How to Use a Commentary

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Lesson Three -- How to Use a Commentary

Q:  You have mentioned that commentaries can be helpful in Bible Study, but how do you use one without getting lost in all the "technical" language?

A:  It depends on the commentary; use a less "technical" commentary.

Explanation:

Commentaries are written to explain and illuminate the Bible; some are written for scholars (who understand the Biblical languages, cultural significance, and controversies), while others are written for "lay-men" or Bible students.

Commentaries somewhat works on a similar scale to Bible Translations; some are more exact/detailed and some are focused more on the message/meaning -- this is the type of commentary you want!

My suggested pick for Bible Study is the New International Version Application Commentary (NIVAC).  It focuses on both the historical meaning of the text, but also discusses how those concepts translate to today's world and how they can be applied.

Here is an example of the commentary on the book of Hebrews (George H. Guthrie).

Here, you can see that the larger section of text is broken down into paragraphs (or smaller sections) and explained.

If you are looking for something slightly more technical, the Encountering the Bible Series is also good.

This is an example of Encountering John (Andreas Kostenberger).

Like the NIVAC, this series also breaks up larger passages into paragraphs (or smaller sections).

So how do I find the right commentary for me?

Unfortunately, this can sometimes be hit-or-miss.  While I recommend these two commentary series for personal Bible Study, I don't personally agree with every viewpoint in every commentary of either series.  Even the "technical" commentaries I use sometimes argue for an interpretation or viewpoint with which I do not agree; however, many of these "disagreements" are over minor things, not doctrinal issues.

No matter which commentary (or series) you choose, just remember to read it with a grain of salt.  Most are going to help you see the Bible more clearly.  If you feel really lost on what to use, talk to your pastor and get a recommendation.

Remember:  commentaries are simply a tool to help you, not an "answer key" or guide book on what is right or wrong.  Study the Bible for yourself, then consult a commentary.

A Look Inside My Binder

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Lesson Two -- A Look Inside My Binder

Q:  How do you keep all your notes and lists organized while you do a Bible Study?

A:  I use a binder!!!

Explanation:
If you've been reading my blog, you know how quickly notes and lists can pile up!  For me, I keep all my notes in a binder (along with a printed copy of the book I'm studying).

At the front, I keep my Overview Sheet

 Then I keep pages of my lists and notes

In the back, I keep my copy of the book for markings (with a wide right margin and plenty of space between lines)

I also keep some loose-leaf pages in the back so I can grab a new page whenever I need one!

So how do I make a binder for myself?
As you can see, I just have loose-leaf paper in a binder!  You can easily do the same thing yourself, or even just use a notebook.  I prefer the binder to a notebook so that I can add in pages in any order, not just in the order of study.  I can also add in illustrations, sermon notes, and other information quickly and easily.

You can use a binder or notebook for each study you do (culminating in a binder/notebook on each Bible book), or you can keep you studies on the computer and just use the binder for active studies (which is my preferred method).  Personally, I love the freedom of Microsoft OneNote for creating a digital notebook to store my studies.

After marking my printed copies, I often transfer the markings to my Bible.  I may mark every occurrence of the author or recipient during my study, but only a few occurrences in my Bible.  Likewise, I may find a marking too over- or understated and change it before transferring.  This way, I have more control over what is permanently marked in my Bible.

Bible Translations

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Lesson One -- Bible Translations

Q:  So what's the real difference between Bible Translations?  Don't they basically all say the same thing?

A:  Yes and No ;)

Explanation:
While the main concept in most translations are similar, the purpose behind translating dictates the differences you will find.  While most differences are in word choice and grammatical sequencing, almost all translations can be divided into three main types:  literal, dynamic, and free.

Line 1 is original translation; line 2 is revisions

The literal type of translation follows the original language as closely as possible, mainly in word choice and grammar.  The dynamic type attempts to keep the same words and grammar as the original language, but "updates" to a more modern understanding of idioms and phrases.  The free translation focuses more on translating the idea rather than the words or meaning of the original language.

So how do we know what translation to use?
While I prefer more literal translations (NASB/ESV), the best range for study is actually the dynamic range (ESV/NIV).

The argument for this is that the literal can be too literal and make it difficult for readers to understand the text, while the free is a loose form of interpretation rather than translation.  Though, both literal and free translations can be helpful secondary sources while studying to assist in determining ether original form (literal) or meaning (free).

For more information on Bible Translations, check out the book How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Fee and Stuart (Zondervan, 2003).  The chart used is from the book (p. 42), as well as some of the material summarizing the types of translations.

Additional Information
Not all translations are "safe" to use.  There are several translations that have changed or diverted the original text in order to fit with some modern beliefs, such as evolution, homosexuality, feminism, and racism.  Check with your pastor or local Christian Bookstore if you are unsure about the translation you have.  The popular translations (like those listed in our chart) are my recommended "safe" choices, regardless of denomination or other beliefs.

What's Next?

Hey everyone!

I hope you enjoyed studying Colossians with me these last nine weeks!!!

This week, I will not be posting any new material because...

...next week I will begin hosting a special three-week seminar!!!

Join me next week as we go over some of the basic tools and information needed to enhance your personal Bible study!!!

We will be covering:
-- the difference between Bible translations
-- making the most of your study tools
-- how to use a concordance
-- how to use lexicons and language tools
-- the importance of historical background and setting

and more!!!

I am so excited about this "seminar," and I hope you are too!!!

It all begins Monday, June 16 with a lesson on Bible Translations!

You can also sign up to receive the posts via e-mail by filling out the box to the right!  All these great tips will go straight to your inbox!!!

Better Bible Study Index

Week 1:  The Basics
Day 1 -- Bible Translations
Day 2 -- A Look in my Binder
Day 3 -- How to Use a Commentary
Day 4 -- Literary Genres of the Old Testament
Day 5 -- Literary Genres of the New Testament

Week 2:  Word Studies
Day 1 -- How to Use a Concordance
Day 2 -- Using the Concordance Lexicon
Day 3 -- Original Language Tools
Day 4 -- Cross-Referencing your Word
Day 5 -- Completing your Word Study

Week 3:  Historical Setting and Background
Day 1 -- How to Use a Bible Dictionary
Day 2 -- The Purpose of a Bible Atlas
Day 3 -- Old Testament and New Testament Surveys
Day 4 -- The Intertestamental Period and Church History
Day 5 -- Period Studies