When you reach a difficult passage in the Bible — a confusing prophecy, an unfamiliar custom, or a verse that seems to say something surprising — a commentary is the tool that helps. A Bible commentary is a book that explains the text of Scripture section by section, usually verse by verse, written by a scholar, pastor or teacher who has studied it deeply.
Why use a commentary?
- Background: commentaries explain the history, geography and culture behind a passage, which the original readers knew but we often don’t.
- Language: they explain important Hebrew and Greek words and how they are used.
- Context: they show how a verse fits into its chapter, its book and the whole Bible.
- Protection: they help you avoid reading your own ideas into the text.
- Preparation: pastors and Bible teachers use them to prepare sermons and lessons more quickly and faithfully.
A commentary doesn’t replace reading the Bible itself. It’s best used after you have read a passage carefully and asked your own questions.
The main types of commentaries
One-volume commentaries
These cover the whole Bible in a single (large) book. Notes on each passage are short, but you get the entire Bible in one place. A one-volume commentary is an excellent first purchase and a useful quick reference even for experienced readers.
Devotional commentaries
Devotional commentaries focus on encouragement and application. They are written in warm, readable language and are ideal for personal quiet time. Many classic devotional commentaries have been loved for generations.
Application commentaries
These explain what a passage meant to its first readers and then how it applies today. Series such as the Life Application Bible Commentary are popular with small-group leaders and Sunday school teachers because they bridge the gap between ancient text and modern life.
Expository commentaries
Expository commentaries are often based on a pastor’s sermon series. They walk through a book of the Bible passage by passage with clear explanation and illustrations. They are especially helpful for preachers.
Technical (exegetical) commentaries
These are written for scholars, seminary students and pastors who know some Hebrew or Greek. They discuss the original language in detail, compare manuscripts and interact with other scholars. They are very thorough, but can be heavy reading for beginners.
Single volumes or a full set?
Most commentary series publish one volume per Bible book (or group of books). You don’t have to buy the whole set at once. A practical approach is to buy the volume for the book you are currently studying or preaching through, and build your library over time. Used and pre-owned commentaries are a great way to grow a library affordably.
How to choose your first commentary
- Decide your purpose. Personal devotion? A devotional or application commentary. Teaching a class? An application or expository commentary. Detailed sermon preparation? An expository plus a technical commentary.
- Check the translation. Many commentaries are based on a specific version (KJV, NIV, ESV). It helps if it matches the Bible you use.
- Check the author’s tradition. Commentaries reflect their author’s theological background. If that matters to you or your church, look at who wrote it.
- Start with one book. Choose the Bible book you are reading now — for many people, a Gospel or one of Paul’s letters.
Commentary, study Bible or dictionary?
- A study Bible gives short notes on every page — great for daily reading.
- A commentary goes much deeper into one book or passage.
- A Bible dictionary explains people, places and words in short A–Z articles.
Together they make a strong foundation for any Bible student’s library.
Browse our commentaries, Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias to start or grow your study library.