The Best Commentaries for Every Book of the Bible
Every serious student of the Bible needs to build a resource library with the best commentaries. But let’s face it, commentaries are expensive!
Most pastors and seminary students I know don’t have the money to buy them all.
So if you are like me, you need to make your money count. This usually means focusing one or two quality books at a time.
But what are the best commentaries? You don’t have the money or time to waste on sub-par Bible commentaries. You want only the best.
Wanting to build the best commentary library possible, I did hours of research and read what all the experts said.
Here is my list of the top commentaries for each book of the Bible that experts recommend and I use in my study, preaching, writing, and teaching.
Note: I have not read all of these commentaries word for word. These are simply the top commentaries I use and have been recommended.
If you want a quick place to start, check out my custom Logos Library.
Best Commentary Set
Before we get to each individual book of the Bible, some people just want to buy a nice set of commentaries and be done with it.
If that’s you, here are the two best sets that I would recommend:
1. Best Standard Set: (less material but more readable, and still high quality)
2. Best Advanced Set: (more technical, more content, and more expensive)
The Best Commentaries for Every Book of the Bible
Here are my top two recommended commentaries for every book of the Bible.
Old Testament
Genesis
- Gordon J. Wenham, Genesis (Word Bible Commentary, 2015) – Volume 1 (Genesis 1-15) and Volume 2 (Genesis 16-50)
- Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1990) – Volume 1 (Genesis 1-17) and Volume 2 (Genesis 18-50)
Exodus
Leviticus
1. Gordon J. Wenham, The Book of Leviticus (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1979)
2. John E. Hartley, Leviticus (Word Bible Commentary, 2015)
Numbers
1. Gordon J. Wenham, Numbers (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 2008)
2. R. Dennis Cole, Numbers (New American Commentary, 2000)
Deuteronomy
2. J. Gordo McConville, Deuteronomy (Apollos Old Testament, 2002)
Joshua
1. Richard S. Hess, Joshua, An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary, 2008)
2. Dale Ralph Davis, Joshua: No Falling Words (Focus on the Bible, 2012)
Judges
1. Daniel I. Block, Judges, Ruth (New American Commentary, 1999)
2. Dale Ralph Davis, Judges: Such A Great Salvation (Focus on the Bible, 2015)
Ruth
1. Daniel I. Block, Judges, Ruth (New American Commentary, 1999)
2. Robert L. Hubbard, The Book of Ruth (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1989)
1 Samuel
1. Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel (New American Commentary, 1996)
2. Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel (Focus on the Bible, 2010)
2 Samuel
1. Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel (New American Commentary, 1996)
2. Dale Ralph Davis, 2 Samuel (Focus on the Bible, 2013)
1 Kings
1. Paul R. House, 1, 2 Kings (New American Commentary, 1995)
2. Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Kings (Focus on the Bible, 2008)
2 Kings
1. Paul R. House, 1, 2 Kings (New American Commentary, 1995)
2. Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Kings, 2 Kings (Focus on the Bible, 2011)
1 Chronicles
1. Roddy Braun, 1 Chronicles (Word Biblical Commentary, 2015)
2. Martin J. Selman, 1 Chronicles (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 2008)
2 Chronicles
1. Raymond B. Dillard, 2 Chronicles (Word Biblical Commentary, 2015)
2. Martin J. Selman, 2 Chronicles (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 2008)
Ezra, Nehemiah
1. H. G. M. Williamson, Ezra, Nehemiah (Word Biblical Commentary, 1985)
Esther
1. Debra Reid, Esther (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 2008)
2. Frederic Bush, Ruth, Esther (Word Biblical Commentary, 1996)
Job
1. Francis I. Andersen, Job (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 1981)
2. David J. A. Clines, Job (Word Biblical Commentary, 2009) – 3 volume set
Psalms
1. Tremper Longman III, Psalms (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 2014)
2. Gerald H. Wilson, Psalms (NIV Application Commentary, 2002)
Proverbs
- Bruce K. Waltke, The Book of Proverbs (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 2004) – Volume 1 (Probers 1-15) and Volume 2 (Proverbs 16-31)
2. Derek Kidner, Proverbs (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 2009)
Ecclesiastes
2. Derek Kidner, The Message of Ecclesiastes (The Bible Speaks Today, 1984)
Song of Solomon
1. Trempe Longman III, Song of Songs (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 2001)
2. Tom Gledhill, The Message of the Song of Songs (Bible Speaks Today, 1994)
Isaiah
- John N. Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1986) – Volume 1 (Isaiah 1-39) and Volume 2 (Isaiah 40-66)
2. J. Alec Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah (1993)
Jeremiah
1. John A. Thompson, The Book of Jeremiah (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1980)
2. R. K. Harrison, Jeremiah & Lamentations (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 2009)
Lamentations
1. Duane A. Garrett; Paul R. House, Song of Songs, Lamentations (Word Biblical Commentary, 2016)
2. R.K. Harrison, Jeremiah & Lamentations (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 1981)
Ezekiel
- Daniel I. Block, The Book of Ezekiel (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1997) – Volume 1 (Ezekiel 1-24) and Volume 2 (Ezekiel (24-48)
2. Leslie C. Allen, Ezekiel (Word Biblical Commentary, 1994) – 2 Volume Set
Daniel
1. Joyce Baldwin, Daniel (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 1981)
2. Iain M. Duguid, Daniel (Reformed Expository Commentary, 2008)
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah
1. Douglas Stuart, Hosea – Jonah (Word Biblical Commentary, 2014)
2. Thomas E. McComiskey, The Minor Prophets (2009)
Jonah
2. Douglas Stuart, Hosea – Jonah (Word Biblical Commentary, 2014)
Micah
2. Bruce K. Waltke, A Commentary on Micah (2007)
Nahum
Habakkuk, Zephaniah
2. Thomas E. McComiskey, The Minor Prophets (2009)
Haggai
1. Richard A. Taylor; E. Ray Clendenen, Haggai and Malachi (New American Commentary, 2004)
2. Thomas E. McComiskey, The Minor Prophets (2009)
Zechariah, Malachi
1. Andrew E. Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 2012)
2. Thomas E. McComiskey, The Minor Prophets (2009)
New Testament
The best commentaries for every New Testament book of the Bible:
Matthew
1. Donald A. Carson, Matthew (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 1984)
2. R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the New Testament, 2007)
Mark
1. R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 2002)
2. William L. Lane, The Gospel of Mark (New International Commentary on the New Testament, 1974)
Luke
- Darrell L. Bock, Luke (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 1994) – Volume 1 (Luke 1:1-9:50) and Volume 2 (Luke 9:51-24:53)
2. Robert H. Stein, Luke (New American Commentary, 1993)
John
1. Donald A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary, 1990)
2. Andreas J. Köstenberger, John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 2004)
Acts
1. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts (New International Commentary on the New Testament, 1988)
2. Darrell L. Bock, Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 2007)
Romans
2. Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 1998)
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
1. David E. Garland, 2 Corinthians (New American Commentary, 1999)
Galatians
1. Richard N. Longenecker, Galatians (Word Biblical Commentary, 2015)
2. F. F. Bruce, The Epistle to the Galatians (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 1982)
Ephesians
1. Peter T. O’Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians (Pillar New Testament Commentary, 1999)
2. Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary (2002)
Philippians
Colossians
2. Peter T. O’Brien, Colossians, Philemon (Word Biblical Commentary, 2014)
1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians
1. Gene L. Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians (Pillar New Testament Commentary, 2002)
1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus (Pastoral Epistles)
1. William D. Mounce, Pastoral Epistles (Word Biblical Commentary, 2000)
2. George W. Knight III, The Pastoral Epistles (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 1992)
Philemon
1. Peter T. O’Brien, Colossians, Philemon (Word Biblical Commentary, 1982)
Hebrews
1. William L. Lane, Hebrews (Word Biblical Commentary, 1991) – 2-volume set
2. Paul Ellingworth, The Epistle to the Hebrews (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 1993)
James
1. Douglas J. Moo, The Letter of James (Pillar New Testament Commentary, 2000)
2. Peter H. Davids, The Epistle of James (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 1982)
1 Peter
1. Karen H. Jobes, 1 Peter (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 2005)
2. Wayne A. Grudem, 1 Peter (Tyndale New Testament Commentary, 2009)
2 Peter
1. Richard J. Bauckham, 2 Peter and Jude (Word Biblical Commentary, 1983)
2. Gene L. Green, Jude and 2 Peter (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 2008)
1 John, 2 John, 3 John
1. Colin G. Kruse, The Letters of John (Pillar New Testament Commentary, 2000)
2. John R. W. Stott, The Letters of John (Tyndale New Testament Commentary, 1988)
Jude
1. Richard J. Bauckham, 2 Peter and Jude (Word Biblical Commentary, 1983)
2. Gene L. Green, Jude and 2 Peter (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 2008)
Revelation
1. Gregory K. Beale, The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 1998)
So there you have it. That’s my list are the best commentaries on every book of the Bible. Now go build that library and get your study on.
This list seems brief. Although I own MANY of the commentaries listed here there are other contributing factors that should help define the list. There are some “single volume” commentaries that are beneficial for someone who needs less depth and wants to spend less money–they are theologically sound and have at least a few paragraphs about nearly every book in the bible. You should also note that ALL of these commentaries would be considered “conservative evangelical” in their nature and theology (it is not a bad thing–I fall into that large tent myself–but it’s best not to assume).
It may be helpful to consider several factors when thinking about commentaries:
(1) level of education–you list many in the NIGNT series, which is a GREAT series, but not worth it if you do not possess a working knowledge of Greek (same is true with some in the WBC series)–it is unfair to assume that everyone wanting to use a commentary has that ability (though I hope they do).
(2) Different series and commentaries are meant for different things. For instance the “The Bible Speaks Today” series and the “Interpretation” series are both good series but are more devotional in nature and you won’t find the depth of hermeneutics, or interpretive and theological “struggling” that go on in volumes that aim at a deeper audience. Some are great “middle-of-the-road” works (NIV Application, IVP, Tyndale, etc…) and offer something for everyone–one should know what they are seeking AND what they are getting into before they fork over hard earned money.
(3) Not every volume of every series is helpful…after thirty years in ministry I NEVER steer young people towards buying an entire set–most are just not worth it. If you are like me you probably have a “pool” to draw from. That doesn’t mean that the pool can’t expand–but after awhile you find authors that you trust–and they become your pool–regardless of what publishing house they are working with/for.
(4) Theological bias—we ALL have it–be aware of it. Sometimes it is a help and sometimes it is a hindrance and the same is true with those writing, selling, and buying commentaries.
(5) Network–I commend you for your blog and for your list–everyone needs someplace to start. Ask others who they recommend–to often these days students, teachers, preachers, etc…put their trust in the Amazon comment or rating system rather than talking to people they actually know who might have used these volumes–I know everyone is busy–but ask them if they have time to jot down their honest assessment and reflection on the volume(s) you are interested in (which it seems to me that you have tried to do here…so THANKS…again).
Thanks for the added pointers. I agree that I probably could have been more clear between distinguishing the more technical from devotional commentaries. And yes, I too am theologically conservative, so I hope the list reflects that. My intention was to put out a list of some of the top recommended commentaries I originally compiled for myself based on feedback from seminary professors, pastors, and top experts over the years. But I sincerely appreciate the extra tips for everyone who reads the list. Thanks.
Thanks for this great list. Just two comments. (1) There are commentaries which are already available in a revised version. Carsons commentary on Matthew ist one of them, another one is Fees Commentary on 1 Corinthians. I know, a revision is not automatically better, but I think in those cases it is. At least I read large portions of Carsons revised Commentary. (2) There is not a single volume of the ZECNT commentaries listet. Personally this is my favorite series, but at least some of them are clearly superb. I would number Schnabel on Acts, Osborne on Matthew and Schreiner on Galatians among them. If you haven’t you should check them out.
Thanks for the advice Jakob. I will look into the revisions and update this lists if they are better. I appreciate the feedback.
Hey Brandon,
I just wanted to let you know that this list was extremely helpful to me. The Lord definitely used this as an answered prayer as I have been looking for a “curated” list if you will of the best commentaries for the money. It is very encouraging to see that my Bible College has most if not all of these books in their library. I cannot wait to immerse myself in the word of God much further than I already have and I fully expect these resources be a source of great wisdom!
Thank you truly for the work you have put into compiling these commentaries. It was certainly a blessing.
In Christ,
-Matt
This is an answer prayer. Thank you so much for taking our time to do this research to help other. May Our Lord continue to bless you.
Well, it is worth it, is what I need to hear! I am 68 yrs old and want feedbackand a some advice about being a pastor. I’ve had a up and down kind of life, but has taught me valuable lessons i needed! Oh, am a female in good health so far by God’s grace and much prayer.
Thank you for your honesty.
J.