Commentaries
What Is a Bible Commentary?
A Bible commentary is a work dedicated to explaining, illuminating, and interpreting the text of Scripture. The primary function of a good commentary is to provide an accurate understanding of what a biblical passage means, showing the flow of thought, the steps of argument, and the overall purpose of the writing under examination. This requires knowledge of the original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), the historical setting of each passage, careful attention to literary context, and comparison with related texts. Commentaries also draw on knowledge of archaeology, geography, ancient customs, and cultural background to shed light on the meaning of Scripture, fulfilling the mandate seen in Nehemiah 8:8 where the Levites "gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading."
Early Church Commentaries
The tradition of systematic biblical commentary began in the early church. Origen of Alexandria (c. 185-254) was the first great commentator, producing extensive works on nearly every book of the Bible. His approach combined careful textual analysis with allegorical interpretation, seeking spiritual meanings beneath the literal text. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407), known as "Golden Mouth" for his eloquence, produced commentaries that emphasized the plain, historical meaning of Scripture and remain influential today. Jerome (c. 347-420), who translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate), wrote commentaries drawing on his knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. Augustine (354-430) contributed influential expositions of the Psalms and the Gospel of John. These early commentators established principles of interpretation that continue to shape biblical scholarship, as Paul had urged Timothy to be one who "rightly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Medieval and Reformation Commentaries
During the medieval period, the dominant approach combined literal, allegorical, moral, and eschatological readings of each passage. Nicolas de Lyra (c. 1270-1349) stood out by insisting on the primacy of the literal sense and showing familiarity with Jewish interpretation. His work influenced Martin Luther, who reportedly was inspired by the motto: "If Lyra had not played, Luther would not have danced." The Reformation brought a revolution in commentary writing. Luther emphasized Scripture interpreting Scripture and the centrality of Christ in all the Bible. John Calvin produced commentaries on nearly every book of the Bible that remain models of clarity, brevity, and exegetical insight. Calvin's approach was characterized by attention to the author's intended meaning and practical application, reflecting his conviction that Scripture is "the school of the Holy Spirit" (Psalm 119:105).
The Modern Period
The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw an explosion of commentary production. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary (1706) became the most widely read English devotional commentary, combining warm piety with practical application. Johann Albrecht Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament (1742) set a standard for concise, penetrating exegesis that John Wesley commended to all preachers. In Britain, scholars like J.B. Lightfoot, B.F. Westcott, and F.J.A. Hort produced landmark commentaries on the Greek text that combined rigorous scholarship with theological depth. In Germany, both critical and conservative traditions flourished, with scholars engaging the biblical text through increasingly sophisticated historical and linguistic methods.
Types of Commentaries Today
Modern commentaries vary greatly in character and purpose. Technical or critical commentaries engage with the original languages, textual variants, and scholarly debate, aimed primarily at pastors and academics. Expository commentaries focus on explaining the text for preaching and teaching, making scholarly insights accessible to a broader audience. Devotional commentaries emphasize personal application and spiritual formation. Study Bible notes function as brief commentaries integrated directly into the biblical text. Commentary series such as the New International Commentary, Word Biblical Commentary, and Pillar New Testament Commentary provide comprehensive treatment of individual books.
The Value of Commentaries for Bible Readers
Commentaries serve the church by bridging the gap between the ancient world and the modern reader. They illuminate the historical context behind passages like Paul's instructions to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians), explain cultural practices referenced in the Gospels, and clarify difficult theological concepts in epistles like Romans and Hebrews. As Philip asked the Ethiopian eunuch who was reading Isaiah, "Do you understand what you are reading?" the man replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" (Acts 8:30-31). Commentaries fulfill this guiding role, helping readers engage more deeply with Scripture while guarding against misinterpretation and encouraging faithful application of God's Word.
Biblical Context
While commentaries themselves are not biblical texts, they serve the interpretation of all sixty-six books of the Bible. The practice of interpreting Scripture is modeled in Scripture itself: Ezra and the Levites read the law and gave its sense to the people (Nehemiah 8:8), Jesus interpreted the Scriptures concerning Himself on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27), Philip explained Isaiah to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:30-35), and Paul urged Timothy to rightly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Theological Significance
Commentaries reflect the church's conviction that Scripture is God's inspired Word that deserves careful study and faithful interpretation. They embody the principle that the Bible, while accessible to all believers through the Holy Spirit's illumination, also benefits from the accumulated wisdom of scholars, pastors, and theologians across the centuries. The diversity of commentary traditions demonstrates the richness of Scripture and the ongoing conversation between the biblical text and each generation of readers.
Historical Background
The practice of biblical commentary has roots in Jewish interpretation traditions, including the Targums (Aramaic paraphrases), Midrash (rabbinic exposition), and the Pesharim (interpretive commentaries found among the Dead Sea Scrolls). Early Christian commentary emerged in the second century with figures like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus. The great Alexandrian and Antiochene schools of interpretation represented contrasting approaches: allegorical versus literal. The invention of printing in the fifteenth century dramatically expanded access to commentaries, and the Reformation made commentary writing central to Protestant scholarship. Modern critical methods, archaeological discoveries, and advances in linguistics have continued to enrich the commentary tradition.