Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

b. ADictionary of Bible Types , Walter L. Wilson. (Hendrickson, 1999)

IV. Commentaries

A. Purpose: Commentaries are aids to interpretation which give us the testimony, findings, and insights of a particular book of Scripture from the vantage point of a pastor, scholar, or biblical interpreter.

1. Aids to interpretation: commentaries are not a substitute for inter- pretation.

2. Gives us testimony, findings, and insights of a particular book of Scripture: commentary is analysis of the text based on the commentator’s knowledge and experience.

3. From the vantage point of a pastor, scholar, or biblical interpreter: commentaries are collections of informed opinions .

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B. Types of commentaries

1. Single volume versus multi-volume sets: The New Bible Commentary is a superb single volume commentary.

2. Devotional commentaries

a. Purpose: to provide daily help for one’s reading of Scripture and walk with God