Commentary
What Is a Biblical Commentary?
A biblical commentary is a systematic work that examines Scripture verse by verse or passage by passage, providing explanation of difficult terms, historical background, literary context, and theological meaning. Unlike simple reading, commentary engages with the text through careful investigation—a concept rooted in the Hebrew word midhrash (from darash, meaning "to search" or "inquire"). This investigative approach to Scripture appears in the Bible itself, where Chronicles mentions "the commentary of the prophet Iddo" (2 Chronicles 13:22) and "the commentary of the book of the kings" (2 Chronicles 24:27).
Biblical References and Early Examples
The term "commentary" appears explicitly in two passages in Chronicles, where the writer references source materials used in compiling Israel's history. These early commentaries weren't modern critical analyses but rather expanded narratives with moral and theological purposes. The Chronicler used these sources alongside official records to present Israel's story through a theological lens, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness and the importance of proper worship. This practice of interpretive expansion continued in Jewish tradition through works like the Talmud and Midrashim, which applied Scripture to new situations while maintaining connection to the biblical text.
Historical Development of Commentaries
Early Christian commentators like Origen, Augustine, and John Chrysostom established patterns of interpretation that would influence centuries of biblical study. Medieval scholars produced glosses and catenae (chains of quotations from Church Fathers). The Reformation era saw an explosion of commentary writing as reformers like John Calvin and Martin Luther emphasized Scripture's accessibility to all believers. The Enlightenment introduced historical-critical methods, while the 20th century brought diverse approaches including literary, canonical, and theological interpretations. Today, commentaries range from technical academic works to practical pastoral resources, all seeking to bridge the gap between ancient texts and contemporary readers.
Types and Approaches to Commentary
Modern commentaries generally fall into several categories: exegetical commentaries focus on original languages and historical context; expositional commentaries emphasize theological meaning and practical application; devotional commentaries aim for personal spiritual growth; and technical commentaries engage with scholarly debates. Some follow verse-byverse analysis while others treat larger literary units. Different theological traditions produce commentaries reflecting their distinctive hermeneutical approaches, yet all share the fundamental goal of helping readers understand Scripture more fully.
The Value of Commentaries for Bible Study
Commentaries serve multiple purposes for Bible readers: they provide historical and cultural background that illuminates difficult passages (like Paul's discussion of head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16); they explain linguistic nuances lost in translation; they trace theological themes throughout Scripture; and they connect biblical teachings to contemporary life. Jesus himself engaged in commentary-like activity when "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). Like the Ethiopian eunuch who needed help understanding Isaiah (Acts 8:30-35), modern readers benefit from the collective wisdom of commentators across centuries.
Principles for Using Commentaries Wisely
While valuable, commentaries should supplement rather than replace direct engagement with Scripture. Effective Bible study begins with personal reading and reflection before consulting secondary sources. Readers should consider multiple perspectives rather than relying on a single commentary, recognizing that all human interpretation is fallible. The best commentaries point readers back to the biblical text with deeper appreciation for its richness and complexity, ultimately serving the goal expressed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: that Scripture would equip believers "for every good work."
Biblical Context
The term "commentary" appears explicitly in 2 Chronicles 13:22 and 24:27, where the Chronicler references source materials called "the commentary of the prophet Iddo" and "the commentary of the book of the kings." These were likely expanded historical narratives with moral and theological purposes rather than simple chronicles. Throughout Scripture, we see commentary-like activity in the Levites' teaching of the Law (Nehemiah 8:8), Jesus' explanations of Old Testament passages (Luke 24:27), and Philip's interpretation of Isaiah for the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:30-35). The practice of searching and interpreting Scripture is commended in Acts 17:11 and 2 Timothy 2:15.
Theological Significance
Commentaries reflect the theological principle that God's Word requires careful study and interpretation. They acknowledge both the clarity of Scripture's central message and the need for guidance in understanding its complexities. The diversity of commentary traditions demonstrates how the Holy Spirit has illuminated different aspects of Scripture to different communities throughout history. Commentaries also embody the communal nature of biblical interpretation, recognizing that "no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20) and that understanding develops through the collective wisdom of God's people across generations.
Historical Background
The Hebrew concept of midhrash (investigation) developed into a formal interpretive tradition in post-exilic Judaism, producing works like the Talmud and various Midrashim. Early Christian commentators worked within both Jewish interpretive traditions and Greco-Roman literary analysis methods. The discovery of ancient biblical manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls has significantly impacted modern commentary writing by providing earlier textual witnesses. Archaeological findings continue to inform commentaries by illuminating the cultural contexts of biblical events. The history of commentary writing reflects broader intellectual movements including scholasticism, Renaissance humanism, the Enlightenment, and various modern theological developments.