Customer Reviews

Proverbs (NIV Application Commentary, The)

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

 

 

The NIV Application Commentary series is written in a unique format and Dr. Koptak is a unique author. The commentary brings us step by step from the original context to our contemporary setting. Proverbs seems to be a book of disjointed short pithy sayings. Many commentaries simply take a topical approach to the subject matter. What is unique about Dr. Koptak's approach is the method he employs in his chapter-by-chapter approach. He takes us from earth to heaven then back to earth again. In the "Original Meaning" section, Dr. Koptak's poetic nature shows through as he helps us identify the main theme of each chapter by identifying clusters (repeated words or themes). He then explains what the passage meant in the cultural and religious context it was written in. Next, in the "Bridging Contexts" section, he draws out the universal principle from the passage. The universal principle is that moral principle that is applicable to all people at all times, throughout all of human history. And finally, in the "Contemporary Significance" section, he assists us in applying this universal principle to our everyday situations. This commentary is a must read for pastors, teachers, and all serious Bible students. I highly recommend this commentary.

Dr. John Carlini
Senior Pastor, Devon Church

I purchased 3 separate helps books on Proverbs and this was the one that has been the most help. It takes the text verse by verse, then pulls all of the information together at the the end of each chapter. If you are a serious student, I would highly recommend this book.

In the recent decades there is a trend to read the Book of Proverbs in terms of its literary structure instead of a collection of random sayings without any order, and this commentary is following this trend. This is most obvious when Koptak interprets Proverbs 10-22. In addition to reading these "sentence Proverbs" one by one, Koptak also attempts to identify the repeating keywords or themes and propose an underlying literary structure. This attempt significantly enriches the meaning of the text beyond individual sayings, and it leads the reader to discern the editorial intention behind the collection of individual proverbs. In my view this is far better than cutting the Book of Proverbs into pieces and re-organize them into "themes" according to the commentators' own tastes.

While I like this commentary I found it somehow repeats itself in certain topics when discussing on the "Bridging Contexts" and the "Contemporary Signficance" sections. I don't think this is Paul Koptak's fault because the overall structure is already prescribed in the NIV Application Commentary series, and that's why I give this book four stars.

I really like the 3 parts to each exposition. The past written context, the meaning to the Jewish people, the current reading of what it means to us now. Packed with information and use it still as a reference book. Its also just a great read.

As my life continues I seem to have more of a need to be closer to God, to read, understand and absorb His word. I have always been interested in Proverbs and the wisdom it imparts. I feel like I made a good choise in the Applicaton Commentary.