Choosing Hebrew Bible Commentaries
Choosing a commentary is a difficult task since readers read with different goals in mind. The biblical studies and preaching faculty of 2003 make these recommendations with the following criteria in mind: 1) English language only; 2) participant in current discussion: following 1962, but preferably within the last decade; and 3) strength of overall exegesis.
In buying commentaries, students and pastors often request a recommendation for a whole series. A major pitfall of this approach is that a given series may include very strong and very weak volumes. Other drawbacks are that the best commentary on a particular book may not be in a series, or an excellent series may not have a commentary on a particular book.
The various series differ in many respects. The careful reader will note that some series are all done by writers from one denomination or one theological tradition; other series choose writers from across a wide spectrum. Neither of these approaches ensures quality or disqualifies a particular author or volume. Some series are aimed at the more specialized reader with competencies in Hebrew and Greek (e.g. Hermeneia). Others are aimed at providing a broad overview of the issues in the text with a clearly hermeneutical approach (e.g. Interpretation). Some commentators employ a wide variety of methodologies, while others focus narrowly, or do not clearly articulate their methods. We have excluded from our listing lay and devotional commentaries (e.g. The Daily Study Bible), preaching guides (e.g. Knox Preaching Guides), "overview" books (e.g. Proclamation Commentaries), monographs, or thematic studies.
The volumes listed below are meant as general recommendations. While no one commentary meets all needs or responds to all questions, only one (sometimes two) is chosen per book. The volumes with full bibliographic information are recommended as places to begin one's study, or the first recommendations for purchase. The commentaries beneath each primary recommendation are listed with their series and dates in parentheses in reverse chronological order; they are meant as secondary recommendations. Since some commentaries of first choice treat more than one book, secondary choices are listed separately under the individual book names. It is always a good idea to consult more than one source when possible in order to avoid one author's axe-grinding or ideological quirks.
ONE-VOLUME COMMENTARIES
Mays, James L., editor. Harper 's Bible Commentary. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 2001.
Newsom, Carol A. and Sharon H. Ringe, editors. The Women's Bible Commentary. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1991.
Barton, John and John Muddiman. Oxford Bible Commentary. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
GENESIS
Westermann, Claus. Genesis. 3 vols. Trans. J. J. Scullion. Continental Commentaries. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1984-1986.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1993, 1998)
J.J. Scullion (1993)
N.M. Sama (JPSTC1989)
C. Westermann (TI 1987)
G. J. Wenham (WBC 1987)
G. W. Coats (FOTL 1983)
W. Brueggemann (Intern 1982)
G.vonRad (OTL
1972)
EXODUS
Childs, Brevard S. Exodus. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1974.
A. Brenner, editor
(FCB 1994, 2000)
W. H. C. Propp (AB 1999)
T. E. Fretheim (Interp 1991)
N. M. Sama (JPSTC 1991)
J.I. Durham (WBC 1987)
J. P. Hyatt (NCBC 1971)
U. Cassuto (1967)
M.Noth(OTL 1962)
LEVITICUS
Milgrom, Jacob. Leviticus: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. 3 vols. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1991-2001.
A. Brenner, editor
(FCB 1994, 2000)
J.E. Hartley (WBC 1992)
B. A. Levine (JPS 1990)
G.
J. Wenham (NICOT 1979)
M.Noth (OTL 1977)
NUMBERS
Levine, Baruch A. Number: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. 2 vols. New York: Doubleday, 1993-2000.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB, 1994, 2000)
J. Milgrom (JPS, 1990)
M.Noth (OTL1968)
P.J.Budd (WBC1984)
DEUTERONOMY
Tigay, Jeffrey H. Deuteronomy: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation Commentary. JPS Torah Commentary. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1996.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1994, 2000)
I.Caims
(ITC1992)
M.Weinfeld (AB1991)
P. D. Miller (Intern 1990)
A. D. H.
Mayes (NCBC 1979)
P. C. Craigie (NICOT 1976)
G.vonRad (OTL1966)
JOSHUA
Nelson, Richard D. Joshua: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997.
E. J. Hamlim (ITC 1983)
T. C. Butler (WBC 1983)
R.G.Boling(AB 1982)
M. H. Woudstra (NICOT
1979)
J.A.Soggin (OTL1972)
J. Gray (NCBC 1967)
JUDGES
Schneider, Tammi J. Judges. Berit Olam. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 2000.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1993)
E. J. Hamlin
(ITC 1990)
J.A.Soggin(OTL1981)
R. G. Boling (AB 1975)
J. Gray (NCBC
1967)
RUTH
Hubbard, Robert L. The Book of Ruth. New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988.
T.Linafelt (BO,1999)
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1993, 1999)
K.Nielsen
(OTL1997)
R. E. Murphy (FOTL 1981)
J.M.Sasson(1979)
E. F. Campbell,
Jr. (AB 1975)
J. Gray (NCBC 1967)
1-2 SAMUEL
Campbell, Antony F. 1 Samuel. Forms of the Old Testament Literature. Grand Rapids and Cambridge: Eerdmans, forthcoming, 2003.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1994,
2000)
W. Brueggemann (Interp 1990)
P. K. McCarter, Jr. (AB 1980-1984)
J. Mauchline (NCBC 1971)
H. W. Hertzberg (OTL 1964)
1-2 KINGS
Long, Burke O. 1 Kings: With an Introduction to Old Testament Historical Literature. Forms of the Old Testament Literature. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1984.
Long, Burke ). 2 Kings. Form of the Old Testament Literature. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1991. Fritz, Volkmar. 1-2 Kings. Continental Commentaries. Minneapolis: Fortress, forthcoming, 2003.
M. Cogan (AB 2001)
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1994, 2000)
M. Cogan & H. Tadmor (AB 1988)
S.
De Vries (WBC 1985)
T. R. Hobbs (WBC 1985)
G. H. Jones (NCBC 1984)
R.
D. Nelson (Interp 1987)
J. Gray (OTL 1970)
1-2 CHRONCLES
Williamson, H. G. M. 1 and 2 Chronicles. New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.
G. N. Knoppers (AB 2002)
S. J. De Vries
(FOTL 1989)
C.Mangen (OTM1982)
J. M. Myers (AB 1965)
EZRA & NEHEMIAH
Williamson, H. G. M. Ezra. Nehemiah. Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 16. Waco: Word,1985.
L.L.Grabbe(OTR1998)
M. A. Thronveit
(Interp 1992)
F. C. Holmgren (ITC 1987)
D.J. A. dines (NCBC 1984)
F.
C. Fensham (NICOT 1982)
C.Mangen(OTM1982)
J. M. Myers (AB 1965)
ESTHER
Berlin, Adele. Esther: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation. Jewish Publication Society Torah Commentary. Philadephia: JPS, 2001.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1995, 1999)
T. Linafelt et al (BO 1999)
J. D. Levenson (OTL 1997)
S. P. Re'emi (ITC 1985)
D. J. A. Clines (NCBC
1984)
R. E. Murphy (FOTL 1981)
C. A. Moore (AB 1971)
JOB
Newsom, Carol A. "The Book of Job: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections." In New Interpreter's Bible, vol. 4. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996.
E.M. Good (1990)
J. E. Hartley (NICOT 1988)
D. J.
Simundson (AOTS 1986)
N. C. Habel (OTL 1985)
G. J. Janzen (Interp 1985)
R. E. Murphy (FOTL 1981)
R. Gordis (1978)
M.H.Pope(AB 1973)
PSALMS
Kraus, Hans- Joachim. Psalms. 1 vols. Trans. H C. Oswald. Continental Commentaries. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1988-1989.
E. S. Gerstenberger (FOTL
1988-2001)
K. Schaefer(B02001)
A. G. Hunter (OTR 1999)
A. Brenner,
editor (FCB 1998)
M. Tate (WBC 51-100 1991)
L. C. Alien (WBC 101-150 1983)
P. C. Craigie (WBC 1-50 1983)
M. Dahood (AB 1966-70)
PROVERBS
Fox, Michael V. Proverbs 1-9: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 2000.
Murphy, Roland E. Proverbs. Word Biblical Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1998.
R. J. Clifford (OTL 1999)
K. A. Farmer (ITC 1991)
R.E. Murphy
(FOTL 1981)
W.McKane (OTL 1970)
R. B. Y. Scott (AB 1965)
ECCLESIASTES [QOHELETH]
Crenshaw, James L. Ecclesiates: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1987.
M. Fox (1999)
A.L.
Seow (AB 1997)
K. A. Farmer (ITC 1991)
RN. Whybray (NCBC 1989)
R.
E. Murphy (FOTL 1981)
R. B.Y. Scott (AB 1965)
SONG OF SOLOMON
Muphy Roknd E. Song Of Songs: A Commentary on the Book Of Canticles or The Song of Songs. Ed. S. Dean McBnde. Jr. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1990.
O. Keel (ConComm 1994)
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1993, 2000)
G. A. F. Knight (ITC 1988)
R. E. Murphy (FOTL 1981)
M.H.Pope (BC 1977)
R. Gordis (1974)
ISAIAH
Childs, Brevard S. Isaiah. Old Testament Library. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox
ISAIAH 1-39
Sweeney Marvm A. Isarah 1-39: With an Introduction to Prophetic Literature. Forms of the Old Testament Literature. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans 1996
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Isaiah 1-39: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 2000.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 2001)
H. Wildberger (ConComm 1991-1997)
S.
H. Widyapranawa (ITC 1990)
J. A. Hayes and S. A. Irvine (1987)
J.Oswalt
(NICOT1986)
R. E. Clements (NCBC 1980)
O. Kaiser (OTL 1972)
ISAIAH 40-66
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Isaiah 40-55: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 2002.
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Isaiah 56-66: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, forthcoming, 2003.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB
2001)
C. Seitz (NIB 2001)
G. A. F. Knight (ITC 1985)
E.R.Achtemeier(1982)
RN. Whybray (NCBC 1975)
J. Scullion (OTM 1982)
C. Westermann (OTL
1969)
J.D. Smart (1965)
JEREMIAH
Holladay, William L. Jeremiah: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah. 2 vols. Hermeneia. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1986-1989.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 2001)
J.R.Lundbom(AB1999)
W. McKane (ICC 1986-1996)
D.R. Jones (NCBC 1992)
R. E. Clements (Interp 1988)
R. P. Carroll (OTL 1986)
J. A. Thompson
(NICOT 1980)
LAMENTATIONS
Hillers, Delbert R. Lamentations. AnchorBible.vol.7A. Garden City: Doubleday, 1972.
E. S. Gerstenberger (FOTL
2001)
I. W. Provon (NCBC 1991)
S.P.Re'emi(ITC1984)
R.Gordis(1974)
EZEKIEL
Zimmerii, Walther. Ezekiel: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. 2 vols. Trans. R E. Clements. Hermeneia. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1979-1983.
K. P. Dan- (NIB 2001)
L. C. Alien
(WBC 20-48, 1990)
J. Blenkinsopp (Interp 1990)
R. M.Hals (FOTL 1989)
M.
Greenberg (AB 1983-1997)
W. H. Brownlee (WBC 1-19, 1986)
DANIEL
Collins, John J. Daniel: A Commentary on The Book of Daniel. Ed. F. M. Cross. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.
A. Brenner,
editor (FCB 2001)
D. L. Smith-Christopher (NIB 1996)
J. J. Collins (FOTL
1984)
W. S. Towner (Interp 1984)
L. F. Hartman and A. A. DiLella (AB 1978)
A.LaCocque (1979)
THE TWELVE PROPHETS
Sweeney, Marvin A. The Twelve Prophets. Ed. David W. Cotter. Berit Olam. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 2000.
Roberts, Jimmy Jack M. Nahum, Habbakkuk and Zephaniah: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1991.
HOSEA
Davies, G. I. Hosea: Based on The Revised Standard Version. New century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992.
A. Brenner, editor (FCB 1995)
F.Landy(OTR1995)
H. D. Beeby (ITC
1989)
D. K. Stuart (WBC 1987)
F. I. Andersen & D. N. Freedman (AB 1980)
H.W.Wolff (Herml974)
J. L. Mays (OTL 1969)
JOEL
Crenshaw, James L. Joel: A New Translation -with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible New York: Doubleday, 1995.
J. Barton (OTL 2001)
G.S.Ogden (ITC
1987)
D. K. Stuart (WBC 1987)
H.W.Wolff (Herml977)
L.C. Alien (NICOT
1976)
AMOS
Paul, Shalom M. Amos: A Commentary on The Book of Amos. Ed. F. M. Cross. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1991.
F. I. Andersen & D. N. Freedman (AB 1989)
D.K.Stuart (WBC 1987)
J.A.Soggin (1987)
H.W.Wolff (Herml977)
J.L.Mays (OTL 1969)
OBADIAH
Wolff, Hans Walter. Obadiah and Jonah: A Commentary. Trans. M. Kohl. Continental Commentaries. Minneapolis: Augsburg 1986.
E. Ben Zvi (BZAW
1996)
P. Raabe (AB 1996)
D. K. Stuart (WBC 1987)
RJ.Coggins (ITC1985)
L.C. Alien (NICOT 1976)
J.D.W. Watts (1969)
JONAH
Trible, Phyllis. "Jonah." In New Interpreter's Bible, vol.7. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.
J. Sasson(AB1990)
U. Simon (JPSTC 1999)
W. G. Friedemann
(ITC 1988)
D. K. Stuart (WBC 1987)
H. W. Wolff (ConComm 1986)
L.C.
Alien (NICOT 1976)
MICAH
Wolff, Hans Walter. Micah: A Commentary. Trans. G. Stansell. Continental Commentaries. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1990.
E. Ben Zvi (FOTL 2000)
W.Mckane (ICC 1998)
J. I. Alfaro (ITC
1989)
D.RHillers (Herml984)
R.L. Smith (WBC 1984)
J. L. Mays (OTL
1976)
NAHUM
Spronk, Klaas. Nahum. Historical Commentary on the Old Testament. Kampen- Kok Pharos 1997.
0. P. Robertson
(NICOT 1990)
E. R Achtemeier (Interp 1986)
R J. Coggins (ITC 1985)
R.
L. Smith (WBC 1984)
HABBAKUK
Haak, Robert D. Habakkuk. Supplements to Vetus Testamentum, vol. 44. Leiden; New York- E. J. Brill, 1992.
F. I. Andersen (AB 2001)
O. P. Robertson (NICOT 1990)
M. Eszenyi
Szeles (ITC 1987)
E. R. Achtemeier (Interp 1986)
R. L. Smith (WBC 1984)
ZEPHANIAH
Sweeney, Marvin A. Zephaniah. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress, forthcoming, 2003.
E. BenZvi (BZAWvol. 198,1991)
O. P. Robertson (NICOT 1990)
M. Eszenyi Szeles (ITC 1987)
E. R. Achtemeier
(Interp 1986)
RL. Smith (WBC 1984)
HAGGAI and ZECHARIAH
Petersen, David L. Haggai and Zechariah 1-8: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia:Westminster, 1984.
P.L.Redditt(NCB,1995)
H. W.
Wolff (ConComm 1988)
C. L. and E. M. Meyers (AB 1987-1993)
P. A. Verhoef
(NICOT 1987)
E. R. Achtemeier (Interp 1986)
R.L. Smith (WBC 1984)
MALACHI
Petersen, David L. Zechariah 9-14 and Malachi: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995.
P.L.Redditt(NCB1995)
P. A. Verhoef (NICOT 1987)
P. Glazier-McDonald (1987)
E. R. Achtemeier (Interp 1986)
R.L. Smith (WBC 1984)
APOCRYPHAL BOOKS
Chariesworth, James H., ed. The Old Testament pseudepigrapha. 2 vols. New York: Doubleday, 1983-1985.
TOBIT
Moore, Carey A. Tobit: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1996.
JUDITH
Moore, Carey A. Judith: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1985.
Brenner, Athalya, ed. A Feminist Companion to Esther, Judith, and Susanna. Feminist Companion to the Bible. Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1995.
WISDOM OF SOLOMON
Winston, David. The Wisdom Of Solomon: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1979.
BEN SIRA
Skehan, Patrick W. The Wisdom of Ben Sira: A New Translation with Notes. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1987.
THE LETTER OF JEREMIAH
Saldarini, Anthony J. "The Letter of Jeremiah: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections." In New Interpreter's Bible, vol. 6. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2001.
THE ADDITIONS TO DANIEL
Moore, Carey A. Daniel, Esther, and Jeremiah: The Additions: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1977.
Brenner, Athalya, ed. A Feminist Companion to Esther, Judith, and Susanna. Feminist Companion to the Bible. Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1995.
1-2 MACCABEES
Goldstein, Jonathan A. 1 Maccabees: A New Translation, with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. Garden City. NY: Doubleday, 1976.
Goldstein, Jonathan A. 2 Maccabees: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1983.
1-2 ESDRAS
Myers, Jacob M. I and II Esdras: Introduction, Translation and Commentary. Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1974.
FOURTH EZRA
Stone, Michael E. Fourth Ezra: A Commentary on The Book of Fourth Ezra. Ed. F. M. Cross. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1990.
SERIES AND PUBLISHERS
AB- Anchor
Bible (Doubleday)
BO- BerifOlam (Liturgical Press)
BZAW- Beihefte zur
Zeitschrift fur die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft (de Gruyter)
ConComm- Continental
Commentaries (Augsburg-Fortress)
FCB- Feminist Companion to the Bible (Sheffield)
FOTL- The Forms of the Old Testament Literature (Eerdmans)
HCOT- Historical
Commentary on the Old Testament (Kok Pharos)
Herm- Hermeneia (Fortress)
ICC-
International Critical Commentary (T & T dark)
Interpretation (John Knox)
ITC- International Theological Commentary (Zondervan)
JPSTC- Jewish Publication
Society Torah Commentary (JPS)
NCBC- New Century Bible Commentary (Marshall,
Morgan & Scott/Eerdmans)
NIB- New Interpreter's Bible (Abingdon)
NICOT-
New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Eerdmans)
OTL- Old Testament
Library (Westminster/John Knox)
OTM- Old Testament-Message (Michael Glazier)
OTR- Old Testament readings (Routledge)
TI- Text and Interpretation (Eerdmans)
WBC- Word Biblical Commentary (Word)
Prepared 3/03