The Oxford Bible Commentary

by John Barton (Editor), John Muddiman (Editor)

Whether you see the Bible as the living word of God, or as a highly significant document from the ancient world, or as one of the classic works of world literature, The Oxford Bible Commentary will put in your hands everything you need to study and understand the biblical text.

Here is a monumental, line-by-line critical commentary on the Bible, covering all the books that appear in the NRSV. An essential reference work, this definitive book provides authoritative, non-denominational commentary written by an international team of more than 70 leading scholars from various religious backgrounds. Incorporating the latest research, the contributors examine the books of the Bible in exhaustive detail, taking a historical-critical approach that attempts to shed light on the scriptures by placing them in the context in which their first audiences would have encountered them, asking how they came to be composed and what were the purposes of their authors. The Commentary includes a general introduction, extensive introductions to both testaments and the Apocrypha, and briefer introductions to the particular books, plus an essay with commentary on important post-biblical Jewish and Christian literature. Each article concludes with a bibliography that points the
reader toward the most important supplemental works in English, including major reference works, introductions, and so forth.

A truly stunning work of biblical scholarship, The Oxford Bible Commentary will be an invaluable resource for pastors preparing a sermon, for students, for those in study or discussion groups, and indeed for anyone--whether Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox Christian--who seeks a clearer perspective on a text that has been held in reverence for thousands of years. The OBC features a Logos Library System CD-ROM that, once unlocked, gives the reader access to its text and that of the New Revised Standard Version Bible. The CD is fully compatible with all Logos products.

Genres: Reference, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Theology, Biblical Studies, Judaism

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

John Barton is Oriel & Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford. His publications include The Theology of the Book of Amos (Cambridge University Press, 2012) and Oracles of God: Perceptions of Ancient Prophecy in Israel after the Exile (2007).

For the Canadian poet, see John Barton.

Reviews

[Strp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have certainly not read this book, because it's 1400 pages approximately, but I have found it an indispensable book to refer to. It's a no nonsense commentary to the bible. No apologetic drivel, no vague Christian liberal idiocy, but a thorough and informative commentary it is. What I especially liked of what I've read sofar is the the end of Matthew, where the commentary shows quite clearly how he makes up a lot of answers to the Jewish sceptics to the resurrection for apologetical reasons.

Perfect for Atheists and others who want scholarly opinions on bible passages that aren't subjective straw clutching.

[Nicholas Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the commentary page by page along side the King James for an entire summer 4 or so years ago. I took on this project to clear my eyes from the slant that K-12 Xian school places on that so easily misused ancient string of texts. I'm glad I did it during college since I wouldn't have the time to take on such work now. Since each book entry is done by a different author, some books are commentated on better than others. I didn't hack through the NT (took a good class on it instead), but what I saw when I looked through the chapters on the gospels didn't impress me. For general use, though, I'd recommend reading through each of the book's introductions for getting a well-balanced understanding of what the Bible is really comprised of.

[Kirk Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Bauckham’s contribution on a Revelation in this volume. A solid concise commentary, packed with quality info in a tight space. A good companion or supplement to his more topically organized theology of Revelation. (3 stars = “I liked it; above average”).

[Taylor Swift Scholar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was tremendously helpful as I made my way through the Bible.

[L W · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely helpful resource I keep returning to.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for just ONE reference book for the Bible, this is the one to buy. It has an extraordinary amount of in depth research, analysis and commentary by renowned scholars and theologians. Frankly, I don't know how anyone could truly understand the Bible without this guidebook - I found it indispensable.

[Tony Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read all of it, but only the parts that had to do with my interest. As a non-Christian, it was very neutral and informative. Compared to other commentaries it stuck to the academic without the dogma.

[Anders Brabaek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an invaluable reference guide when you want to understand this or that in the bible from a literary, historical or political perspective.

[Kingsley Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely outstanding reference on this subject.

[Amy]

well, i'll finish this one later..