The Interpreter’s Bible (12 vols.)

by George A. Buttrick

Publishers:

Wordsearch; Pierce and Washabaugh

, 1951–2010

Overview

For Every Passage in the Bible, Interpreter’s offers these helps— Exegesis. Full notes to make clear the meaning of each portion of the text written by scholars with access to modern research. Here are revealing explorations of historical and geographical settings, archaeological discoveries, contemporary language and customs, religious teachings and writings, original sources, the author’s purposes—these and many other aids in understanding what a given passage means in its own setting and what it means to us today. Exposition. An interpretation that throws the light of the text upon specific human needs—things one can preach about and teach about, to the transforming of hearers’ hearts. These practical applications come to life in abundant illustrations, with a wealth of suggestions for making the truth sing. Background for Fullest Understanding Introduction. For each biblical book, the writer of the Exegesis summarizes all that scholarship has contributed to the understanding of the book by showing its historical setting, sources, purpose, author, intended readers, and content. Maps. Chart the settings of the text according to the latest archaeological discoveries. Full-color topographical maps on the end sheets of each volume show the physical features of the biblical world in perspective. General Articles. A wealth of background material on the entire Bible—illuminating discussions of such vital subjects as: the significance of the authority of the Bible; the history of the Bible’s interpretation; the formation and transmission of both Testaments; the language and literature of Bible peoples; the Old Testament world; the New Testament world; the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus; the early church; the life and thought of Paul—all aids to deeper insight into any portion of the Scriptures. The best minds of our time, among both biblical scholars and preachers, have shared in the making of The Interpreter’s Bible. The editors, consulting editors, and contributors, all 148 of them, have been enlisted from all parts of the English-speaking world and represent a cross-section of Protestantism. No labor or expense has been spared to make this work Christendom’s most comprehensive commentary.