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

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 1: Genesis to Leviticus

• Authors: Gary A. Anderson, Phyllis A. Bird, Joseph Blenkinsopp, Walter Brueggemann, David G. Buttrick, John J. Collins, Keith R. Crim, Terence E. Fretheim, Catherine Gunsalus González, Justo L. González, Daniel J. Harrington, Carl R. Holladay, David C. Hopkins, Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Leander E. Keck, Chan-Hie Kim, James Earl Massey, J. Maxwell Miller, Carolyn Osiek, Simon B. Parker, Judith E. Sanderson, Fernando F. Segovia, Moisés Silva, Michael A. Signer, and George E. Tinker
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1994
• Pages: 832

Contributors to Volume 1:

• Introduction to The New Interpreter’s Bible: Leander E. Keck
• How We Got Our Bible
  • Introduction to the Canon: Daniel J. Harrington
  • Modern English Versions of the Bible: Keith R. Crim
• How the Bible Is Read, Interpreted, and Used
  • The Authority of the Bible: Phyllis A. Bird
  • How the Bible Has Been Interpreted in Jewish Tradition: Michael A. Signer
  • How the Bible Has Been Interpreted in Christian Tradition: Justo L. González
  • Contemporary Theories of Biblical Interpretation: Moisés Silva
  • Contemporary Methods of Reading the Bible: Carl R. Holladay
  • Reading the Bible from Particular Social Locations: An Introduction: James Earl Massey
  • Reading the Bible as African Americans: James Earl Massey
  • Reading the Bible as Asian Americans: Chan-Hie Kim
  • Reading the Bible as Hispanic Americans: Fernando F. Segovia
  • Reading the Bible as Native Americans: George E. Tinker
  • Reading the Bible as Women: Carolyn Osiek
  • The Use of the Bible in Preaching: David G. Buttrick
  • The Use of the Bible in Hymns, Liturgy, and Education: Catherine Gunsalus González
• The Background of the Old Testament Texts
  • Life in Ancient Palestine: David C. Hopkins
  • The Ancient Near Eastern Literary Background of the Old Testament: Simon B. Parker
  • Introduction to the History of Ancient Israel: J. Maxwell Miller
  • Introduction to Israelite Religion: Gary A. Anderson
  • Introduction to Early Jewish Religion: John J. Collins
  • Ancient Texts and Versions of the Old Testament: Judith E. Sanderson
  • Introduction to the Pentateuch: Joseph Blenkinsopp
• Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections
  • Genesis: Terence E. Fretheim
  • Exodus: Walter Brueggemann
  • Leviticus: Walter C. Kaiser Jr.

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 2: Numbers to Samuel

• Authors: Bruce C. Birch, Ronald Clements, Robert B. Coote, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kathleen A. Robertson Farmer, Peter D. Miscall, and Dennis T. Olson
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 1,388

Contributors to Volume 2:

• The Book of Numbers: Thomas B. Dozeman
• The Book of Deuteronomy: Ronald Clements
• Introduction to Narrative Literature: Peter D. Miscall
• The Book of Joshua: Robert B. Coote
• The Book of Judges: Dennis T. Olson
• The Book of Ruth: Kathleen A. Robertson Farmer
• The First and Second Books of Samuel: Bruce C. Birch

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 3: Kings to Judith

• Authors: Leslie C. Allen, Sidnie White Crawford, Irene Nowell, Ralph W. Klein, Choon-Leong Seow, and Lawrence Wills
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1999
• Pages: 1,216

Contributors to Volume 3:

• The First and Second Books of Kings: Choon-Leong Seow
• The First and Second Books of Chronicles: Leslie C. Allen
• The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah: Ralph W. Klein
• The Book of Esther: Sidnie White Crawford
• The Additions to Esther: Sidnie White Crawford
• The Book of Tobit: Irene Nowell
• The Book of Judith: Lawrence M. Wills

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 4: 1 & 2 Maccabees, Job, Psalms

• Authors: Adele Berlin, Robert Doran, Carol A. Newsom, and J. McCann Jr.
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1996
• Pages: 1,100

Contributors to Volume 4:

• 1 Maccabees: Robert Doran
• 2 Maccabees: Robert Doran
• Introduction to Hebrew Poetry: Adele Berlin
• Job: Carol A. Newsom
• Psalms: J. Clinton McAnn Jr.

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 5: Proverbs to Sirach

• Authors: Richard J. Clifford, James L. Crenshaw, Michael Kolarcik, Raymond C. Van Leeuwen, W. Sibley Towner, Renita J. Weems
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1997
• Pages: 869

Contributors to Volume 5:

• Introduction to Wisdom Literature: Richard J. Clifford
• Proverbs: Raymond C. Van Leeuwen
• Ecclesiastes: W. Sibley Towner
• Song of Songs: Renita J. Weems
• Book of Wisdom: Michael Kolarcik
• Sirach: James L. Crenshaw

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 6: Isaiah to Ezekiel

• Authors: Katheryn Pfisterer Darr, Patrick D. Miller, Kathleen M. O’Connor, David L. Petersen, Anthony J. Saldarini, Christopher R. Seitz, and Gene M. Tucker
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 1,006

Contributors to Volume 6:

• Introduction to Prophetic Literature: David L. Petersen
• The Book of Isaiah 1–39: Gene M. Tucker
• The Book of Isaiah 40–66: Christopher R. Seitz
• The Book of Jeremiah: Patrick D. Miller
• The Book of Baruch: Anthony J. Saldarini
• The Book of Jeremiah: Anthony J. Saldarini
• The Book of Lamentations: Kathleen M. O’Connor
• The Book of Ezekiel: Katheryn Pfisterer Darr

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 7: The Twelve Prophets

• Authors: Elizabeth Achtemeier, Robert A. Bennett, Francisco O. García-Treto, Donald E. Gowan, Theodore Hiebert, W. Eugene March, Frederick J. Murphy, Ben C. Ollenburger, Samuel Pagán, Eileen M. Schuller, Daniel J. Simundson, Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, Phyllis Trible, and Gale A. Yee
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1996
• Pages: 887

Contributors to Volume 7:

• Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature: Frederick J. Murphy
• Daniel: Daniel L. Smith-Christopher
• The Additions to Daniel: Daniel L. Smith-Christopher
• Hosea: Gale A. Yee
• Joel: Elizabeth Achtemeier
• Amos: Donald E. Gowan
• Obadiah: Samuel Pagán
• Jonah: Phyllis Trible
• Micah: Daniel J. Simundson
• Nahum: Francisco O. García-Treto
• Habakkuk: Theodore Hiebert
• Zephaniah: Robert A. Bennett
• Haggai: W. Eugene March
• Zechariah: Ben C. Ollenburger
• Malachi: Eileen M. Schuller

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 8: Matthew to Mark

• Authors: Eugene Boring, Eldon Jay Epp, George W. E. Nickelsburg, Abraham J. Malherbe, Pheme Perkins, Robert C. Tannehill, Christopher M. Tuckett, and Vincent L. Wimbush
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1995
• Pages: 744

Contributors to Volume 8:

• General Articles on the New Testament
  • Ancient Texts and Versions of the New Testament: Eldon Jay Epp
  • The Cultural Context of the New Testament: The Greco-Roman World: Abraham J. Malherbe
  • The Jewish Context of the New Testament: George W. E. Nickelsburg
  • The Ecclesiastical Context of the New Testament: Vincent L. Wimbush
  • The Gospels and Narrative Literature: Robert C. Tannehill
  • Jesus and the Gospels: Christopher M. Tuckett
• Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections
  • Matthew: Eugene Boring
  • Mark: Pheme Perkins

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 9: Luke to John

• Author: R. Alan Culpepper and Gail R. O’Day
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1996
• Pages: 875

Contributors to Volume 9:

• Luke: R. Alan Culpepper
• John: Gail R. O’Day

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 10: Acts to First Corinthians

• Authors: J. Paul Sampley, Robert W. Wall, and N. T. Wright
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 1,011

Contributors to Volume 10:

• The Acts of the Apostles: Robert W. Wall
• Introduction to Epistolary Literature: Robert W. Wall
• The Letter to the Romans: N. T. Wright
• The First Letter to the Corinthians: J. Paul Sampley

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 11: Second Corinthians to Philemon

• Authors: James D. G. Dunn, Cain Hope Felder, Richard B. Hays, Morna D. Hooker, Andrew T. Lincoln, Pheme Perkins, J. Paul Sampley, and Abraham Smith
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 2000
• Pages: 915

Contributors to Volume 11:

• The Second Letter to the Corinthians: J. Paul Sampley
• The Letter to the Galatians: Richard B. Hays
• The Letter to the Ephesians: Pheme Perkins
• The Letter to the Philippians: Morna D. Hooker
• The Letter to the Colossians: Andrew T. Lincoln
• The First Letter to the Thessalonians: Abraham Smith
• The Second Letter to the Thessalonians: Abraham Smith
• The First and Second Letters to Timothy and the Letter to Titus: James D. G. Dunn
• The Letter to Philemon: Cain Hope Felder

The New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 12: Hebrews to Revelation

• Author: David L. Bartlett, C. Clifton Black, Fred B. Craddock, Luke Timothy Johnson, Christopher C. Rowland, and Duane F. Watson
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 748

Contributors to Volume 12:

• The Letter to the Hebrews: Fred B. Craddock
• The Letter of James: Luke Timothy Johnson
• The First Letter of Peter: David L. Bartlett
• The Second Letter of Peter: Duane F. Watson
• The First, Second, and Third Letters of John: C. Clifton Black
• The Letter of Jude: Duane F. Watson
• The Book of Revelation: Christopher C. Rowland

About Leander Keck

Biblical Theology, Yale Divinity School, Yale University.