TYPES OF BIBLE COMMENTARIES
Not all Bible Commentaries are created equal, either in size, purpose, or
detail. A good Bible student is aware of this, and will have different Bible
commentaries that vary in technical matters, expository matters, homiletic matters,
theological matters, devotional and/or applicatory matters. The student should
be aware of what type of commentary he is using. Here are the main types of
commentaries:
- Critical: Emphasis on technical and critical matters center on the composition of the text rather than its meaning. Many times they will deal with the integrity of the text; philological, redactional, and literary issues; background of the text; and analysis of disputed text. (e.g. International Critical Commentary series). They have a highly academic focus, rather than Pastoral or laymen centered.
- Expository: These fall into two types—First, original language emphasis. The give detailed exposition of the text primarily from the original Greek or Hebrew. They usually require some knowledge of the original languages (e.g. Expositor’s Bible Commentary, New International Greek Testament Commentary; Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament). Second are those that have a English text emphasis. They like the first, give detailed exposition. They do not usually deal with critical issues and do not require original language knowledge (The New American Commentary; IVP New Testament Commentary). While academic, they are also useful and focus on the series student, and the professional Pastor.
- Summary: By this term I mean mostly one volume commentaries on the New or Old Testament. They are neither technical nor detailed, but focus on the main ideas and conclusions. They are aimed more at laymen. They are helpful to get the big picture of the passage and its teaching. (e.g. Bible Knowledge Commentary).
- Theological:
These tend to be the more classical works of the past, but not exclusively.
They center upon theological teachings of the text. Normally, they are nontechnical.
(e.g. Banner of Truth
- Applicatory and Homiletical: Suitable for laypeople, usually with more of an applicatory focus. Helpful to Pastors to motivate sermon ideas and applications. Homiletical commentaries tend to be sermon series. (e.g. NIV Application Commentary; Lloyd-Jones works; W.H. Griffith Thomas works;).
- Devotional: Centers upon personal spiritually rich texts. Edification is their focus. The difference between this type and the Applicatory/Homiletical commentary is that the devotional mainly center upon ones own relationship to God, rather than general application. (e.g. The 365 Day Devotional Commentary).
These type of commentaries
fall within one or more of these categories:
·
Technical.
Very academically focused. Critical commentaries always fall within this
category. Some of the Expository commentaries fall here as well. Technical
commentaries center upon detailed analysis of textual issues, structure,
redaction issues, literary issues, and interact substantially with other
scholars.
·
Serious. Not
as detailed as the technical commentaries, but can deal with technical issues,
but on a reduced scale and more simple terms. They avoid much of the detailed
technical matters. They center more on explanation of the text than on
technical detail. Although some knowledge of the original language may be
needed, but not in all cases. Most of the Expository and Theological
commentaries fall within this category.
·
Popular. Avoid the technical matters and no
knowledge of the original language is needed. They assume the reader has no or
little knowledge of the biblical material, and try to explain the meaning in
simplest terms. They are basic in their focus. Summary, devotional, and
applicatory commentaries mostly fall within this category.
