
Definition, Types, and Uses of a Bible Commentary
- Types of Commentaries. Through a personal narrative, Bible commentaries provide deeper understanding and insight into the Bible and can be used to assist both casual readers of the Bible and ...
- Expository. ...
- Exegetical. ...
- Devotional. ...
- Cultural. ...
- Online Resources. ...
- Top Commentaries. ...
- Pronunciation
- An Example in a Sentence. ...
What are the most common Bible verses?
Top 10 Bible Verses
- Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a ...
- John 3:16. ...
- Philippians 4:13. ...
- Romans 8:28. ...
- Psalm 23:4. ...
- Romans 12:2. ...
- Psalm 23:6. ...
- Psalm 23:1. ...
- Psalm 23:5. ...
- Matthew 6:33. ...
What is the most important Bible scripture?
What are the top 10 Bible verses?
- Romans 12:2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. …
- Philippians 4:8. …
- Philippians 4:6. …
- Jeremiah 29:11. …
- Matthew 6:33. …
- Philippians 4:7. …
- Proverbs 3:5. …
- Isaiah 41:10.
What is the commonest word in the Bible?
Top 100 Bible Nouns. This is a list of the top 100 nouns occurring in the Bible, in order by frequency. Each word hyperlinks to all of the scriptures that contain that word. Pastors and Bible researchers may find this data to contain valuable insight. The word, "Lord" is the most popular noun used in the Bible, occurring 7,365 times.
What is the best kind of Bible?
The New American Standard Bible is considered the best study version because it is the strictest formal equivalent Bible. Bible study tools like dictionaries and commentaries can assist in the process, but the foundation should be the Biblical text.

What are the two main categories of commentaries?
Types of Commentaries Technical or Critical or Exegetical: Includes very detailed, technical discussion of text. Requires some understanding of the original languages. Expositional or Essential or Semi-Technical: Includes less technical, but still extensive discussion.
Should you use a Bible commentary?
Should You Use A Bible Commentary? Everyone is different but in short, the answer is no... at least, not at first. Give yourself a chance to get to read the text and get to know it. Read it over and over and over and over... you get the idea.
How do you use a commentary to study the Bible?
1:323:01Using Bible Commentaries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPick a commentary volume that covers the passage you want to explore. Find the book. And then theMorePick a commentary volume that covers the passage you want to explore. Find the book. And then the chapter and verse. Just like you would if you were looking something up in the bible.
Why is Bible Survey important?
It familiarizes us with, and helps us grasp, the whole story of Scripture, and it keeps our souls energized. But Bible study deepens and expands our understanding of specific Bible passages; it helps us sort through hard concepts and gives insight into the context of the Bible.
How many types of commentary are there?
Commentary is a dialogue with the reader on paper. There are two types of commentary (directive and facilitative) as well as many ways to approach writing commentary.
What is the oldest Bible commentary?
The earliest known commentary on Christian scriptures was by a Gnostic named Heracleon in the 170s CE. Most of the patristic commentaries are in the form of homilies, or discourses to the faithful, and range over the whole of Scripture.
Who wrote a commentary of the Bible?
Matthew Henry (18 October 1662 – 22 June 1714) was a Nonconformist minister and author, who was born in Wales but spent much of his life in England. He is best known for the six-volume biblical commentary Exposition of the Old and New Testaments.
How do I find a good Bible commentary?
Start with a Study Bible. If you've never used a commentary before (or really studied scripture), then I recommend starting out with a study Bible. A study Bible will provide you with notes and resources on various texts. It will more than likely have cross-references, illustrations, and charts.
What is the difference between a study Bible and a regular Bible?
What makes study Bibles different from other Bibles is the amount of additional information and extra features that are packaged alongside the Scripture text. Study Bibles generally include notes on every page, usually in the side margins or the bottom of the page.
What is the definition of Bible survey?
Description. The Beginner's Bible Survey is an introductory course (intended for the first "semester") on the Bible that, in an easy-to-follow format, presents all the important themes of the entire Bible and ties both Old and New Testaments into one story.
What does it mean to hear the word of God?
Sometimes it's a sense of peace or joy that covers your body in a moment of chaos. Sometimes it's wisdom in a situation. And sometimes God speaks to you for your, for what you're going through, sometimes He speaks to you for someone else, sometimes He just shares things that He wants you to pray about.
Is the Macarthur Bible commentary good?
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat for the newbie or person that wants to understand the another perspective of Christianity! EXCELLENT COMMENTARY! Some of this books views. Good commentary for the new christian or the person wanting to learn other views of other christians.
Is Matthew Henry a good commentary?
Matthew Henry is, in my opinion, one of the most amazing commentators of the Bible I have ever read. He has a great devotional style and shows a great knowledge of what God's words says and means. He is easy to read and does a fine job of explaining even the difficult passages.
What are the two main categories of commentaries?
Types of Commentaries – Expositional or Essential or Semi-Technical: Includes less technical, but still extensive discussion. Does not rely on readers’ understanding of original languages but may refer to original languages. Homiletical: Intended to aid in sermon preparation.
Should I use a Bible commentary?
Should You Use A Bible Commentary? Everyone is different but in short, the answer is no at least, not at first. Give yourself a chance to get to read the text and get to know it. Read it over and over and over and over you get the idea.
What is a religious commentary?
A Bible commentary explains or interprets the Bible or a specific book of the Bible.
What does a commentary include?
A commentary is an analysis of the given passage, its function and its characteristics. It should examine the key themes and stylistic devices of the passage, showing how the language works to convey (or at times undermine) its content.
What should you avoid using in your commentary?
Even when giving commentary in the form of an opinion, avoid using subjective phrases like “I hope,” “I believe,” and “I think.” These are just throwaway phrases. They are redundant (you wrote the essay, so it is obvious you think, believe, or hope what is written), and they reduce your credibility.
What is the purpose of a commentary in the Bible?
In other words, the commentary is an explanation of how the Bible fits together and what it means. Since a Bible commentary is written by human authors, it will reflect the beliefs and perspective of those writers.
Why is it important to have a Bible commentary?
Commentaries are widely used in personal Bible study. The advantage of a Bible commentary is that one can quickly gain perspective on the text’s meaning, as understood by the commentary’s author.
How are Bible commentaries arranged?
Some Bible commentaries are arranged like a book, with long sections of text. Others are arranged like an outline, where each individual section is distinct from the rest. A few Bible commentaries are centered on some particular theme.
What is a Bible commentary?
Definition: Bible commentaries contain observations and interpretations surrounding a biblical text, typically organized according to the text’s sequential flow.
How can a Bible commentary help me?
A Bible commentary is no substitute for the Bible itself, but here are three ways they can aid you in your time studying the Word:
What kinds of commentaries are there?
Commentaries come in all different kinds, from highly technical analysis of Greek and Hebrew to devotional guides. Most can be classified as critical, exegetical, expositional, or application commentary.
How to know what kind of commentary something is
If you’re wondering what kind of commentary something is, it’s often right there in the name: for example, the International Critical Commentary New Testament (ICC) (33 vols.) is a critical commentary.
Which commentaries should I start with?
If you’re just starting out, start slow. Pick a few commentaries from pastors and theologians you respect, and see what they have to say on particular passages.
What is a Bible commentary?
Updated June 10, 2019. A Bible commentary is a written, systematic series of explanations and interpretations of Scripture. Commentaries often analyze or expound on individual books of the Bible, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Some commentary works provide analysis of the whole of Scripture. The earliest Bible commentaries contained ...
Why do we use commentaries in the Bible?
Commentaries are meant to be used alongside the Bible text to offer deeper insight, explanation, illustration, and historical background. Some commentaries also feature detailed introductions to the books of the Bible .
What is an expository commentary?
Expository. Expository commentaries are typically written by pastors and expository Bible teachers who teach verse by verse through the Bible. These commentaries usually include teaching notes, outlines, illustrations and practical applications of the authors' study and teaching on the books of the Bible.
What is an exegetical comment?
Exegetical. Exegetical commentaries are typically written by Bible scholars and theologians. They are more technical or academic in nature, concentrating on the original languages, context or grammar of the text. These commentaries are written by some of the most knowledgeable theologians in church history.
What is cultural commentary?
Cultural commentaries are meant to help readers gain an understanding of the cultural background of the Bible text.
Is Matthew Henry's commentary on the Bible public domain?
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible is available in the Public Domain.
What does the Bible reveal?
5 Things the Bible Reveals. 1. Who God Is. One of the main purposes of the Bible is to reveal who God is. It gives us insight into his character. It starts with the opening verse of scripture. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” ( Genesis 1:1 ).
Why is it important to read the Bible?
It is also why it becomes exciting as God unfolds who he is to you right from the pages of Scripture.
What is God's plan of salvation?
God’s Plan of Salvation for Humanity. If there is one thing I love about God, it is that he doesn’t just reveal a problem, he also provides a solution. One of the main purposes of the Bible is to reveal God’s solution for our sinful condition.
What does the Bible say about life after death?
The Bible reveals our mortality and our immortality both at the same time. What I mean is that every person will have an eternal existence after we die. First it is clear that we will all die and then we will all face judgment.
Why do we study the Bible?
In other words, you study the Bible because that is the purpose of the Bible. If you want to become the person God wants you to become, then studying the Bible will be an essential part of your life.
Why is the Bible so beautiful?
The Bible is a beautiful depiction of how God meticulously watches over his plan to bring it to fruition. We know and understand the plan of salvation because God has placed it in his word and revealed it to us. 4. How We Should Live.
What does the Bible say about God?
The Bible begins right away establishing God’s eternal nature, that he was before all things and that he is the cause of all things created. In fact, God is the one who caused our beginning. That is, on a general level for all creation and on a personal level for you and me.
What does the Bible tell us about God?
The Bible is God’s self-revelation to humanity. The Bible also tells us who we are. It tells us of our sin and of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ.
What are the commands of the Lord?
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey,
Why does Jesus say the Word of God is more important than food?
One of the Bible’s purposes, then, is to provide all-important spiritual sustenance and help us defeat temptation.
What is the purpose of Timothy 3:15-17?
Second Timothy 3:15–17 may be one of the most comprehensive purpose statements found in the Bible. The apostle Paul writes to his young assistant Timothy, “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
What is David's purpose in life?
David delights in the Word of God and its purpose in his life: “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Where in the Bible does it say "in keeping them there is great reward"?
in keeping them there is great reward” ( Psalm 19:7–11 ).
Is the Bible a list of wise sayings?
The Bible is not just a list of wise sayings that can be pulled out as if from a fortune cookie. Although we can benefit from all of the Bible, not all of it is written directly to us. The Bible is a unified work and must be carefully read and studied in context.
Why do I come to the Bible?
Over the years, I’ve come to the Bible for many reasons: for devotions, leisure reading, to prove someone wrong, for homework, and simply to know what it means. But I fear, in the end, I’ve missed the true purpose of Bible study and saturation.
What is the living word in the Bible?
He is called the Living Word – the fullness, culmination, and lived-out expression of the Written Word. And everything throughout the Old and New Testaments point to Him. There is an interaction between the Written and Living Word. Getting into the Written Word leads us, by the Holy Spirit, into the Living Word.
Who did Jesus encounter in the Bible?
Scripture Scholars. Jesus often encountered the Pharisees over a variety of issues. In John 5.39, He makes an interesting statement to them: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”.
When we come to the Word, is Jesus interested in us?
When we come to the Word, Jesus isn’t interested in us just knowing about the Word, He wants us to know Him. He wants intimacy. And the tremendous thing about the Word is that no matter where we dive into, it will lead us to Jesus (yes, even Leviticus! … perhaps more on that in another post).

What Is A Bible Commentary?
- Definition:Bible commentaries contain observations and interpretations surrounding a biblical text, typically organized according to the text’s sequential flow. Many times, commentaries cover a single book of the Bible, but sometimes they focus on a particular section (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount) or they include several books of the same genre (...
How Can A Bible Commentary Help Me?
- A Bible commentary is no substitute for the Bible itself, but here are three ways they can aid you in your time studying the Word:
What Kinds of Commentaries Are there?
- Commentaries come in all different kinds, from highly technical analysis of Greek and Hebrew to devotional guides. Most can be classified as critical, exegetical, expositional, or application commentary. There’s a lot of overlap in these categories, but here’s what they mean:
Which Commentaries Should I Start with?
- If you’re just starting out, start slow. Pick a few commentaries from pastors and theologians you respect, and see what they have to say on particular passages. From there, you can begin using commentaries more regularly in your Bible study. Wait to use a critical commentary until you’re established in your knowledge of biblical Greek or Hebrew; otherwise, you won’t be able to enga…