The Purpose Of A Biblical Commentary

 

I have wondered to myself of late, if I were asked to define what a biblical commentary is, what I would say. Commentaries have been around for many centuries, prior to the time of Christ, and many, many capable (or incapable) men and women have sought to expound on God’s word. But this avoids the initial question: what is a biblical commentary? I believe the terms commentary and exposition are identically interchangeable. An exposition means that we are attempting to draw something out of the text, expanding and explaining it in finer detail. In the case of biblical exegesis I would also add using Scripture as the framework for this project, because the Bible answers to itself, being internally harmonious.

So what is a commentary? In layman’s terms it is an author that contributes comments (read: insights/opinions) about the material being read. To exposit the Bible, could be defined as:  “add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing.” The commentator’s job then is to clarify the material, to bring obscure doctrine to light, to demonstrate how certain doctrines relate one to another, etc. In my own language I would say that a commentary/exposition should be a careful study of Scripture, comparing the Bible with itself to derive deeper or better understanding of the subject matter. These are, after all, the words of God Himself we are reading and all honor, respect, care, prayer, and reverence are due this book when anyone approaches it, thinking to be a teacher. Grim caution is necessary here because for every word misspoken we are accountable.

 

So what is the point of a commentary? I have read many commentaries in the last twenty years, give or take. Some have been profoundly insightful. Others have been solid. Others still dangerous with some good reflections mingled with fantastical or even heretical teachings. No matter the outcome, the point of a commentary is like someone throwing back the blinds on a window to let the reader see better. Obfuscation of the text is not our goal; we want to clarify, and give the reader ability to judge for him or herself if what is said is accurate, true, or useful. A genuine commentary has the reader’s benefit in mind, God’s glory, and the witness of Christ’s gospel. We ought to do all for the advancement of God’s kingdom, to glorify our Father in Heaven, to edify the saints, and to convict and convince the unsaved of their need of Jesus Christ.

 

The ancient Jewish Rabbis used to write what is called Midrash. The term Midrash, found twice in the Old Testament, describes a, “study, exposition, interpretation or discussion.” The term itself basically means to search. The ancient Rabbis were given a set of rules by Hillel the Elder regarding the proper logic behind constructing a Midrash. A form of the Midrash, known as a Targum, is sometimes cited in our own English Bibles as a textual authority for the translation of some of the text in the Old Testament. The Targums would have been used for contextual clarity when rendering a passage, since the Rabbinical pursuit of writing such a commentary was for the purpose of elucidating the biblical book it was written on. Likewise, the Qumran community employed similar techniques, writing subject matter quoting or alluding to a biblical text and then demonstrating it’s utility to contemporary readers. This sounds a good deal like our modern commentaries.

 

A second question may be posed: are expositions useful? They can be. Young Christians (spiritually, not physically, mind you) may benefit greatly from a well-written commentary. But there is the rub. A young Christian may also not be able to discern a good commentary from a bad one. One is meant to clarify and enlighten, the other (either through ignorance or deliberation) is meant to obfuscate or mislead the reader into the author’s own conjectures. This form of writing, termed eisegesis, means to put into the Bible our own opinions and prejudices, whereas exegesis, means to dig out the meaning of Scripture, allowing the word to speak for itself as a harmonious whole. Eisegesis is like the By-Path Meadow in The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan. It seems like a good way, but it ends in disappointment and error.

 

How do you know the good exposition from the bad? The Bible is our authority. And I do not mean a few pet verses that someone wrested out of context to support their claim. Such a doctrine forces the rest of Scripture into a twisted caricature of harmony that may upon the first gloss seem impressive, but it is utterly disjointed because the author, instead of the word of God, becomes the authority. If you need to look back at a particular author to understand the Bible, no matter his or her fame, there is a good chance eisegesis lay at the heart of their message and we have been ensnared by it. Yes, we may listen to older, more mature saints. But no, we may not allow that saint to supplant Scripture as the authority of our faith and life. We err; God does not.

 

When would be a good time to read a commentary? If a particular book of the Bible is giving you issues, it is sometimes a relief to see what another thinks about a verse, or passage, or the book in general. Discernment is necessary, however. Does this person’s interpretation compliment or conflict with the entire tenor of Scripture? The Bible is a unit; it cannot be viewed piecemeal. Written over 16 centuries by more than 40 authors, it contains the entire word of God vouchsafed to mankind. Our words and works must be judged in the light of Scripture. I pray that everyone knows at least another, more mature saint we may also gain the wisdom of as well. Young Christians, do not focus on one teacher to the exclusion of others, because it runs the risk of being trained to think—not by the Holy Spirit—but by that single teacher’s viewpoint. Read your Bible often, and compare everyone’s work with the word of God. If said work passes that litmus test, good. If it fails, expulsion of it may be wisest so whatever gross error contained doesn’t contaminate our discernment and warp our view of God, Christ, salvation, the church, etc.

 

My prayer is that everyone who might read my own commentary may be edified, gain some new insight, and simply enjoy the word of God more. May we exercise caution and discernment as we walk by faith on this, our pilgrim’s road. Amen.