The best bible commentary for biblical Greek? Here are my top 5
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- Опубликовано: 25 ноя 2024
- If you work with biblical Greek at all, it is important to use the best tools available, that includes commentaries on the Greek text. In this video I’ll give you my top 5 commentaries, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each, so you know which sets will best serve your study needs.
I mentioned a couple of series that had had volumes withdrawn for plagiarism, in the case of the EEC, the material was original to the author, but not to the publication. It is no longer possible for scholars to publish to journals and then to publish the same material in a commentary.
Here are links to these sets on Amazon and on Logos:
New International Commentary on the New Testament:
Amazon: amzn.to/2xnGiIQ
Logos: mntg.me/nicnt
Evangelical Exegetical Commentary:
Logos: mntg.me/eecseries
New International Greek Testament Commentary:
Amazon: amzn.to/2TF9XWD
Logos: mntg.me/nigtc
John Eadie's commentaries on the Greek New Testament:
Amazon: amzn.to/3aJ1JCE
Logos: mntg.me/eadiese...
Baylor Handbook Series:
Amazon: amzn.to/2TEffBS
Logos: mntg.me/baylornt
Baker Exegetical Commentary Series:
Amazon: amzn.to/2Iz47Qr
Logos: mntg.me/becnt
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary series:
Amazon: amzn.to/3cQ5gAQ
Logos: mntg.me/zecnt
Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament:
Amazon: amzn.to/39LfCQE
Not available on Logos
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What is your favorite exegetical commentary? Let me know in a comment.
They are pretty awesome Daryl, I have the 1 volume of John MacArthur commentary I really like. I do not have the financial status at this moment to buy anything else. But thank you.
When I took classes at Reformed Theological Seminary 20 years ago, NICNT was the favorite. It's good to hear about these others. Time moves on. thanks Dr Darryl.
Thanks for watching!
Some of my favorites… Especially Baker & Exegetical New Testament commentaries.
I definitely agree with these “Chosen Five.”
Love this episode as it touches on so many aspects that need to be considered when choosing a commentary. I agree wholeheartedly with your regular "nods" towards specific works within each commentary series. From my - very humble - experience, a Schreiner on Romans from one, and Fee on Corinthians from another may be better than wearing a "patriotic badge" to a certain series. After all, as each book - Bible Book - has different issues - textually - and themes, topics and applications; could it be the case that some are better served with different emphases each time? In other words, each book in itself demands a different skill set of the author doing the work on the commentary, simply because the Biblical authors differ in there language, topics and theology.
Anyway, apart from waffling a little above, my biggest pet peeve comes across at the end of the video, and that is price. (not a hit at you by the way, just glad you mentioned it!)
I live in South Africa and work outside of the "church", and justifying the price of these works and general Biblical study - with good material - is crippling and makes it feels as though high quality Biblical study is something reserved for the rich. No wonder poor countries around the world are saturated with awful interpretations of Scripture and the growth of sects and cults!
Overall, I'd love to see more guidance from anyone in the scholarly world making effort to guide people who earn less in 6 months than the cost of even one of the best commentaries.
Perhaps that could be a video request for my brothers and sisters who live off a loaf of bread a week? What good commentaries and books are available for THEM? I know it's not specifically Greek so perhaps outside the realms of the channel.... But yeah, they are hungry for the Word of God to be alive in them and to guide their life, so that'd be an incredible service for sure. 🙏🏻
Thanks for all the free content, as I know it takes a ton of time, thought and energy. Your love for building God's kingdom encoruages both myself and my wife.
Thanks for your comments. A budget commentary guide is a good idea. I agree on picking between sets rather than buying while sets. Thanks again!
Thank you so much. This video has been really really helpful to me, being a self-learner in greek. With regards to the music, I can hear you fine when really sat down and focused but I more easily lose focus and have to rewind with this particular piece of music at least, particularly when listening whilst engaging in another activity.
Just my feedback though, I will stay subscribed and continue to listen regardless.
Thanks for watching, Jack! I appreciate your feedback, and I'll see what I can do.
Awesome video!! Good stuff! And I like the music 🎶 😁
Thanks Stephen! I do too, but I'll see if there are other ways of using music.
Thank you very much ! I’ve been using 4 of your top 5 alongside each other on my desk to read through the Gospel according to Mark, so it’s great to hear I’ve invested properly (yes, they are very expensive!!!). My personal favourite is the Baker series, for layout and readability. I had not realised at the beginning how important publication dates were, as these commentaries reflect (or omit) the latest in archaeological discoveries, Dead Sea materials and other academic works that can provide a better understanding of the Greek text. I did also note that with certain passages (such as the Olivet Discourse) the exegete sometimes pushes their own theology into the interpretation, resulting in quite different and conflicting interpretations. My preference for Baker (Stein) is that he does a good job of presenting the competing possible interpretations of each passage, even if I don’t always agree with his theological preferences. But this has been great… thank you.
The Baker series is generally very good!
The main part of understanding scripture is how commentators,preachers, & teachers dictionaries are not using context to give the reader the right way to interpret scripture. For example they will take words such as chosen, predestined or predestination, sanctified, justified, glorified, adopted, sovereign, etc etc. & use presuppositions to interpret scripture when the word or words are in the scriptures. These words can have very different meanings when u use context to define the wod(s). This is why I believe Calvanists have derailed scripture because they have so many presuppositions for a lot of words in the Bible. They read these presupposition into the scripture instead of reading what the text is saying & meaning of what the author is trying to relay to the reader.CONTEXT IS KING!!
I agree, do you have a favorite series that focuses more on context that I could look into? Thanks!
@@davidjenkins2429 yes its Beyond the Fundamentals by Kevin Thompson on utube. Also Soteriology 101 by Leighton Flowers also on utube.
Thanks, it was helpful. I am not a commentary reader, probably go with the guides instead
Thanks for watching and your comment! Commentaries are great for thinking through the text in more detail, but if all you're doing is reading Greek, the exegetical guides are very helpful. Baylor is my go-to series.
A list of your favorite commentaries for each of the 66 books, keeping in mind eschatology (historical premill in my case) would be great. A list of devotional and layman commentaries as well like MacArthur, Wiersbe, etc. Again with eschatology in mind. I find that one's view of end time events greatly affects choice of commentary. Thanks!
That would be a long list. If you don’t already have a copy, you’ll find Jim Rosscup’s Commentaries for Biblical Expositors is worth owning. There have been a lot of commentaries published since it was published, but it is an excellent starting point. There are a couple of other offerings like this that you might be able to find if you look, but Rosscup is a great starting point!
@@bma I do have Rosscup! I also have Spurgeon’s commentary on commentaries. Rosscup is great. The commentary recommendations of Dr. William Barrick on his site are also very helpful. Your video was profitable because the Lord provided me with guidance I needed to better minister to someone. I thank the Lord for that. I took concrete actions to bless someone who will go on blessing many more as a result of your video. Now you share in this work. Amen!
I particularly Like the series titled "AN EXEGETICAL SUMMARY OF...". It is really no an exegetical commentary but (in most cases) it is what the title implies, summarizes the major views. I like that those views are documented and linked (electronically in Logos and if you own the volumes a click takes you to the citation).
Thanks for the addition! Yes, that is a helpful series, particularly if you want to know the positions different commentaries take.
Hello sir, what's your comment on ff Bruce's new international commentary from zondervan?
doing one for the old testament will be great!
Thank you sir for helping us!
Any time
Hey, I also meant to ask, which books of the new testament have been published so far for your number one pick on logos? And will they all be published on book format?
You can see the ones that are already been published at mntg.me/eecseries. So far only 5 NT books have been published: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon, 1-3 John and Jude with more due out soon and 7 OT commentaries published so far. Four volumes have been published in print from 3 of the NT commentaries (Philippians is a 2 volume commentary). You can find the details of these here: lexhampress.com/Evangelical-Exegetical-Commentary. I believe they will eventually all be in physical format.
A great video I got a question. Would the three older honorable mentions be good enough for commentaries John Eadie,Lenski, and Lange. Or would I need to get a OT commentary if Langes OT commentary wasn’t as good as his Nt one maybe the Keil and Delitszch. Also how good or bad are the Barrnes notes commentaries.
Thanks for this video. I wanted to see examples of what you are talking about. When you talk about formatting in a particular commentary, you could show an example of it. Also, I wonder if you are recommending buying whole series or individual volumes?
Thanks for the feedback, Nick! I've created a page which I can add some of these details to fairly easily. You'll find it at masterntgreek.com/guides/exegetical-commentaries - I'll update it over the next few days. This is an analysis of the whole series - I make a recommendation about buying at the end. In short, if you can get a series, then the EEC or Baker are great, but if not, then get the volumes you need when you need them.
I would like to know your best single commentaries in each of the series.
Thanks for the suggestion! I might look into this in the future, though it is a lot of work!
Hi, i am a beginner in koine greek. I have three questions:
1. Which pronunciation do you use for koine greek?
2. When should there be breathing marks? I have looked for an answer to this question but I haven't found an answer yet. And what decided if it should be a smooth or rough breathing mark?
3. What should i learn after the alphabet, vowels, dophtongs, accents and breath marks? Am i ready to start learning words after learning that or is there anything more that i have to learn first?
I know even now, over two and a half years later, this series has only seven (and only four NT) volumes - not to mention they weren't even out when this video came out - but what do you think of the Evangelical Biblical Theological Commentaries that are out now (and particularly Schreiner's Hebrews volume)?
I haven't looked at them yet, but I'll do that. Thanks!
Love the NIC, Baker, NIGTC. I just wish they are cheaper in developing countries like here in the Philippines.
Most of us can only access them through libraries and not even in complete volume.
Thanks anyway for your commentary reviews bro.
I have the same challenge in NZ. Thanks for watching and sharing!
can you please start doing lessons on youtube? Like grammars of the greek and so on
Hi Dennis! I've been reviewing grammars throughout this year. You'll find a playlist here: ruclips.net/p/PLpeRcvOZ8zh8O73EjsURvYhKnEkGtu1qM. Also I recently published a video with a minimal library here: ruclips.net/video/zOtkVCq12FQ/видео.html
Is this what you're after?
Interesting video... Do you know which commentaries might be best (or most) on textual variations and discussion - complete in print? Thanks!
Exegetical commentaries don’t have an exhaustive discussion of variations - though most will selectively deal with variations. However you might want to look at Bruce Metzger’s textual commentary on the New Testament.
@@bma Thanks for your advice... I just found and purchased a low-priced copy on E-bay. They even had some photos of the book opened, thus I was able to sample it. Thanks again!
C.J. Ellicott - He's perhaps my favorite and you didn't even mention him. Old fashion commentary like Keil and Delitzsch (for the O.T.). I don't know if Charles J. Ellicott did the whole N.T. - I don't think so. You can read some of his works on Google Books.
I would like to see your number one pick and check that out. So I just looked it up on the Logos site... the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (EEC) is complete as far as the N.T.
I just found your channel - good stuff.
Thanks! The EEC is fully assigned, but not all volumes are published yet. It will take a few more years yet. Good set though!
Dear brother. What do you think of Kenneth wuest’s word studies from the greek New Testament ?
Thanks for asking. I haven't looked at it. I'll take a look. Thanks!
As one who has trouble with background noise effecting my ability to listen i gave up at 2.12. May be i will down load your spiel and eliminate the background music as i would like to know what you had to say.
Hey Doc. The music is a little distracting. Nice . . . but distracting.
Maybe you could fade it out after 30 seconds. Love your videos.
Thanks for your feedback! It currently fades after my intro and then fades entirely after about 3 mins. I'll look at making changes.
Just discovered you so sorry if this is a repeat question. Do you use the LXX for the Old Testament or do you stick with the Masoretic?
I still prefer Hebrew. :)
What about Pillar series
Yes, that is also a good series. But it doesn’t quite make my top 5 as I don’t think it is as good as the NICNT series. Thanks for watching!
I was wondering.
Why no mention of Hendriksen (mostly a 1-man series, and some by Kistemaker after he passed away)??
In his Introduction to JOHN, he did a whole section on Conditional Sentences, and ἵνα and ὅτι Clauses; before personal computers were even an idea, let alone Bible software! [And being at Master's, I'm sure you must have seen this series.] OTOH, I suppose when looking at it as a whole, in the end it might be classified as being more "expository" than "exegetical" in the final analysis.
You’re right! Kistemaker’s series is really good but not really an exegetical set though it has highlights. Thanks for your comment!
It doesn't look like you can purchase individual books in the EEC Series, this would be a big drawback.
Sure you can. Here is an example. www.logos.com/product/164975/lamentations-evangelical-exegetical-commentary
Have you looked into EGGNT?
Yes, but I don’t consider it a commentary, more of a exegetical guide. Perhaps a review would be helpful?
@@bma I think they just called it a guide because they are sometimes not as thorough as other commentaries perhaps? However, they are indexed as biblical commentaries and read similar to NIGTC. Maybe you could review each EGGNT as you read it! Hahaha perhaps too big an undertaking...
They are certainly more comprehensive than the Baylor series. I’ll look into a review. Thanks!
WBC (except Romans) & NIGNT
Good choices!
Would you mind giving your opinion on Thayer's, Robertson Nicoll's, F.F. Bruce's, and Young's? Traditionally I've always regarded them as the best. I look forward to your answer, thanks
Any particular resources you have in mind? These authors have written several works.
@@bma Thanks for getting back. Bruce's New International Commentary of the N.T. Robertson Nicoll's Expositor's Greek Testament, Joseph Thayer's Greek English Lexicon of the N.T. On a different plain, what's your opinion on Kenneth Wuest's Studies of Greek Vocabulary, and exegesis of most N.T. books he did back in the 40's and 50's
Too bad the Hermeneia commentary series didn't make the list. That's a good one.
Great suggestion! I do like that series, but not all commentaries have the theological consistency, and to my knowledge there are fewer standout commentaries. Thanks for pointing this series out!
@@bma To each his own. They do tend to be expensive. So, honestly, I've only actually read 3 of the volumes (which I own) - Collins on Daniel (which is excellent), Pervo on Acts (which is also excellent) and Betz on Galatians (also quite good). Given the quality I've seen thus far, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up any other volumes in the future.
Thanks! I've also enjoyed what I've seen so far!
New International Commentary on the New Testament is commonly pronounced: "Nicnit"
Interesting! I've only ever heard it referred to via acronym.
Yea, I don't think that's a thing.
Number 1 is John Chrysostom. Doesn't get better than this.