Commentaries
Commentaries: Comparing Notes with Faithful Scholars
A commentary is a book (or series of books) written by a biblical scholar that provides historical background, grammatical analysis, theological explanation, and interpretation for each passage of Scripture.
Here is the crucial thing about when to use a commentary: always do your own work first. A commentary read before personal study tends to replace your own engagement with the text. A commentary read after personal study becomes a genuine conversation — one where you bring your own interpretation to the table and compare it with someone who has spent years studying the same passage.
A PROCESS FOR USING COMMENTARIES
1. Complete your full observation and interpretation of the passage first.
2. Open 1–2 commentaries to the same passage and read their explanation.
3. Note where the commentary aligns with your interpretation — that's confirmation.
4. Note where it offers background, linguistic insight, or theological depth you didn't have — that's enrichment.
5. Note where it challenges your interpretation — that's invitation to go deeper.
RECOMMENDED COMMENTARY RESOURCES
The Gospel Coalition Commentary
Free online commentaries on every book of the Bible. Accessible, theologically faithful, and an excellent starting point for most passages.
Precept Austin Commentary Notes
Detailed verse-by-verse notes on most books of the Bible. Includes grammatical parsing, word studies, and cross references. Free online.
Your Study Bible
Here are a few recommended study Bibles:
The footnotes and study notes in a good study Bible function as a compact, accessible commentary. Often the best place to start.
