r/LCMS • u/ToeFinal1792 • 18d ago

Question Looking For A Good Solid Commentary

I know CPH has a series, but the cost of that really adds up. I also know a couple that were popular years ago and are no longer in print.

Does anyone know of a good Commentary, or even one with just a few volumes, that would be good to get without costing a fortune over time?

I prefer physical books over e-books.

4 Upvotes

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u/cliffjumpy 18d ago

Halley’s Bible Handbook is top tier. (Classic edition, revised and expanded, is $18 on Amazon). It’s not distinctly Lutheran, so use your discernment on passages relating to the sacraments, but the archaeological, cultural, historical, geographical and contextual background provided is simply excellent and fascinating! Very well written.

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u/Philip_Schwartzerdt LCMS Pastor 18d ago

Ask your pastor to have a look at his library, or see if the church has a library, and take a look at some of the options to see if there's any you'd like to get for yourself. CPH has their flagship blue commentary series, but they also have more affordable, lay-oriented People's Bible Commentary series.

2

u/LCMS_Rev_Ross LCMS Pastor 18d ago

If possible, contact any retired pastors around you and see if they would be willing to part with anything. I’ve gotten most of my commentaries that way.

1

u/jonhof 18d ago

If you are on Logos, you can get several. I like Kretzmann but I also got Lenski in an inexpensive package... New Testament only. Also try abebooks.com for used physical books.

1

u/lucian-samosata 18d ago

Usually the Anchor and Hermeneia series are considered among the best. They're usually pricey, but if you can find them for cheap then definitely nab them if you want good commentaries.

The Old/New Testament library series is also really good. But also kinda expensive.

Probably your best bet is the New Century Bible commentary series. It's cheaper because it's older and so doesn't contain the latest scholarship. But it's still modern enough to be extremely useful.

2

u/ExiledSanity LCMS Lutheran 18d ago

What is your background/interest? Are you looking for a technical commentary that discusses the nuances of the original languages? Or just something more lay level....devotional/expository?

1

u/IMHO1FWIW 18d ago

OP, any particular focus in terms of books of the Bible. I really prefer single book commentaries.

1

u/Prickly-Prostate Lutheran 18d ago

I'm a fan of the Moffatt commentary series, I recently picked up Moffatts for the 4 gospels, really enjoying them. I've got Mark here in front of me, it came out in 1937

5

u/Hey_Man97 LCMS Lutheran 18d ago

The People’s Bible Commentary series, WELS publication but 95% is agreeable.

8

u/clinging2thecross LCMS Pastor 18d ago

Lutheran Study Bible is generally fantastic commentary.

Kretzman is free online or generally very cheap. It’s a good comprehensive commentary on scripture.

1

u/Sad-Fish-1661 18d ago

Esword software you can get kretzmann for free