:11). This example underscores the value of careful study and interpretation, which commentaries facilitate.
ConclusionWhile not included in this entry, it is important to note that commentaries are valuable resources that aid believers in understanding and applying the timeless truths of Scripture. They serve as companions in the journey of faith, helping to illuminate the path of righteousness as revealed in God's Word.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A series of comments or annotations; a book of explanations or expositions on the whole or a part of the Scriptures or of some other work.
2. (n.) A brief account of transactions or events written hastily, as if for a memorandum; -- usually in the plural; as, Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
COMMENTARYkom'-en-ta-ri (midhrash, "an investigation," from darash, "to search," "inquire," "explore"; the King James Version "story"): "The commentary of the prophet Iddo" (2 Chronicles 13:22), "the commentary of the book of the kings" (2 Chronicles 24:27). In these passages the word is not used exactly in its modern sense. The Hebrew term means "an imaginative development of a thought or theme suggested by Scripture, especially a didactic or homiletic exposition, or an edifying religious story" (Driver, Introduction to the Literature of the Old Testament, 5, 497). In the commentaries (Midhrashim) mentioned by the Chronicler as among his sources, the story of Abijah's reign was presumably related and elaborated with a view to moral instruction rather than historic accuracy.
SeeCHRONICLES, BOOKS OF;COMMENTARIES, HEBREW.
M. O. Evans
Greek
3850. parabole -- to expose oneself to danger... necessarily). [For extensive notes and
commentary on Jesus' "Kingdom-parables"
see 932 ().]. comparison, figure, parable, proverb.
...Library
Commentary on Revelation
Commentary on Revelation. <.Commentary on Revelation EW Bullinger. Table
of Contents. Title Page. Introductory. THE FIVE-FOLD DIVISION OF THE BIBLE....
Origen'sCommentary on the Gospel of Matthew
Origen'sCommentary on the Gospel of Matthew. <. Origen'sCommentary on
the Gospel of Matthew Origen. Table of Contents. Title Page....
A BriefCommentary on the Apocalypse
A BriefCommentary on the Apocalypse. <. A BriefCommentary on the Apocalypse
Sylvester Bliss. Table of Contents. Title Page. PREFACE....
Origen'sCommentary on the Gospel of John
Origen'sCommentary on the Gospel of John. <. Origen'sCommentary on the
Gospel of John Origen. Table of Contents. Title Page. Book I....
The New TestamentCommentary Vol. III: John
The New TestamentCommentary Vol. III: John. <. The New TestamentCommentary
Vol. III: John BW Johnson. Table of Contents. Title Page. Preface....
ACommentary on Acts of the Apostles
ACommentary on Acts of the Apostles. <. ACommentary on Acts of the Apostles
JW McGarvey. Table of Contents. Title Page. Introduction....
Commentary on the Apocolypse of the Blessed John
Commentary on the Apocolypse of the Blessed John. <.Commentary on the
Apocolypse of the Blessed John Victorinus. translated by the rev....
Commentary on Matthew. Introduction.
Origen'sCommentary on the Gospel of Matthew. <.... Origen'sCommentary on the
Gospel of Matthew. by John Patrick, DDCommentary on Matthew....
From the Second Book of theCommentary on the Gospel According to...
Origen'sCommentary on the Gospel of Matthew. <.... Origen'sCommentary
on the Gospel of Matthew. by John Patrick, DD From...
From the First Book of theCommentary on Matthew.
Origen'sCommentary on the Gospel of Matthew. <.... Origen'sCommentary
on the Gospel of Matthew. by John Patrick, DD From...
Thesaurus
Commentary (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
COMMENTARY.
... See CHRONICLES, BOOKS OF; COMMENTARIES,
HEBREW. MO Evans. Multi-Version Concordance
Commentary (2 Occurrences).
...Hebrew (37 Occurrences)
... Its inception dates back to the time of the Second Temple, and it is considered
a first approach to acommentary before the time of Jesus....
Devils (48 Occurrences)
... (2) We, therefore, hold with HP Smith (International CriticalCommentary, "Samuel"
in the place cited.), though partly on different grounds, that the word 'obh...
Demons (54 Occurrences)
... (2) We, therefore, hold with HP Smith (International CriticalCommentary, "Samuel"
in the place cited.), though partly on different grounds, that the word 'obh...
Communion (8 Occurrences)
... (2) We, therefore, hold with HP Smith (International CriticalCommentary, "Samuel"
in the place cited.), though partly on different grounds, that the word 'obh...
With (66342 Occurrences)
... (2) We, therefore, hold with HP Smith (International CriticalCommentary, "Samuel"
in the place cited.), though partly on different grounds, that the word 'obh...
Baptist (16 Occurrences)
... if an Egyptian "touches a swine in passing with his clothes, he goes to the river
and dips himself (bapto) from it" (quoted by Broadus inCommentary on Matthew...
Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... if an Egyptian "touches a swine in passing with his clothes, he goes to the river
and dips himself (bapto) from it" (quoted by Broadus inCommentary on Matthew...
Esdras
... Other reformers adhered to these titles. In Fritzsche'scommentary on the
Apocrypha 3 Esdras is preferred and he treats this book first....
Knees (47 Occurrences)
... the loss of junction, interrupted articulation, the cutting off of vital strength;
compare Greek cholos, "lame," and see Delitzsch in hisCommentary on Heb, in...
Resources
What is a Bible commentary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Assyria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Acts - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgCommentary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
