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Recommended Old Testament Commentaries

Old Testament Faculty, Princeton Theological Seminary
(Updated January 13, 2010)
Recommending commentaries on biblical books is something like recommending restaurants in a large
city. Possibilities are nearly endless and depend in large measure on ones taste and interests. But given a
commitment to excellent critical scholarship and interpretation that serves theological interpretation for the life
of the church, here are a few recommendations. It needs to be said that there are many more very good options
than we can list here so none of these recommendations should be taken as necessarily excluding other
candidates. So lets begin our restaurant tour of commentaries.
COMMENTARIES/MONOGRAPHS ON INDIVIDUAL BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

Genesis. For the book of Genesis, two excellent theological commentaries include Walter
Brueggemann, Genesis, Interpretation (Westminster John Knox, 1982) and, more recently, Terence Fretheim,
Genesis in The New Interpreters Bible, Volume 1 (Abingdon, 1994). I recommend Claus Westermanns
three-volume commentary on Genesis for those interested in a full range of discussion of critical issues, with
emphasis on the European tradition of scholarship. Another example of a more in-depth critical and theological
commentary is Gordon Wenham, Genesis 1-15 and Genesis 16-50, Volumes 1 and 2, Word Biblical
Commentary (Word, 1987, 1994). Literary scholar Robert Alters Genesis, Translation and Commentary
(Norton, 1996) offers a translation that seeks to keep close to the original Hebrew and a commentary with
literary sensibilities.
Exodus. A standard critical and theological commentary on Exodus remains Brevard Childs, The Book
of Exodus, Old Testament Library (Westminster John Knox. 1974). Childs includes a full range of discussions
on historical-critical matters, larger Old Testament context, New Testament context, and history of exegesis. It
has weathered well over 30 years. Good theological commentaries include Walter Brueggemann, Exodus in
The New Interpreters Bible, Volume 1 (Abingdon, 1994) and Terence Fretheim, Exodus, Interpretation
(Westminster John Knox, 1991).
Mention should also be made of Waldemar Janzen, Exodus, Believers Church Bible Commentary (Herald,
2000) and, for those desiring some very heavy-lifting in their study of the scholarship on Exodus, Cornelius
Houtman, Exodus, Volumes 1-3, Historical Commentary on the Old Testament (Kok, 1993, 1996, 2000)
(excellent and detailed reviews of scholarship and history of interpretation).
For those desiring more heavy-lifting in their study of Exodus, Thomas Dozeman's Exodus, Eerdman's Critical
Commentary (Eerdman's, 2009) is very well done and incorporates the latest in Pentateuchal scholarship. One
should also mention Cornelius Houtman, Exodus, Volumes 1-3, Historical Commentary on the Old Testament
(Kok, 1993, 1996, 2000) (detailed reviews of scholarship and history of interpretation) and William Propp's
two-volume Anchor Yale Bible commentary on Exodus 1-18 (Yale, 1999) and Exodus 19-40 (Yale, 2006)
(extensive notes on translation and critical issues).

Leviticus. This sometime overlooked book has been blessed by several recent and excellent
commentaries. One fine theological commentary is Samuel Balentine, Leviticus, Interpretation (Westminster
John Knox, 2003). Jacob Milgrom is a Jewish scholar who has spent a lifetime studying Leviticus. He
published a three-volume commentary on Leviticus in the Anchor Bible series, but he has also released a more
compact but still thorough one-volume commentary: Leviticus: A Book of Ritual and Ethics (Augsburg
Fortress, 2004). One could also note two other possibilities from a more evangelical perspective: Gordon

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Wenham, Leviticus (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) (Eerdmans, 1979) and Walter
Kaiser, Leviticus, in The New Interpreters Bible, Volume 1 (Abingdon, 1994).
Numbers. One scholar some decades ago called the book of Numbers the junk room of the Bible
since he could not make sense of what seemed to be the disorganized jumble of genres and texts in Numbers.
Fortunately, several recent commentaries have sought to revise that view with attention to the careful structure
and theological fruit of this sometimes neglected book. Options include Dennis Olson, Numbers, Interpretation
(Westminster John Knox, 1996); Timothy Ashley, Numbers (New International Commentary on the Old
Testament (Eerdmans, 1996); Katharine Sakenfeld, Journeying with God, A Commentary on the Book of
Numbers (Eerdmans, 1995), and Jacob Milgrom, JPS Torah Commentary on Numbers (Jewish Publication
Society, 1990) among many others.
Deuteronomy. The rich and theologically important book of Deuteronomy is well represented among
commentaries. A sound critical and exegetical study is Richard Nelson, Deuteronomy, Old Testament Library
(Westminster John Knox, 2002). An in-depth study of Deuteronomy that includes some history of its
interpretation in history and culture is Mark Biddle, Deuteronomy (Smyth & Helwys, 2003). Good theological
commentaries include Patrick Miller, Deuteronomy, Interpretation (Westminster John Knox, 1991); J. G.
McConville, Deuteronomy: Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Intervarsity Press, 2002); Walter
Brueggemann, Deuteronomy, Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries (Abingdon, 2001); and Dennis Olson,
Deuteronomy and the Death of Moses, A Theological Reading (Wipf & Stock, 2005).
Joshua. A fine critical and exegetical study of Joshua is Richard Nelson, Joshua, Old Testament
Library (Westminster John, Knox, 1997), now available in paperback. L. Daniel Hawk, Joshua, Berit Olam,
Studies in Hebrew Narrative and Poetry (Liturgical Press, 2001) offers a more literary approach to Joshua.
Judges. Recommendations for this Old Testament account of Israels judges like Deborah, Gideon.
Jephthah and Samson include Dennis Olson, Judges, The New Interpreters Bible, Volume 2 (Abingdon,
1998); J. Clinton McCann, Judges, Interpretation (Westminster John Knox, 2002); and David Gunn, Judges,
Blackwell Biblical Commentaries (Blackwell, 2005).
1-2 Samuel Commentaries: For the theological interpretation of 1-2 Samuel, start with Walter
Brueggemanns First and Second Samuel (Interpretation, 1990) or Eugene H. Petersons First and Second
Samuel (Westminster Bible Companion, 1999). Antony F. Campbell has published a much more recent set of
commentaries (1 Samuel, 2003; 2 Samuel, 2005) in the FOTL series. Campbell is sensitive to issues of the
books development without losing sight of the fact that this text is a part of the Jewish-Christian canon.
Normally, the Old Testament Library is a good theological series. However, for Samuel, the OTL volume by
Hans Wilhelm Hertzberg (I & II Samuel) may overwhelm the pastor with too much historical and compositional
data, although students with a more historically-oriented interest will find it helpful for tracing the lines of
argumentation back through early twentieth-century European thought. Kyle McCarters very technical two
book series is an invaluable resource for advanced students looking for text-critical data (I Samuel, 1980; II
Samuel, 1984; Anchor Bible), and Ralph Kleins 1 Samuel (Word Bible Commentary, 1983) is a good semitechnical volume in the same vein as Campbells.
1-2 Kings. Recommendations for this theological account of Israels history, from the death of David
and the accession of Solomon in the 10th BCE to the release of Judahs exiled king Jehoiachin in the 6th BCE,
include: Choon-Leong Seow, 1-2 Kings, The New Interpreters Bible, Volume 3 (Abingdon, 1999), an
excellent literary and theological commentary; Richard Nelson, First and Second Kings, Interpretation
(Westminster John Knox, 1987), which offers rich theological insights with pastors in mind; Terence Fretheim,
First and Second Kings, WBC (Westminster John Knox, 2000); and Walter Brueggemann, 1 and 2 Kings: A
Commentary (Smyth and Helwys Publishing, 2000).

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Isaiah. For most of the twentieth century, scholars have tended to treat the book of Isaiah in three
partsFirst Isaiah (chapters 1-39), Second Isaiah (chapters 40-55), and Third Isaiah (chapters 56-66). More
recently, however, some commentators have deemed it important to read the book as a whole, regardless of the
different origins of the parts. In this mold are the works of John Goldingay in the New International Biblical
Commentary series (Hendrickson, 2001) and Brevard Childs in the Old Testament Library series
(Westminster/John Knox, 2001). Also recent are the commentaries that focus on the history of the Bible and its
reception. In this category are the Churchs Bible, with Isaiah edited by Robert L. Wilkens with Angela R.
Christman and Michael J. Hollreich (Eerdmans, 2007) and John Sawyers The Fifth Gospel: Isaiah in the
History of Christianity (Cambridge University Press, 1996).
Jeremiah. For basic textual, critical and exegetical issues, a recent resource is Leslie Allen, Jeremiah (Old Testament
Library)(Westminster John Knox, 2008). Two fine theological commentaries on Jeremiah and the God of Jeremiah are
Walter Brueggemann, A Commentary on Jeremiah: Exile and Homecoming (Eerdmans, 1998) and
Terence Fretheim, Jeremiah: Smyth and Helwys Bible Commentary (Smyth and Helwyx, 2002).

Ezekiel. Daniel I. Block. The Book of Ezekiel. 2 vols. Grand Rapids: Erdmans, 1997. A useful work in the
evangelical stream. Moshe Greenberg. Ezekiel 1-37 : a New Translation with Introduction and Commentary.
Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1983, 1997. The first major commentary to attend to the literary features of
Ezekiel and to consider the book holistically, with less attention to redactional arguments. Still a very valuable
resource with excellent insights. Robert W. Jenson. Ezekiel. Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible.
Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2009. Written by a systematic theologian, it offers insightful theological reflections on
the text. Best used in conjunction with a more traditional commentary. Paul Joyce. Ezekiel: A Commentary.
New York; London, T & T Clark, 2007. Summarizes scholarly positions very effectively. Good resource.
Margaret Odell, Ezekiel. Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary. Macon, GA: Smith & Helwys, 2005. Very user
friendly format, with attention to some of the history of interpretation. Steven Tuell. Ezekiel. NIBC. Peabody,
MA: Hendrickson, 2009. Thoughtful commentary with a slightly evangelical perspective. Walther Zimmerli.
Ezekiel : a Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. Hermeneia. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Fortress, 19791983. This English translation of the original 1969 German is a classic, magisterial commentary that attends to
the minute details of Ezekiels text, which one expects from Hermeneia commentaries. Outdated in some ways
(e.g., intense focus on redactional arguments), it is still an important resource.
Hosea. Francis I. Andersen, David Noel Freedman. Hosea : A New Translation with Introduction and
Commentary. Anchor Bible. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1980. Hans Walter Wolff. Hosea: a
Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Hosea. Hermeneia. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1974.
Joel. John Barton. Joel and Obadiah. Old Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2001.
By a first-rate biblical scholar.
Amos. Jrg Jeremias. The Book of Amos : a Commentary. Old Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster
John Knox, 1998. James L. Mays. Amos: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia:
Westminster, 1969. Predecessor to Jeremias commentary, this venerable tome is excellent.
Obadiah. John Barton. Joel and Obadiah. Old Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2001.
William P. Brown. Obadiah Through Malachi. Westminster Bible Companion. Louisville: Westminster John
Knox 1996. The author is a wonderful interpreter of biblical texts.
Jonah: William P. Brown. Obadiah Through Malachi. Westminster Bible Companion. Louisville:
Westminster John Knox, 1996. Daniel Smith-Christopher. Jonah, Jesus, and Other Good Coyotes : Speaking

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Peace to Power in the Bible. Nashville: Abingdon, 2007. The author is a biblical scholar, and though not a
commentary, this book is thought-provoking.

Minor Prophets. For these shorter prophetic books, three commentaries covering these books as a
group are particularly recommended for their theological emphasis. These are The New Interpreters Bible
(NIB) vol. VII (Abingdon, 1996), various authors listed below under individual books; William P. Brown,
Obadiah through Malachi, Westminster Bible Companion, (Westminster John Knox, 1996); and Elizabeth
Achtemeier Nahum Malachi, Interpretation (John Knox 1986). Brown highlights general theological and
ethical themes, while Achtemeier makes more explicit reference to Christian doctrines and NT passages.
Micah. The NIB author (see above) is Daniel Simundson; see also Brown, above. Juan I. Alfaro,
Justice and Loyalty: A Commentary on the Book of Micah, International Theological Commentary (Eerdmans
1989) approaches Micah from a liberationist perspective. James Limburgs Hosea-Micah, Interpretation (John
Knox, 1988) is theologically focused for teaching and preaching. James L. Mays, Micah, Old Testament
Library (Westminster, 1976) is a classic with good balance of historical-critical information and theological
insights. Also of interest to the more technical user are Delbert Hillers in the Hermeneia series (Fortress, 1984)
and Hans Walter Wolff (tr. G. Stansel, Augsburg, 1990, from the 1982 German original).
Nahum. The NIB author (see above) is Francisco O. Garca-Treto; see also Brown and Achtemeier,
above. Julia Myers OBrien, Nahum (Sheffield Academic/ Continuum, 2002) offers a literary reading with
focus on ethical questions, especially issues of gender and violence. J.J.M. Roberts, Nahum, Habakkuk, and
Zephaniah, Old Testament Library (Westminster John Knox 1991) provides an accessible presentation of
textual issues, ancient Near Eastern backgrounds, and literary forms.
Habakkuk. The NIB author (see above) is Theodore Hiebert; see also Brown and Achtemeier, above.
J.J.M. Roberts, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, Old Testament Library (Westminster John Knox 1991)
provides an accessible presentation of textual issues, ancient Near Eastern backgrounds, and literary forms.
Francis I. Anderson in the Anchor Bible series (Doubleday, 2001) offers a much longer and more technical
treatment.
Zephaniah. The NIB author (see above) is Robert A. Bennett; see also Brown and Achtemeier, above.
Adele Berlin in the Anchor Bible series (Doubleday 1994) incorporates both modern critical scholarship and
pre-modern Jewish interpretation. Marvin A. Sweeny (Augsburg Fortress, 2003) offers a detailed text-critical
and exegetical study in the Hermeneia series tradition. J.J.M. Roberts, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, Old
Testament Library (Westminster John Knox 1991) provides an accessible presentation of textual issues, ancient
Near Eastern backgrounds, and literary forms.
Haggai. The NIB author (see above) is W. Eugene March; see also Brown and Achtemeier, above.
Carroll Stuhlmueller, C.P. gives a theologically focused reading for the church in his Rebuilding with Hope:
Haggai and Zechariah, International Theological Commentary (Eerdmans, 1998). Since most scholars associate
Zechariah chs 1-8 with the era of Haggai, some commentary series combine these into a single volume.
Representative is David Petersen, Haggai and Zechariah 1-8, Old Testament Library (Westminster John Knox
1984), who provides detailed attention to the historical setting of these materials, along with literary analysis. A
lengthier and more technical treatment is available from Carol Meyers and Eric Meyers, Haggai and Zechariah
1-8, Anchor Bible (Doubleday, 1987).
Zechariah. The NIB author (see above) is Ben. C. Ollenburger; see also Brown and Achtemeier, above.
Also theologically focused is Carroll Stuhlmueller, C.P., Rebuilding with Hope: Haggai and Zechariah,
International Theological Commentary (Eerdmans, 1998). The book of Zechariah is in two quite distinct parts,

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chs. 1-8 and 9-14. As noted above under Haggai, major commentary series combine the first half of Zechariah
with the book of Haggai (see listings above). The second half of Zechariah, chs 9-14, is sometimes
correspondingly combined with Malachi in one volume (see listing below).
Malachi. The NIB author (see above) is Eileen M. Schuller, O.S.U.; see also Brown and Achtemeier,
above. For a more detailed work, showing connections with Zechariah 9-14, see David Petersen, Zechariah 914 and Malachi, Old Testament Library (Westminster John Knox, 1995).
Psalms: There are numerous commentaries on the Psalms. The most helpful for preachers s are probably
James Mayss volume in the Interpretation series (John Knox, 1994) and J. Clinton McCanns contribution in
the New Interpreters Bible, Volume 4 (Abingdon, 1996). There are not many great commentaries that deal with
the details of the Psalms. Erich Zengers commentary in the Hermeneia series is the best of these, though only
the volume on Psalms 51-100 has appeared in English (Fortress, 2005). Also helpful is Hans-Joachim Krauss
commentary published originally in German but translated into English and published by Fortress press in
1988-89. Not to be missed, though, not strictly a commentary is Patrick D. Millers Interpreting the Psalms
(Fortress, 1986).
Job. In recent years, a number of commentaries have been published that help the reader appreciate the
literary excellence and theological contributions of the book. Arguably the best among these is Carol Newsoms
work in the New Interpreters Bible, Volume IV (Abingdon, 1996). For a consistently sensitive theological
reading of the book, Samuel E. Balentines volume in the Smyth and Helwys Bible Commentary series is
without peer (Smyth and Helwys, 2006). Especially interesting in this work are the numerous forays into the
reception history of the book in literature, music, and the visual arts. Other noteworthy commentaries include
David J. A. Cliness three-volume contribution in the Word Biblical Commentary series (Word, 1989-2009) and
Norman Habels volume in the Old Testament Library series (Westminster, 1985).

Proverbs. For detailed exegesis, there are now two important works: Michael V. Foxs two volumes in
the Anchor Bible series (volume 1 by Doubleday, 2000; volume 2 by Yale University Press, 2009) and Bruce
K. Waltkes two volumes in the New International Commentary series (Eerdmans, 2004). The best theological
treatments of the book are Raymond van Leeuwens contribution in the New Interpreters Bible, Volume V
(Abingdon, 1997) and Christine Roy Yoders commentary in the Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries series
(Abingdon, 2009).
Ruth. On the book of Ruth, Katharine Sakenfeld, Ruth, Interpretation (Westminster John Knox, 1999),
considers the cultural diversity of readings of Ruth along with a sustained literary and theological commentary.
Andre LaCoque, Ruth (Augsburg Fortress, 2004), is a very recent and thorough critical commentary with
attention to issues of language, culture, and interpretation. A different kind of commentary treatment is Ellen
Davis and Margaret Adams Parker, Who Are You, My Daughter: Reading Ruth through Image and Text
(Westminster John Knox, 2003) which offers a new translation, notes and a series of 20 artistic woodcuts that
interpret the book of Ruth through visual image along with the text.
Another three-volume resource for commentaries on the lectionary preaching texts (Old Testament,
Gospels and Epistles) from the Revised Common Lectionary is The Lectionary Commentary, Theological
Exegesis for Sundays Texts (Eerdmans, 2001)/
Song of Songs. The Song is also now well served by good English language resources. M. Popes
behemoth of a commentary in the Anchor Bible series (Song of Songs [AB 7C; New York: Doubleday, 1977])
remains a classic, idiosyncratic to be sure, but chalked full of all kinds of delightful tidbits and still very much
worth consulting. Two of the most well rounded commentaries on the Songboth solid philologically and
literarily inclinedare M. Foxs The Song of Songs and the and the Ancient Egyptian Love Songs (Madison:

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University of Wisconsin, 1985) and J. C. Exums Song of Songs (OTL; Louisville: WJK, 2005). R. Murphys
slim volume in the Hermeneia series (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1990) is also solid. For those with German, Y.
Zakovitchs Das Hohelied (HThKAT; Freiburg: Herder, 2004) is highly recommend, especially for his
wonderful literary sensibility. O. Keels The Song of Songs (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1994) is notable for its use
of iconography. There are two provocative attempts at a more literary rendering of the Song: M. Falk, Love
Lyrics from the Bible: A Translation and Literary Study of the Song of Songs (Sheffield: Almond, 1982) and A.
Bloch and C. Bloch, The Song of Songs: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary (New York:
Random House, 1995). For a sampling of recent feminist writing on the Song, see A. Brenner and C. Fontaine,
The Song of Songs: A Feminist Companion to the Bible (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic, 2000). Other recent
collections of essays on the Song include the July 2005 issue of the journal Interpretation and Perspectives on
the Song of SongsPerspektiven der Hoheliedauslegung (ed. A. C. Hagedorn; BZAW; Berlin: W. de Gruyter,
2005). For a brief overview of the Song, see F. W. Dobbs-Allsopp, Song of Songs in The New Interpreters
Dictionary of the Bible, vol 5: S-Z (ed. K. Doob Sakenfeld; Nashville: Abingdon, forthcoming 2009) and stay
tuned for T. Linaflets forthcomng contribution on the Song in the Berit Olam series.

Ecclesiastes. There used to be a dearth of good theological commentaries on Ecclesiastes, but the
situation has changed. The most detailed treatments of the book that also pay attention to the theological issues
are C. L. Seows commentary in the Anchor Bible series (Yale University Press, 1997) and Craig
Bartholomews work published by Baker Academic Press in 2009. For pastors and lay people, William P.
Browns volume in the Interpretation series may be especially helpful.

Lamentations. Since 1991 and the publication of I. Provans contribution on Lamentations in the New
Century Bible Commentary series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans), Lamentations has been well served by some very
fine commentaries in English. D. R. Hillers, Lamentations (AB 7A; 2d rev ed; New York: Doubleday, 1992)
remains the most philologically rich commentary available (those with German may still usefully consult W.
Rudolphs Klagelieder [KAT 17/3; Gtersloh, 1962], especially on text critical issues; now see also the text
critical comments by R. Schfer in BHQ and B. Albrektson, Studies in the Text and Theology of the Book of
Lamentations [Lun,d 1963]). More literarily minded commentaries include, A. Berlin, Lamentations (OTL;
Louisville: WJK, 2002), F. W. Dobbs-Allsopp, Lamentations (IBC; Louisville: WJK, 2002), and K. OConnor,
Lamentations in NIB VI, pp. 1011-72 (Nashville: Abingdon, 2001)the latter two probe relevant theological
issues as well. Among notable recent monographs on Lamentations, see C. Westermann, Lamentations: Issues
and Interpretation (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1994), T. Linafelt, Surviving Lamentations (Chicago: University of
Chicago, 1999), K. OConnor, Lamentations and the Tears of the World (Maryknoll: Orbis, 2002), C.
Mandolfo, Daughter Zion Talks Back: A Dialogic Theology of the book of Lamentations (Atlanta: SBL, 2007),
C. Maier, Daughter Zion, Mother Zion: Gender, Space, and the Sacred in Ancient Israel (Minneapolis: Fortress,
2008), and W. Morrow, Protest Against God: The Eclipse of a Biblical Tradition (Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix,
2006). Also keep an eye out for E. Greensteins forthcoming contribution on Lamentations in the new JPS
Torah series.
Ezra-Nehemiah. H. G. M. Williamson, Ezra, Nehemiah, WBC (Word, 1985) offers an excellent
interpretation of these books, with thorough discussion of contemporary scholarship. Ralph Klein, EzraNehemiah, The New Interpreters Bible, Volume 3 (Abingdon, 1999) is a good hermeneutical resource for the
preacher, as is Mark Thronveit, Ezra-Nehemiah, Interpretation (Westminster John Knox, 1992).
Esther. The story of this biblical heroine has captured the imagination of Jews (and Christians) over the
centuries, and there are a number of commentaries that attend well to the books literary dimension. Michael V.
Fox, Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther (University of S. Carolina Press, 1991) is a rich study that
focuses on Esther as a literary work and considers also the theological significance of a book that never

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mentions God. Jon D. Levenson, Esther: A Commentary, OTL (Westminster John Knox, 1997) incorporates
rabbinic material in addition to standard historical-critical words. Sidnie White Crawford, The Book of
Esther, The New Interpreters Bible, Volume 3 (Abingdon, 1999) offers helpful reflections for the preacher,
including the storys ethical implications for today.
Daniel. For heavy lifting in critical, textual and background material on the book of Daniel, the standard remains
John Collins, Daniel: A Commentary on the Book of Daniel (Hermeneia) (Fortress, 1994). An older but very fin
commentary by Louis Francis Hartman and Alexander A. Di Lella , Daniel ([Anchor Bible] Garden City NJ: Doubleday,
1978) is also to be highly recommended. Two insightful, reliable and theologically suggestive commentaries are W.
Sibley Towner, Daniel (Interpretation) (Westminster John Knox, 1984) and Leong Seow, Daniel (Westminster Bible
Companion)(Westminster John Knox, 2003).

1-2 Chronicles. Sara Japhet, I & II Chronicles: A Commentary, OTL (Westminster John Knox, 1993)
offers a thorough critical and exegetical study of these OT books. H.G. M. Williamson, 1 and 2 Chronicles,
NCB (Eerdmans, 1982) is another excellent and detailed commentary that incorporates insights from his other
work, Israel in the Books of Chronicles.

COMMENTARIES/MONOGRAPHS ON INDIVIDUAL BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew
Boring, Eugene. The Gospel of Matthew: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 87-505 in The
New Interpreters Bible 8. Nashville: Abingdon,1995.
Davies, W. D., and Dale C. Allison, Jr. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel According to
Saint Matthew. 3 vols. International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 198897.
Hagner, Donald. Matthew. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, 1993-95.
Harrington, Daniel. The Gospel of Matthew. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical, 2002.
Luz, Ulrich. Matthew 1-7: A Commentary. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989.
. Matthew 820: A Commentary. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2001.
______. Matthew 21-28: A Commentary. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress: 2005.
Senior, Donald. Matthew. Abingdon New Testament Commentary. Nashville, Abingdon, 1998.
Mark
Boring, Eugene. Mark. New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006.
Collins, Adela. Mark: A Commentary. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2007.
Donahue, John R., and Daniel J. Harrington. The Gospel of Mark. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical, 2002.
Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark. Pillar New Testament Commentary Series. Grand Rapids,
MI: Eerdmans, 2002.
Hooker, Morna D. A Commentary on the Gospel According to St Mark. Black's New Testament Commentary.
Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1991.
Juel, Donald H. The Gospel of Mark. Interpreting Biblical Texts. Nashville: Abingdon, 1999.
Marcus, Joel. Mark 18: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible 27. New York
and London: Doubleday, 2000.
Moloney, Francis. Mark: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2004.
Luke
Culpepper, R. Alan. The Gospel of Luke: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 1-490 in The
New Interpreters Bible 9. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995.

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Fitzmyer, Joseph A. The Gospel According to Luke. 2 vols. Anchor Bible. Garden City: Doubleday, 198l, 1985.
Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids,
Mich., and Cambridge, U.K.: Eerdmans, 1997.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Gospel of Luke. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1991.
Marshall, I. Howard. The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans,
1978.
Tannehill, Robert C. Luke. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.
John
Ashton, John. Understanding the Fourth Gospel. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991.
Barrett, Charles Kingsley. The Gospel According to St. John. 2d ed. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1978.
Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John. 2 vols. Anchor Bible. Garden City: Doubleday, l966,
1970.
Bultmann, Rudolf. The Gospel of John: A Commentary. Oxford: Blackwell, 1971.
Charlesworth, James H. The Beloved Disciple: Whose Witness Validates the Gospel of John? Valley Forge,
PA: Trinity Press International, 1995.
Culpepper, R. Alan. Anatomy of the Fourth Gospel: A Study in Literary Design. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1983.
Koester, Craig. Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel: Mystery, Meaning, Community. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2003.
Martyn, J. Louis. History and Theology in the Fourth Gospel. New York: Harper & Row, 1968.
Moloney, Francis. The Gospel of John. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1998.
ODay, Gail. The Gospel of John: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 491-865 in The New
Interpreters Bible 9. Nashville: Abingdon,1995.
Schnackenburg, Rudolf. The Gospel According to St. John. 3 vols. New York: Crossroad [Seabury], 1980,
1982.
Smith, D. Moody. John. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 1999.
Acts
Barrett, Charles Kingsley. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. 2 vols.
International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1994, 1998.
Fitzmyer, Joseph A. The Acts of the Apostles: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor
Bible. New York and London: Doubleday, 1998.
Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. Acts. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 2003.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Acts of the Apostles. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1992.
Pervo, Richard. Acts. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2009.
Spencer, F. Scott. Journeying through Acts: A Literary-Cultural Reading. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2004.
Romans
Achtemeier, Paul. Romans. Interpretation. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1985.
Byrne, Brendan. Romans. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1996.
Cranfield, Charles E. B. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. 2 vols.
International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1975, 1979.
Dunn, J.D.G. Romans. 2 vols. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, 1988.
Fitzmyer, Joseph A. Romans: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible 33. New
York: Doubleday, 1993.
Jewett, Robert. Romans. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2007.
Ksemann, Ernst. Commentary on Romans. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980.
Keck, Leander. Romans. Abingdon New Testament Commentary. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005.
Moo, Douglas. The Epistle to the Romans. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

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Wright, N. T. The Letter to the Romans: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 393-770 in The
New Interpreters Bible 10. Nashville: Abingdon, 2002.
I Corinthians
Barrett, Charles Kingsley. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. Harper's New Testament Commentaries. New
York: Harper & Row, 1968.
Fee, Gordon D. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. New International Commentary on the New Testament.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987.
Hays, Richard B. First Corinthians. Interpretation. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1997.
Sampley, J. Paul. The First Letter to the Corinthians: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 7711003 in The New Interpreters Bible 10. Nashville: Abingdon, 2002.
Thiselton, Anthony C. The First Epistle to the Corinthians: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New
International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.
II Corinthians
Barrett, Charles Kingsley. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Harper's New Testament Commentaries.
New York: Harper & Row, l973.
Furnish, Victor Paul. II Corinthians. Anchor Bible. Garden City: Doubleday, 1984.
Lambrecht, Jan. Second Corinthians. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical, 1999.
Matera, Frank J. II Corinthians: A Commentary. New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox,
2003.
Sampley, J. Paul. The Second Letter to the Corinthians: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 2180 in The New Interpreters Bible 11. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Thrall, Margaret E. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. 2 vols.
International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1994, 2000.
Galatians
Burton, Ernest de Witt. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians. International
Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1962.
Cousar. Charles B. Galatians. Interpretation. Atlanta: John Knox, 1982.
Dunn, James D.G. The Epistle to the Galatians. Blacks New Testament Commentary. Peabody, MA:
Hendrickson, 1993.
Ebeling, Gerhard. The Truth of the Gospel: An Exposition of Galatians. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1985.
Hays, Richard. B. The Faith of Jesus Christ: An Investigation of the Narrative Substructure of Galatians 3:14:11. Chico, CA: Scholars Press, 1983.
Hays, Richard B. The Letter to the Galatians: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 183-348 in
The New Interpreters Bible 11. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Longenecker, Richard. Galatians. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, 1990.
Martyn, J. Louis. Galatians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New
York: Doubleday, 1997.
Matera, Frank. Galatians. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1992.
Ephesians
Best, Ernest. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Ephesians. International Critical Commentary.
Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1998.
Lincoln, Andrew T. Ephesians. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, 1990.
MacDonald, Margaret Y. Colossians and Ephesians. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical, 2000.

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Muddiman, John. The Epistle to the Ephesians. Blacks New Testament Commentary. Peabody, MA:
Hendrickson, 2004.
Perkins, Pheme. Ephesians. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 1997.
Philippians
Bockmuehl, Markus. The Epistle to the Philippians. Blacks New Testament Commentary. Peabody, MA:
Hendrickson, 1998.
Cousar, Charles. Philippians and Philemon. New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox,
2009.
Fee, Gordon D. Paul's Letter to the Philippians. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.
Hooker, Morna D. The Letter to the Philippians: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 469-549 in
The New Interpreters Bible 11. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
O'Brien, Peter T. The Epistle to the Philippians: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek
Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.
Osiek, Carolyn. Philippians, Philemon. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Colossians [see also under Ephesians and Philemon]
Dunn, James D. G. The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon. New International Greek Testament
Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.
Hay, David M. Colossians. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Lincoln, Andrew T. The Letter to the Colossians: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 553-669
in The New Interpreters Bible 11. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Pokorny, Petr. Colossians: A Commentary. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1991.
Schweizer, Eduard. The Letter to the Colossians:A Commentary. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1982.
Thompson, Marianne Meye. Colossians and Philemon. Two Horizons. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005.
I, II Thessalonians
Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. First and Second Thessalonians. Interpretation. Louisville: John Knox, 1998.
Furnish, Victor. 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville:
Abingdon, 2007.
Malherbe, Abraham J. The Letters to the Thessalonians: A New Translation with Introduction and
Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York and London: Doubleday, 2000.
Marshall, I. Howard. I and II Thessalonians. New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.
Richard, Earl J. First and Second Thessalonians. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1995.
Wanamaker, Charles A. Commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. New International Greek Testament
Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990.
I, II Timothy and Titus
Bassler, Jouette M. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville:
Abingdon, 1996.
Collins, Raymond F. I & II Timothy and Titus: A Commentary. New Testament Library. Louisville:
Westminster John Knox, 2002.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. The First and Second Letters to Timothy. A New Translation with Introduction and
Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York and London: Doubleday, 2001.
Marshall, I Howard and P. H. Towner. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles.
International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1999.

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Quinn, Jerome D. The Letter to Titus. A New Translation with Notes and Commentary, and An Introduction to
Titus, I and II Timothy, The Pastoral Epistles. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1990.
Philemon [see also under Colossians]
Barth, Markus and H. Blanke. The Letter to Philemon: A New Translation with Notes and Commentary. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.
Felder, Cain Hope. The Letter to Philemon: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 883-905 in The
New Interpreters Bible 11. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.
Fitzmyer, Joseph A. The Letter to Philemon: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor
Bible. New York and London: Doubleday, 2000.
Osiek, Carolyn. See under Philippians (2000).
Hebrews
Attridge, Harold W. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Hermeneia. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1989.
Ellingworth, Paul. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek
Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. Hebrews. New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006.
Koester, Craig R. Hebrews: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York
and London: Doubleday, 2001.
James
Davids, Peter. Commentary on James. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1982.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Letter of James. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1995.
. The Letter of James: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 175-225 in The New
Interpreters Bible 12. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.
Laws, Sophie. The Epistle of James. Harper's New Testament Commentaries. San Francisco: Harper & Row,
1980.
Sleeper, C. Freeman. James. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.
I Peter
Achtemeier, Paul J. 1 Peter: A Commentary on the First Epistle of Peter. Hermeneia. Minneapolis: Fortress,
1996.
Bartlett, David L. The First Letter of Peter: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 227-319 in The
New Interpreters Bible 12. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.
Boring, M. Eugene. 1 Peter. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 1999.
Elliott, John H. 1 Peter: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible. New York and
London: Doubleday, 2000.
Goppelt, Leonhard. A Commentary on I Peter. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.
Senior, Donald. 1 Peter, Jude, and 2 Peter. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2003.
II Peter and Jude
Bauckham, Richard J. Jude, 2 Peter. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco: Word, 1983.
Kraftchick, Steven J. 2 Peter, Jude. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 2002.
Neyrey, Jerome H. 2 Peter, Jude. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1993.
Senior, Donald. See under 1 Peter (2003).

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Watson, Duane F. The Second Letter of Peter: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections; The Letter of
Jude: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 321-61, 473-99 in The New Interpreters Bible
12. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.
I, II, III John
Black, C. Clifton. The First, Second, and Third Letters of John: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections.
Pp. 363-469 in The New Interpreters Bible 12. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.
Brown, Raymond E. The Epistles of John. Anchor Bible. Garden City: Doubleday, 1982.
Lieu, Judith. I,II, III John. New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2008.
Rensberger, David. 1 John, 2 John, 3 John. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon,
1997.
Schnackenburg, Rudolf. The Johannine Epistles. A Commentary. New York: Crossroad, 1992.
Smith, D. Moody. First, Second, and Third John. Interpretation. Louisville: John Knox, 1991.
Strecker, Georg. The Johannine Letters: A Commentary on 1, 2, and 3 John. Hermeneia. Minneapolis:
Fortress, 1996.
Revelation
Aune, David E. Revelation 15. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, 1997.
. Revelation 616. Word Biblical Commentary. Nashville: Nelson, 1998.
. Revelation 1722. Word Biblical Commentary. Nashville: Nelson, 1998.
Blount, Brian. Revelation. New Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2009.
Boring, M. Eugene. Revelation. Interpretation. Louisville: John Knox, 1989.
Caird, George B. A Commentary on the Revelation of St. John the Divine. Harper's New Testament
Commentaries. New York: Harper & Row, 1966.
Charles, R.H. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John. Interantional Critical
Commentary. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1956-59.
Kovacs, Judith, and Christopher Rowland. Revelation. Blackwell Bible Commentaries. Oxford: Blackwell,
2004.
Rowland, Christopher C. The Book of Revelation: Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections. Pp. 501-743
in The New Interpreters Bible 12. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.
Thompson, Leonard L. Revelation. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.