How many commentaries are enough?

I just picked up Boice's commentaries and EBC (old school version) mainly just to replace dead tree versions with Logos ones. It got me thinking, just how many commentaries are enough? I generally use about 4 or 5 and have others that are more technical or specialized for difficult texts. After adding these two to my Logos Library, I probably will not buy any more sets, just individual volumes here and there. I guess it only took me 10 years to get all of the ones I want in Logos, but it made me wonder how many everyone else uses on average and if they will buy more just to have more in Logos?

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

Paul C

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611246#Comment_611246

A commentator, if commentating correctly, can not commentate incorrectly; else how could you trust his or her commentating.

My post was tongue in cheek. I certainly hope yours is too. Otherwise we have some discussing to do. [;)]

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611278#Comment_611278

Yes, George, sitting in a window sill would seem to violate the sit-on-the-floor rule. But it may well be that early Christian seminaries allowed window-sill sitting. This could have been verbal guidance; not written. And yes, I'll fess up ... I wasn't able to pass the entrance exams at CTS.

But, as I mentioned to Super, and having chatted with mucho Christians over the years, the broad majority (99.99%?) pretty much dance with the one that brought them. My comment that you quoted was relative to these folks (and my poor wording).

And continuing concerning 'truth', I very much doubt one could demonstrate that 'truth' is determinable by human beings. Humans aren't divine. The same is similarly true on recognizing a divine one. And don't get offended ... I'm simply pointing out even in the OT/NT, the humans often didn't 'get it', even with 'amazing works'.

And MJ ... I'd LOVE to have a commentary by a philologist, a rhetorician, a historian, a social scientist, a linguist, a structuralist, a literary theorist or so on. Wow! Wouldn't that be great. Unfortunately (and thanks to Logos), we're limited to a random sequence of articles in the various journals. You're too far ahead of your time!

I've been thinking about similar question as I train ministry workers in a developing country and I'm reminded of quote from Kierkegaard as food for thought:

"Above all, read the New Testament without a commentary... Every commentary detracts. He who sits with ten open commentaries and read the Holy Scriptures - well, he is probably writing the eleventh, but he deals with Scripture contra naturam".

I would apply it to the OT studies as well. You could possibly argue that its an overstatement and he becomes even more pointed against Christian scholarship, but it does make me think hard whether I really do need another commentary and whether having more is actually a good thing.

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611310#Comment_611310

I've been thinking about similar question as I train ministry workers in a developing country and I'm reminded of quote from Kierkegaard as food for thought:

"Above all, read the New Testament without a commentary... Every commentary detracts. He who sits with ten open commentaries and read the Holy Scriptures - well, he is probably writing the eleventh, but he deals with Scripture contra naturam".

I would apply it to the OT studies as well. You could possibly argue that its an overstatement and he becomes even more pointed against Christian scholarship, but it does make me think hard whether I really do need another commentary and whether having more is actually a good thing.

Yes and no. Too many commentaries can muddy the situation, but we must remember that we are reading texts in a different language written at a time vastly removed from our own with customs differing from ours. Sometimes a little help is needed.

Lee

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611310#Comment_611310

I've been thinking about similar question as I train ministry workers in a developing country

That fact alone throws up a whole spectrum of considerations. Balance and much wisdom are needed. Sometimes the relative lack of economic means and other resources turns out to be a blessing! Sometimes, not.

Ironically, Kierkegaard was writing within an entirely different milieu, and in an environment of excess. I would apply his comment with care.

Broad rule of thumb: do what you can to bring your friends closer to God's will, do not forget to learn from them too, and always pray much.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611310#Comment_611310

"Above all, read the New Testament without a commentary... Every commentary detracts. He who sits with ten open commentaries and read the Holy Scriptures - well, he is probably writing the eleventh, but he deals with Scripture contra naturam".

I always assume that people read without a commentary or at most only a minimal commentary to ensure basic understanding. Why do I assume that? Because that is the common experience in my tradition ... you tell the recent converts by their stack of commentaries. However, I also assume that most Bible study leaders need to read commentaries and background material in order to be able to answer others' questions.

Whyndell Grizzard

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611335#Comment_611335

If the Bible is the Word of God, inspired or written by the unction or direction of the Spirit of God (i.e. Holy Spirit) would He not by virtue of the Word alone draw and teach us? even without commentaries? AHHH! but we're directed that...

"11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."

So teachers have an important place- but they are not God- but His servants, like all of us His children. So where does this leave us- read the verses again- balance Brethern, balance- Christ

This was a reminder to myself today- I needed it- badly.

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611337#Comment_611337

If the Bible is the Word of God, inspired or written by the unction or direction of the Spirit of God (i.e. Holy Spirit) would He not by virtue of the Word alone draw and teach us? even without commentaries? AHHH! but we're directed that...

"11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."

So teachers have an important place- but they are not God- but His servants, like all of us His children. So where does this leave us- read the verses again- balance Brethern, balance- Christ

This was a reminder to myself today- I needed it- badly.

Oh, please spare me. "Study to show yourself approved unto God …" It doesn't come magically by infusion.

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611337#Comment_611337

If the Bible is the Word of God, inspired or written by the unction or direction of the Spirit of God (i.e. Holy Spirit) would He not by virtue of the Word alone draw and teach us? even without commentaries?

[Y] Balance? Yes, balance.

Whyndell Grizzard

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611341#Comment_611341

If the Bible is the Word of God, inspired or written by the unction or direction of the Spirit of God (i.e. Holy Spirit) would He not by virtue of the Word alone draw and teach us? even without commentaries? AHHH! but we're directed that...

"11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."

So teachers have an important place- but they are not God- but His servants, like all of us His children. So where does this leave us- read the verses again- balance Brethern, balance- Christ

This was a reminder to myself today- I needed it- badly.

Oh, please spare me. "Study to show yourself approved unto God …" It doesn't come magically by infusion.

It doesn't- hmmm! depends on Who does the infusing doesn't it George? Spare you- no- get a life jerk- you don't know me nor I you so spare me your moronic crap!

Paul C

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611347#Comment_611347

I feel the Love![:D]

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611347#Comment_611347

If the Bible is the Word of God, inspired or written by the unction or direction of the Spirit of God (i.e. Holy Spirit) would He not by virtue of the Word alone draw and teach us? even without commentaries? AHHH! but we're directed that...Spare you- no- get a life jerk- you don't know me nor I you so spare me your moronic crap!

You may be taught by the spirit, but somehow I don't think it was the Spirit of God—perhaps the spirit of Jack Daniels. "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self-control."

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611347#Comment_611347

so spare me your

reported as inappropriate name calling. Keep your theology on ChristianDiscourse and your name calling outside the range of parental figures. ... And, yes, I know George is provocative not innocent.

Unix

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611367#Comment_611367

There is a thread where I welcome new contributions. It's off-site. The site is free (but if You want to get rid of ads and get a bigger PM box You can pay a fee - I usually pay that fee): Practical Commentary on Scripture
Latest post:
Goodbye!

Silent Sam

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611389#Comment_611389

[^o)] HHHMMMmmm~~~ [^o)]

Lee

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611441#Comment_611441

That's a very pregnant hmmmmmm. You're much wiser than you let on, silent one!

Paul C

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611447#Comment_611447

[Y]

Paolo russo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611556#Comment_611556

Too much anger here: was the question originally wrong?

I mean, instead of "How many commentaries are enough", should we ask "How much a new commentary add to the previous collection that you have? When a new commentary doesn't increment your studies' abilities?"

Sometime I feel that the negativity comes from a subconscious reaction to a (not clear) negative question.

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611688#Comment_611688

Subconscous reaction to 'too many commentaries'?? Well, ok.

I think it has more to do with a group of Christians that aren't aware of just how wide their respective beliefs are strewed. We learned that (or at least I did) with Logos embracing a sizable Catholic customer-base. I'm still trying to grasp that in the 2nd Temple period with jews.

But what subconciously bothers me the most is Silent Sam being so loquacious. Obvious example: what I call 'the Four Threes' (yes, a silent but powerful statement on what's known as the four threes theology, long believed to have been disenfranchised in the early 13th century at Acco). The doubling of m's relative to h's, suggesting breathing out is a big no-no. And the secret 'handshake' of '~~~' that other forumites can't easily duplicate without using the shift key. It's so obvious, I wonder why it's subconscious.

Silent Sam

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611716#Comment_611716

But what subconciously bothers me the most is Silent Sam being so loquacious.

[^o)] HHHMMMmmm~~~ [^o)]

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611688#Comment_611688

Too much anger here: was the question originally wrong?

There was nothing wrong with the original question. The negativity was all carry on baggage that originated in other threads.

Dan Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611730#Comment_611730

Not only is there nothing wrong with the original question but it is an extremely good one. Everyone is different. Some people want nothing more than to study the Bible text alone (although to a point every translation is a commentary as are many lexicons). Those people ignore the wisdom of the Church's 2000 years of study of the scripture, the old saying is true. We can see so far and so well only because we stand on the shoulders of giants. We remember Quoleth's words: “Of anything beyond these, my child, beware. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12 NRSV). And we well disagree, but in the end there is a wisdom there, most of us can only use so many books daily. Logos becomes a more powerful tool when you add more books. But each one has to decide for themselves how many are enough. I am for the most part trying to say I have enough and just trying to complete series as volumes become available. That said a preacher may come along and look at my Library and state fine start but you need x y and z. While a scholar may come along and say you never a b and c. The point is for me my Library contains what I need. It is indeed a personal question with likely as many answers as there are users. But it is a question we should all ask ourselves.

-Dan

Everett Headley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611757#Comment_611757

I guess my point with my original question was that I do indeed have all the commentaries I want at this time. This mainly means commentary sets. I will, as needed, and as new scholarship comes along, add individual commentaries. I at any given time will consult 5-8 commentaries for a sermon, each having a different approach and content. I have probably over 20 commentaries for each book of the Bible, more if the classics are added. For me, the real triumph was that after 10 years I am finally completely digital with my commentaries. EBC and Boice were the last ones. Finally.

As an aside, I deeply am disappointed with the level of aggression and general lack of love for each other, especially in this thread. It really makes me wish this forum was monitored in a way that would end that kind of treatment.

Lonnie Spencer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611790#Comment_611790

As an aside, I deeply am disappointed with the level of aggression and general lack of love for each other, especially in this thread. It really makes me wish this forum was monitored in a way that would end that kind of treatment.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611790#Comment_611790

For me, the real triumph was that after 10 years I am finally completely digital with my commentaries.

Praise God. What a blessing.

It really makes me wish this forum was monitored in a way that would end that kind of treatment.

It isn't and it won't be. [:'(]

Whyndell Grizzard

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611367#Comment_611367

so spare me your

reported as inappropriate name calling. Keep your theology on ChristianDiscourse and your name calling outside the range of parental figures. ... And, yes, I know George is provocative not innocent.

This is why I stay off this forum as much as possible- report all you want, kick me if you like, will not keep me awake at night.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611862#Comment_611862

I think a different question could be, is it even possible to have too many? I am thinking not. As long as there are commentaries out there that I don't have (and I have hundreds), then there are questions I haven't thought of and answers to investigate. I do try to avoid the theological fringes however. I suppose there has to be a line somewhere.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611862#Comment_611862

will not keep me awake at night.

nor will the forums keep me awake at night. Unfortunately, however, there are Logos users who are hesitant to come online to ask legitimate questions because of the disrespect shown. I do want them to learn to use and enjoy Logos as well.

Dan Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611864#Comment_611864

I think a different question could be, is it even possible to have too many? I am thinking not.

The one instance where one can have too many is if you end up with so many that it scares you to dig deeper since you don't want to be overwhelmed. Now for most users this will not be an issue, but I know some people could have too much.

-Dan

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611951#Comment_611951

May I never find my self out of curiosity.

Better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

One can always simply not read /every/ commentary on a given subject.

Paul Strickert

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611862#Comment_611862

This is why I stay off this forum as much as possible- report all you want, kick me if you like, will not keep me awake at night.

I hear you, Whyndell. I have long noticed a double standard on the forums. Some people get reported for the least infraction; others get (for all intents and purposes) a free pass for their chronic "provocative" behavior.

Scott Groethe

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611227#Comment_611227

This subject came alive to me when a year ago was with a Christian best friend of mine for the better part of week. We hadn't spent much extended time with each since we were both saved in the late 1970's. He's a no commentary guy, I am a commentary guy. Didn't feel like getting into the topic with him, and why?

If there are learning styles, if there are at least four basic personalities (David Keirsey Please Understand Me) then we will all disagree on this. I've seen enough videos and read enough posts from Mark Barnes to say I am more like him. Everyone will be different, results will vary.

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/612015#Comment_612015

I've seen enough videos and read enough posts from Mark Barnes to say I am more like him.

That is nice. Mark Barnes' preaching is humble and authoritative. He knows how to use commentaries.

Willard Scott

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/611954#Comment_611954

This is why I stay off this forum as much as possible- report all you want, kick me if you like, will not keep me awake at night.

I hear you, Whyndell. I have long noticed a double standard on the forums. Some people get reported for the least infraction; others get (for all intents and purposes) a free pass for their chronic "provocative" behavior.

This surprises Y'all?

Matthew C Jones

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/612068#Comment_612068

This surprises Y'all?

Not really. But reporting doesn't mean much since the moderating is done by Logos. We have no way of knowing what gets reported and what doesn't. If Logos finds something objectionable enough I guess they will delete posts or lock a thread. They have only banned a handful of users.

David Ames

It got me thinking, just how many commentaries are enough?

How many? Found this tidbit on how many in a commentary on Revelation:

""Given that many other commentaries on Revelation are available, a legitimate question is: Why yet another? (...)

First, no one Bible reader or student will ever see the words of God in exactly the same way. Our minds are so unique and individual— our perspectives so singularly our own— that no two people will draw from a verse or passage exactly the same insights. Were that not true, we could all settle for hearing only one sermon our entire lives on the Second Coming of Jesus, as no one else would have anything to add. But the fact is that we can hear our 479th sermon on the Second Coming and still say to ourselves afterward, I never thought of that before!""

So that writer supports 479 [or more] on each subject / book.