Good biblical commentaries are an indispensable resource for those preaching and teaching the Bible. Having commentaries integrated into your biblical studies software makes them all the more accessible. Most of the major commentary series are available as electronic texts
(see my OT Commentary Survey page for evaluations of the different commentary series).
Word Biblical Commentary CD-ROM: 58 Volume Edition (Nelson Reference, 2004).
Whether student, pastor, or scholar, the Word Biblical Commentary series is the one series that I would highly recommend purchasing. Written from a broadly evangelical perspective, includes bibliography, detailed textual analysis, verse-by-verse exposition, and theological reflection. Of the volumes available there are only a few duds, though they even provide good textual notes and bibliography! An excellent commentary series for students, pastors, and scholars, alike.
- Windows: Powered by Logos’s Libronix Library System. OS 98/Me/NT/2000/XP on 350MHz Pentium II with 128MB RAM. Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com
New Interpreter’s Bible: Complete Twelve Volume Commentary CD-Rom (Abingdon Press, 2002).
The New Interpreter’s Commentary is an excellent commentary series on the entire Bible — including Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books. Geared towards students, pastors, and church leaders, this series is based on the best of biblical scholarship yet is focused on the theological message of the text. Includes the full texts and critical notes of the NIV and NRSV for quick reference and comparison.
- Windows: OS 3.1/98/Me/NT/2000/XP on 486 or higher PC with 32MB RAM. Should have 12MB free hard disk space. Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com
- Macintosh: PowerPC with OS 8.0 or higher with 32MB RAM. Should have 12MB free hard disk space. Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com
Expositors Bible Commentary 5.0 CD-Rom (Zondervan, 2004).
This conservative evangelical commentary series is geared towards students, pastors, and church leaders. Includes commentary on the entire Bible; some contributions are better than others. A good set for preachers.
- Windows: Powered by Pradis. OS 98/ME/NT/2000/XP on Pentium 166 MHz or higher. Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com
- Macintosh: Powered by Accordance Bible Software (MacOS 7.1 or higher). Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com
The NIV Application Commentary on the New Testament on CD-Rom (Zondervan, 2004).
This package brings together the complete content of the twenty-volume set of excellent evangelical commentaries on the New Testament that balance sound scholarship with real-life application. Also includes the full text of the NIV.
- Windows: Powered by Pradis. OS 98/ME/NT/2000/XP on Pentium 166 MHz or higher. Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com
The Preacher’s Commentary CD-Rom (Nelson Reference, 2004).
Formerly called The Communicator’s Commentary, this series is geared for preachers and is written from a broadly evangelical perspective.
Windows: OS 98/Me/NT/2000/XP on 350MHz Pentium II or higher PC with 128MB RAM. Should have 12MB free hard disk space. Buy from Amazon.ca | Buy from Amazon.com