# Bible commentaries list up to 1839

There are a *lot* of English-language Bible commentaries.

- Nearly every generation has at least one influential person who will work through the entire Bible.
- While most of them become lost to time in one way or another, some of them survive to be nearly as accessible as the Bible itself.

However, for a variety of reasons, the commentator may not be who you want.

This is a summarized attempt to keep track of the commentaries by answering a few simple questions:

1. Who wrote it, and approximately what window of time would it have been written?
2. What theological basis or denomination was the author?
   - You can certainly read outside your denomination (and it can help to gain a deeper understanding through the diversity of [our gifts and roles](spiritual-gifts.md)).
   - Many [philosophies](philosophy.md) and [beliefs](glossary-philosophy-christian.md) across the [lens of Christian history](history-church.md) have a *profound* effect on how you'll see the finer details of [Scripture](theology-bible.md).
   - For the sake of your [workflow](success-4_routine.md), some opinions and approaches may impede your research into a [Bible study](bible-study.md) or [sermon](mgmt-church.md).
3. What type of commentary is it?
   - **Exegetical** (aka Word) works to give technical details tied to the original [language](language.md) and its [meaning](meaning.md).
   - **Expository** (aka Homiletical) work toward applying the Bible to everyday life and designed to help with making a sermon.
     - They are useful to get a context, but can *quickly* create [conflicts](people-conflicts-christian-why.md) around others' opinions more than the actual text.
     - **Devotional** are reading-focused mini-essays on verses or passages.
     - **Critical** commentaries look at various perspectives, so they end up becoming commentaries on commentaries.
     - **Cultural** is built to give [historical context](people-culture.md) around when the text was written.
   - **Sermonic** (aka Pastoral or Application) are essentially reworked sermons, so they end up as a hybrid of both exegetical and expository.
   - **Holistic** (aka Connective or Associative) focuses on Bible verse connections with other Bible verses.
   - **Summary** focuses on a TL;DR summary of the content.
   - Commentary categories sit more on a "spectrum" between exegetical and expository, and it's sometimes difficult to precisely analyze.
4. What is the scope of books the commentary covers?
   - The commentary may range itself on a spectrum between the whole Bible and a single book.
   - More specific implies that it will have more in-depth analysis and clear application, but that all depends on the quality of the commentator's work.
5. Where can I find that commentary?

Also, the abundance of links to that particular work may give some hint on how popular it has been among Christians.

- Every single pastor or theologian will effectively make *new* commentary as they teach, so by design this *can't* be an exhaustive list.
- If it's difficult to find online, it has a higher chance of being either [heresy](people-conflicts-christian-why.md) or its creators are [violating the spirit of the Bible through intellectual property trolling](https://theologos.site/ip/).

It's sorted by year of approximate publication.

- It's only reasonable that many Bible commentators have pulled from prior commentators, *especially* within the same or parent denomination.

## 14th Century

Golden Chain Commentary on the Gospels

1. Thomas Aquinas - 1225-1323
2. Catholic, Interfaith
3. Expository
4. Matthew through John
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/gcc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Catena)

## 16th Century

Luther's Commentary on Galatians

1. Martin Luther - 1505-1546
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Lutheran)
3. Expository
4. Galatians
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mlg/galatians.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Luther)

Geneva Study Bible

1. Theodore Beza - 1560
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Lutheran)
3. Expository (short)
4. OT+NT
   - [bibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gsb/)
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/geneva-study-bible)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/theodore%20beza/geneva%20study%20bible)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/gsb.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Geneva)

Calvin's Commentary on the Bible

1. John Calvin - 1540-1564
2. Calvinist, Protestant (non-denominational)
3. Expository
4. Genesis through Joshua, Psalms, Isaiah through Malachi, Matthew through 1 John, Jude
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/calvin/)
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/john-calvin)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/john%20calvin/calvin's%20commentary%20on%20the%20bible)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/cal.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=CalvinCommentaries)

## 17th Century

Lapide's Great Biblical Commentary

1. Cornelius a Lapide - 1567-1637
2. Catholic (Roman Catholic), Interfaith
3. Expository
4. Matthew through John, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, 1-3 John
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/clc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Trapp's Complete Commentary

1. John Trapp - 1647-1662
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Anglican), Interfaith
3. Expository
4. OT, Matthew through Titus, Hebrews through Revelation
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/john-trapp-complete-commentary)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/john%20trapp/trapp's%20complete%20commentary)
   - [Blue Letter Bible](https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/trapp_john/)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jtc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Lightfoot's Commentary on the Gospels

1. John Lightfoot - 1630-1675
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Presbyterian)
3. Expository
4. Matthew through John
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/lightfoot/matthew/)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jlc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Lightfoot)

Owen's Exposition of Hebrews

1. John Owen - 1637-1683
2. Calvinist, Protestant (nonconformist)
3. Exegetical
4. Hebrews
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/joc/hebrews.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

1. Matthew Poole - 1657-1685
2. Protestant (nonconformist)
3. Exegetical (short)
4. OT+NT
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/) ([Intros](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/poole/))
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/matthew-poole-s-english-annotations-on-the-holy-bible)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/matthew%20poole/poole's%20english%20annotations%20on%20the%20holy%20bible)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mpc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Knollys' Commentary on Revelation

1. Hanserd Knollys - 1646-1691
2. Arminian, Protestant (Baptist)
3. Expository (short)
4. Revelation
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/hkc/revelation.html)

## 18th Century

Burkitt's Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the NT

1. William Burkitt - 1700-1703
2. Calvinism, Protestant (Anglican)
3. Expository
4. NT
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/wbc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Burkitt)

Henry's Commentary on the Bible

1. Matthew Henry - 1706-1710
2. Calvinist, Protestant (nonconformist)
3. Expository
4. OT+NT
   - Concise:
     - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/)
     - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/matthew-henry-s-concise-commentary-on-the-bible)
     - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/matthew%20henry/henry's%20concise%20commentary%20on%20the%20bible)
     - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhn.html)
     - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - Complete:
     - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/)
     - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/mhc)
     - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/matthew%20henry/henry's%20complete%20commentary%20on%20the%20bible)
     - [Blue Letter Bible](https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/mhc/)
     - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhm.html)
     - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
     - [Worthy.Bible](https://worthy.bible/commentaries/matthew-henry-commentary)

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament

1. Johann Albrecht Bengel - 1742
2. Protestant (Lutheran), [false prediction](theology-end-prophecies-2.md)
3. Exegetical
4. NT
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/bengel/matthew/1.htm)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jab.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

The Church Pulpit Commentary

1. James Nisbet - 1702-1756
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Church of Scotland)
3. Sermonic
4. OT+NT
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/)
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/james-nisbet-s-church-pulpit-commentary)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/james%20nisbet/the%20church%20pulpit%20commentary)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/cpc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Wesley's Explanatory Notes

1. John Wesley - 1754-1765
2. Arminian, Protestant (Wesleyan/Methodist), [false prediction](theology-end-prophecies-2.md)
3. Sermonic
4. OT, Matthew through Titus, Hebrews through Revelation
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/wes/)
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/wesley-s-explanatory-notes)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/john%20wesley/wesley's%20explanatory%20notes)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/wen.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Wesley)

Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

1. John Gill - 1718-1771
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Baptist)
3. Expository
4. OT+NT
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/)
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/john-gill)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/john%20gill/gill's%20exposition%20of%20the%20whole%20bible)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/geb.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [Worthy.Bible](https://worthy.bible/commentaries/john-gills-exposition-of-the-bible)

Brown's Commentary on Selected Book of the Bible

1. John Brown - 1722-1787
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Presbyterian)
3. Expository (short)
4. Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Hosea, Jonah, Ephesians, Revelation
   - [Blue Letter Bible](https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/brown_john/)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jbs.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

## 1800-1839

Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

1. Thomas Coke - 1802
2. Arminian, Protestant (Wesleyan/Methodist)
3. Exegetical
4. OT+NT
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/thomas-coke-commentary-on-the-holy-bible)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/thomas%20coke/coke's%20commentary%20on%20the%20holy%20bible)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tcc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Scott's Explanatory Notes, Practical Observations on the book Psalms

1. Thomas Scott - 1804
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Anglican)
3. Expository
4. Psalms
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/tsp/psalms.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments

1. Joseph Benson - 1811-1818
2. Arminian, Protestant (Wesleyan/Methodist)
3. Expository
4. OT+NT
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/) ([Intros](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/benson/))
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/joseph-benson-s-commentary-of-the-old-and-new-testaments)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/joseph%20benson/benson's%20commentary%20of%20the%20old%20and%20new%20testaments)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/rbc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

1. Robert Hawker - 1792-1827
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Anglican)
3. Expository
4. OT+NT
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/hawker-s-poor-man-s-commentary)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/robert%20hawker/hawker's%20poor%20man's%20commentary)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/pmc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Watson's Exposition/Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke & Romans

1. Richard Watson - 1796-1833
2. Arminian, Protestant (Wesleyan/Methodist)
3. Expository
4. Matthew, Mark, Luke, Romans
   - Commentary:
     - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/wat.html)
   - Expositions:
     - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/rwc.html)

Clarke's Commentary

1. Adam Clarke - 1831
2. Arminian, Protestant (Wesleyan/Methodist)
3. Exegetical
4. OT+NT
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/)
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/adam-clarke)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/adam%20clarke/clarke's%20commentary)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Clarke)

Meyer's Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament

1. Heinrich Meyer - 1832
2. Calvinism, Protestant (Lutheran)
3. Exegetical - Expository (Critical)
4. NT
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/meyer/matthew/1.htm) ([Intros](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/meyer/))
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/hmc.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Simeon's Horae Homileticae

1. Charles Simeon - 1782-1836
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Anglican)
3. Expository
4. OT, Matthew through 1 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/charles-simeon-s-horae-homileticae)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/charles%20simeon/simeon's%20horae%20homileticae)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/shh.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

1. Albert Barnes - 1830-1839
2. Calvinist, Protestant (Presbyterian)
3. Exegetical
4. OT (most)+NT
   - [BibleHub](https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/)
   - [Bible Portal](https://www.bibleportal.com/commentary/albert-barnes-notes-on-the-whole-bible)
   - [Bible Tools](https://bibletools.io/commentaries/en/albert%20barnes/barnes'%20notes%20on%20the%20whole%20bible)
   - [StudyLight](https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb.html)
   - [TAtS (grouped)](https://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/commentaries/index.php)
   - [SWORD module (NT only)](https://crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Barnes)