Research Guides: Biblical Studies: Commentaries

How to Find Biblical Commentaries

Oxford Bibliographies: Biblical Studies This link opens in a new window
Provides a list of standard commentaries in the field. Click "Find this Resource" and the bottom of an entry to search for them in the SMU Libraries.
Library Search - Advanced This link opens in a new window
Search for the name of the biblical book AND commentary. At the bottom of the record of one commentary, use the virtual browse to find others.
Ministry Matters This link opens in a new window
Ministry Matters provides access to the Abingdon commentary series. From the Research Library, choose the Biblical Commentary section.

Anchor Bible Commentaries
Available online. For correct original publication date, check title list.

One Volume Commentaries

These one-volume commentaries provide interpretations of each book of the Bible (sometimes divided by testament). They provide an overview and starting place but do not comment on every passage. Below are just a few that are frequently recommended.

Women's Bible Commentary by Carol A. Newsom, Sharon H. Ringe, Jacqueline E. Lapsley (Editors)
Publication Date: 2012
Commentary essays on every book of the Bible that focuses on the portrayal of women and other marginalized groups.
True to Our Native Land by Brian K. Blount, Cain Hope Felder, Clarice J. Martin, Emerson B. Powery (Editors)
Publication Date: 2007
Commentaries on the books of the New Testament written by African American, biblical scholars.
The Africana Bible by Valerie Bridgeman; Hugh Page
Publication Date: 2009
Commentaries on the books of the Hebrew Bible, Apocrypha, and Pseudepigrapha considered authoritative in African and African-diaspora communities.
The Queer Bible Commentary by Deryn Guest, Robert E. Goss, Mona West, Thomas Bohache (Editors)
Publication Date: 2006
Essays exploring the intersection of gender, sexuality, and biblical studies.
Global Bible Commentary by Daniel Patte
Publication Date: 2004
Commentary that provides a global perspective of Christianity and includes insights from scholars representing Asia, Africa, the Pacific, South America, Central America, North America, and Europe.

What is a Bible Commentary?

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.