The Explanatory Bible, or Commentary on All Books of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is a significant work by Aleksandr Pavlovich Lopukhin (1852-1904), a Russian Orthodox biblical scholar and theologian. This comprehensive Bible commentary was published in 12 volumes between 1904 and 1913 in St. Petersburg.
Key features of Lopukhin's Explanatory Bible include:
Comprehensive coverage: It provides commentary on all books of the Old and New Testaments.
Scholarly approach: Lopukhin was a professor of ancient history and comparative theology at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, bringing academic rigor to the work.
Historical context: The commentary aims to present biblical history in light of the latest research and discoveries of its time.
Popularity and influence: It became a major Eastern Orthodox commentary, widely used and respected in Russian-speaking Orthodox communities.
Accessibility: Lopukhin was known for his ability to popularize theological literature, making complex concepts understandable to a broader audience.
Continued relevance: The commentary has been reprinted multiple times and remains an important resource for Russian-speaking Christians.
While the Explanatory Bible is a significant work in Russian Orthodox biblical scholarship, it is important to note that as of 2025, there does not appear to be an English translation available. The commentary remains primarily accessible to Russian-speaking readers and scholars.
