Customer Reviews

New International Bible Commentary

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I own a number of Bible reference materials, including other commentaries, and had thought this would be a nice addition for further study. But after a fair amount of reading, I have come to discover that this commentary at times signficantly disagrees with a number of other notable works. That itself is not necessarily a bad thing; however, I got the distinct impression that a few of this books' authors [the commentary on each individual Bible book is authored by one of several writers, making this entire book actually a "collection" of individual commentaries vs. a more solid collaboration] had some rather strong views trending towards the idea that a truly "saved" Christian = a "sinless, or nearly-sinless," Christian. The authors who did so appeared to be picking and choosing only certain facts to support their interpretations - and at times even using unsubstantiated conjecture (e.g., slipping in a statement saying Paul was "a sensitive teenager") as the basis for their views. (The commentary on Romans - from which the above quote was taken - is possibly one of the most illustrative of this problem.)

Scripture does indeed command us to "walk according to the Spirit," vs. indulging our sinful natures, and also informs us that we are wonderfully empowered to do so, by the help of the (one and same :) Holy Spirit. However, Christ also taught us to pray - routinely: "Forgive us our trespasses. . ." Both experiences are part of reality in the Christian life. Those who imply we can attain perfection in this world - or even toy with it, by the idea that "well, you might kind of slip up occasionally, but never too badly" - sound hauntingly similar to the self-satisfied hypocrites Christ often rebuked in His ministry on earth.

This is a nice commentary that won't break the bank. I have found others that go into more detial, but they are multi-book commentaries and as such have an increased cost. Yet for a one book commentary, you will find this very handy and easy to use with some nice insight on the scriptures.

I can't help but review this commentary. It has been a friend to my study for several years. I like the fact it gives enough information to whet my appetite to continue to study deeper. It gives me enough of the Hebrew and Greek for clarity but doesn't tell me exactly what to think. The long and short of it is that this book encourages the one studying and leaves room for the Holy Spirit to do His work.

Since I wanted to have an intensive study companion which is like a summary of all the best bible commentaries, this was the book of my choice. It is a wonderful book and a great introduction to the contemporary thoughts of scholars about the bible.

I own the 1986 Edition which should be simliar.

This commentary is based on the NIV which is a modern and reasonably scholarly translation.

This commentary is limited by having to fit in one volume, thus there is not as much analysis of the Greek and Hebrew as one might like. The commentary is fairly conservative though not literalist.

It is much superior to Wycliffe, but falls below the New Interpreter's Bible. If you don't have $600 for the New Interpreter's Bible or access to it at your church library, the New International Bible Commentary is not a bad choice.

This is a must for the serious bible student! Just will help you know the bible better and deeper if used properly.

New International Bible Commentary It is totally incomplete. When looking up a verse, in Mathew for instance, it refers you to text in another book. The gospels are a giant chain reference to other passages. I would prefer if they put the commentary in the Chapter you are reviewing. I have another commentary that does this and it is much easier to use.

Poorly written, it doesn't get to the meaning below the surface, It looked more like a repeat of the words written in the bible text. I didn't go through it thoroughly, but what I did see was a disappointment.

Enjoy the concise nature that gives more of an overview than the King James, which I also bought and love. One gives details, the other an overview. The combination works.

This was a good experience! I got the book in a short amount of time, and it was in the conditions that was stated on the website. Thank you.