Too much information - Commentaries

Let´s say I’m going to dig deeper in the gospel of Mark.

At first glance, there are about 130 Commentaries on Mark around - only in English language! About 15 more will be released sooner or later (in English).

I’m not even considering essays on special topics.

Is there anyone - professor, scholar, hobbyist… - who has a meaningful overview over all that is written? There is John Dyer’s website, yes. But frankly, who ever writes a new commentary cannot (or can?) take into account what others before him/her have come up with? Won’t that lead to re-invent the wheel various times?

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Carmen Gauvin-O'Donnell

Well certainly, since I have over 7000 books, it really isn't difficult to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of info that returns for searches.

But isn't that why we prioritize our books? So that as we seek information, our favourite commentary, dictionary, whatever comes back with stuff to begin with?

One thing you could do though, if you're trying to find out more about commentaries for a particular book of the Bible is to go to http://www.bestcommentaries.com so that you can see what people are recommending for your particular book these days.

In my case for instance, I study using Precept Minstries' materials, and they always recommend 1 or 2 commentaries for each book which I will then use (or purchase if I don't have them).

Matt Hamrick

Let´s say I’m going to dig deeper in the gospel of Mark.

At first glance, there are about 130 Commentaries on Mark around - only in English language! About 15 more will be released sooner or later (in English).

I’m not even considering essays on special topics.

Is there anyone - professor, scholar, hobbyist… - who has a meaningful overview over all that is written? There is John Dyer’s website, yes. But frankly, who ever writes a new commentary cannot (or can?) take into account what others before him/her have come up with? Won’t that lead to re-invent the wheel various times?

So digging deeper for your own studies or preparing sermons? If your own studies you have time after doing your own work to read several Commentaries. Read your favorite and read those you disagree with. I don't take into account what others say until I finish my own work. I consult Commentary last.

scooter

Let´s say I’m going to dig deeper in the gospel of Mark.

At first glance, there are about 130 Commentaries on Mark around - only in English language! About 15 more will be released sooner or later (in English).

I’m not even considering essays on special topics.

May I make suggestions?? You are Catholic. Re Catholic New Testament introductions on Mark, as well as Catholic Markan commentaries: Put them up in a row; read each intro + highlight.

Matt suggested read the other guys. Buy Tom Constable's Notes on the Bible. If you do not like it return thru customer service within 30 days for a full refund. This is no-hassle.

Dr. Constable goes thru the whole Bible from a Protestant perspective. He quotes many, many other people. Mark chapter 1 has 160 subscript numbers. His complete Mark layout has 1012 such. His Markan biography is extensive.

His writing style is simple + understandable.

If I can use me as an example. My brother-in-law + I email back and forth thru a Bible book. I start with KJV Bible Commentary [Hindson,Kroll][Prot., not Reformed]. I am Reformed, so I check a couple of Reformed Study Bibles. Then I look at Constable for a longer entry, if needed.

I am a layman + study scripture every day. I have 40+ Markan commentaries. Yes, I should do Mark. I would use W Hendriksen [Reformed].

The best to you, NB.

Abram K-J

So many commentaries. Agreed.

I find it useful to ask, "What do I bring to my study?" and, "What am I looking for?"

If I bring a working Greek knowledge to the text, for example, that directs how I begin--spending time with text in Greek before even consulting commentaries. As scooter mentioned, if you're Catholic, consider that you're bringing that to the text. You have other identity categories you bring, as we all do. How might that influence what I read and what I need? (E.g., I might live a couple continents away from the original narrative and bring a lack of cultural-historical understanding, or be unwittingly imposing my own onto the text.)

Together with that I ask what I'm looking for--Greek exegesis? Historical background? Literary studies? Other types of biblical criticism? Comparison to other Gospel accounts as I read through Mark?

I try to do all this before opening up commentaries, and it actually ends up making my study more focused and efficient.

For what that's worth!

Baker Academic has an NT Commentary Survey and there's this new one from Nijay Gupta, too.

Justin Gatlin

The Exegetical Summary series gives an overview of each major commentary's position on each issue. The individual volumes are pretty cheap and often included in various base packages. When I can't understand how someone could arrive at a position, I open these and find someone respectable who did so that I can go get it from the horse's mouth.

https://www.logos.com/product/197853/sil-exegetical-summaries-series-siles

The broader problem you are talking about is definitely real, but generally the scholarly community has a consensus of which commentaries thoroughly address the state of the literature in their time, and you can use those as a springboards.

NichtnurBibelleser

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1289963#Comment_1289963

Thanks to everybody with a hint how to proceed.

The nucleus of my question was set in bold characters: Do the numerous new comments which are sprouting in the last decades consider the commentaries by other authors or does everyone have to reinvent the wheel for themselves?

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1289988#Comment_1289988

The nucleus of my question was set in bold characters: Do the numerous new comments which are sprouting in the last decades consider the commentaries by other authors or does everyone have to reinvent the wheel for themselves?

It depends on the type of commentary:

- Technical/critical commentaries do the most quoting of other writers, primarily where there is disagreement, or recent trends. And new technical often covers new ground

- Devotional commentaries tend to be author-specific relative to their home-denomination. Even though they might rehash, the author's approach can be unique.

- Expository commentaries do tend to rehash, but like devotionals, can be a unique perspective

- Background commentaries vary by depth; and rehash.

You didn't ask, but how useful are older commentaries? Technical/critical tend to become stale .... new info becomes available, and often there's more depth. But the other types can be quite useful. My old favorites are in the late 1800s, and then the church fathers commentaries (exact wording).

Ronald Quick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1289989#Comment_1289989

@DMB.

So I have to ask, what are you favorite commentaries from the 1800's?

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1289988#Comment_1289988

Do the numerous new comments which are sprouting in the last decades consider the commentaries by other authors or does everyone have to reinvent the wheel for themselves?

I would suggest a different perspective. First, think of your commentaries as creating a network where each individual commentary is connected to all the other commentaries that influenced it (or more easily recognized quotes, footnotes, recommends for further reading). Then prioritize your reading to include your favorite among those that have many connections. [Note denomination and methodology can also be explicitly considered as connections.]

Second, think of the focus of your commentaries as spread over the possible methodologies. Remember that methodologies serve as lens that amplify particular aspects of the book understanding. Pick your reading to include lens of particular interest to you or to include lens your are weak in and need to focus on to overcome your weakness.

Third, think of your commentaries as spear across a timeline of Christian theology (denominations). You may want to select commentaries that offer to help you build an understanding of a passage's influence over time, or in a particular time period, or in a particular theological emphasis.

Fourth, for teachers, you may need to specifically consider the commentaries your participates are using so that you are prepared for their questions.

Finally, your commentaries that didn't make the cut for any of the above reasons i.e. most of your commentaries, use your searches to answer specific questions to determine when they might be of use.

Looking at it from this perspective, you'll see that nearly all of your commentaries are useful for particular cases but that your focus will usually be on only a handful or less.

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1289997#Comment_1289997

@DMB.

So I have to ask, what are you favorite commentaries from the 1800's?

Well, right there at the top is Westcott and then Hort, plus Ellicott and Alford. Cambridge Bible I include on my commentaries page of my layout. Then, Lightfoot, who is almost by himself, for spurious-Ignatius. Actually, there's so many from that period. Early ICC's authors also showed up in the Hastings series which I also have on my Dictionary page of my layout.

They had an appreciation for tight reasoning. Ok, ok, not Alford's Law.

I just ran into Meyer again ... goodness we got that set cheap. His intros are good, and commentary, if slow-going (limited formatting). He was almost unique in referring to the Armenian Vulgate.

Ronald Quick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1290015#Comment_1290015

Thanks. I'll have to see which of those are in my library.

David Thomas

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1289988#Comment_1289988

Do the numerous new comments which are sprouting in the last decades consider the commentaries by other authors

In addition to Justin's recommendation of Exegetical Summaries to highlight issues to look for in comments, I also use Lexham Research Commentary if it is available for the book I am preaching. LRC has a more current publication date than ES so it often highlights newer adaptations of the "invention of the wheel"

Christian Alexander

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1290137#Comment_1290137

I agree with everyone on the forum. I tend to not look at those who "reinvent the wheel." I look for what I am studying, ie Greek vs literary vs historical vs advanced studies. Harvard Library has a good resource online I use a lot. https://guides.library.harvard.edu/hds/biblical-studies/hds/biblical-studies-commentaries Pay more attention to individual volumes than sets. All sets are usually at least slightly unequal; some titles in the set will inevitably be of far inferior quality than others, even though some sets are fantastic and look really great on a bookshelf. Purchasing the greatest one or two commentaries on each book of the Bible is the best plan of action for a modest library (and a modest budget). To locate the best commentary, utilize the resources that are available. It is advisable to rely on the knowledge of others while acquiring feedback, especially for your initial books. No two individuals will completely agree on whatever commentary. https://online.sbts.edu/blog/research-quick-guide-commentaries Go through a variety of commentaries. I do not limit myself to my study commentary on the Bible. Every academic and spiritual genius has a unique perspective on the Bible. Obtaining diverse viewpoints and utilizing them to expand your understanding of God is amazing. I used to feel that everything in my beliefs required an explanation. to be fully informed. I now see how beautiful the unknown may be. among the inquiries. whilst grappling. Although commentaries are an excellent resource, nothing beats using critical thinking and asking God to enter your studies in order for Him to show you new realities. Make sure you take some time to reflect on your own life and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. How can I find when others have reinvented the wheel without having to read 100+ commentaries?