New Interpreter’s Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes (NIB)

by Leander Keck

Publisher:

Abingdon Press

, 1994–2004

NIB Overview: A Diverse Scholarly Work

The New Interpreter’s Bible commentary series (NIB) presents leading biblical scholarship through an in-depth commentary on the complete Bible, including the Apocrypha and Deuterocanonical books.

The contributors are leading biblical scholars who bring a wealth of fresh perspectives to biblical interpretation. They are also theologically diverse, reflecting a wide range of denominational backgrounds: Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, Jewish, and Evangelical.

The NIB offers detailed commentary on coherent manageable portions of text, maps, and excursuses. The reflections sections are a crucial component of the NIB that provide thoughtful, and thought-provoking, insights on the contemporary application of the biblical text for preaching, teaching, and daily living.

Guided by scholars, pastors, and laity representing diverse traditions, academic experience, and involvement in the church, this entirely new collection of writings is specifically prepared to meet the needs of preachers, teachers, and all students of the Bible.

Key Features of the New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary

• Easy-to-use format—detailed, critical commentary and reflections (a detailed exposition growing directly out of the commentary)
• Includes the Apocrypha and Deuterocanonical books
• New material to meet the needs of today’s preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible
• The biblical text is divided into coherent and natural units
• The ecumenical roster of contributors includes top scholars and emerging new voices
• Contributors draw upon a variety of approaches
• Numerous visual aids (illustrations, maps, charts, timelines) enhance understanding and ease of use
• Introductions to each biblical book cover essential historical, literary, sociocultural, and theological issues

 

NIB’s Contents

1. Volume I: General & Old Testament Articles, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus
2. Volume II: Numbers, Deuteronomy, Introduction to Narrative Literature, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel
3. Volume III: 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Tobit, Judith
4. Volume IV: 1 & 2 Maccabees, Introduction to Hebrew Poetry, Job, Psalms
5. Volume V: Introduction to Wisdom Literature, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, Sirach
6. Volume VI: Introduction to Prophetic Literature, Isaiah 1-39, Isaiah 40-66, Jeremiah, Baruch and the Letter of Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel
7. Volume VII: Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature, Daniel, The Twelve Prophets
8. Volume VIII: New Testament Articles, Matthew, Mark
9. Volume IX: Luke, John
10. Volume X: Acts, Introduction to Epistolary Literature, Romans, 1 Corinthians
11. Volume XI: 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
12. Volume XII: Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude, Revelation

Top Highlights

“ὁ Χριστός (ho Christos) undoubtedly means ‘Messiah,’ and cannot be reduced to a proper name” (Volume 10, Page 746)

“What do Luke’s reasons for writing Acts have to do with the church’s reasons for reading Acts as Scripture? Any interpreter must try to bridge these two hermeneutical horizons.” (Volume 10, Page 26)

“Jesus’ questions assume the popular notion that sin is the cause of calamity (Job 4:7; John 9:2). If God is responsible for everything that happens, and God is a just God, then calamities must be the result of human sinfulness. The fallacy in such logic is the notion that God is the immediate cause of all events, which leaves no room for human freedom or freedom in the created order, and therefore for events that God does not control.” (Volume 9, Page 270)

“Being a faithful Christian does not just ‘happen’ like crabgrass or dandelions popping up in the lawn. It requires the care, attention, and cultivation of an expert gardener.” (Volume 8, Page 695)

“The easiest thing to determine about Romans is its basic shape. Its four sections emerge clearly: chaps. 1–4, 5–8, 9–11, and 12–16.” (Volume 10, Page 397)

Praise for the Print Edition

The New Interpreter’s Bible commentators are consistently aware that they are in conversation with preachers and teachers in the church. The New Interpreter’s Bible is the commentary preachers and teachers need for the years ahead.

—Patrick J. Wilson, The Christian Century

These set of handsome, user-friendly reference books fully accomplishes what it sets out to do, and should prove to be a valuable addition to any Bible student’s resource library.

—Harry Conay, “The Book Shelf,” Religious Broadcasting

The insights of each of the authors are informative and the Reflections, which follow the literary divisions of each book, are stimulating. Student and teacher alike will find this a very helpful resource.

—Bible Today Volume 35

The entire set should be among the few sets of commentaries on the bookshelves of the serious student of the Scriptures.

—James W. Cox, Review and Expositor

The quality of both the commentary and the Reflections sections is consistently high. The New Interpreter’s Bible is an invaluable addition to the library of both academician and pastor.

—Victor P. Hamilton, Asbury College

The New Interpreter’s Bible provides a much richer perspective on the text than in any other commentary series currently available.

—Lawrence Boadt, CSP Washington Theological Union, Silver Spring, MD

For this magnificent achievement, Abingdon Press deserves praise from clergy, academics, and anyone interested in the Bible.

—Amy-Jill Levine, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville, TN

The strength of this work lies in its explicit attempt to bring the depth of biblical scholarship into conversion with the preaching and teaching ministry of the church.

—David Mesner, Christ Lutheran Church, Slayton, MN

Product Details

• Title: New Interpreter’s Bible
• Author: Leander E. Keck
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Volumes: 12
• Pages: 11,591

About Leander Keck

Biblical Theology, Yale Divinity School, Yale University.