The Interpreter's Bible: A Complete Commentary in Twelve Volumes (1951-1957)

[Daniel Francis]

 

It is not a high priority with me but it is something I would buy and like to have in Accordance. I was wondering if this is on the radar at all (I know it once was as an alternative to the NIB). I just thought I would ask. Since it is well worth having, but I realize there are numerous works worth having and possibly more requested but still worth considering.

 

-Dan

 

 

 

The Interpreter's Bible: A Complete Commentary in Twelve Volumes

One of the greatest needs of the Christian ministry has long been a comprehensive Bible commentary covering the meaning of every Bible passage with an emphasis on drawing from the text those Christian values that ought to be preached and taught today. 

The Interpreter's Bible is that commentary. Gathered together, you’ll find reverent scientific evidence for the Bible, insightful help for interpreting Biblical truths, and practical ideas for applying the text to universal human needs.  The Interpreter's Bible is the most complete and efficient working tool ever devised for the preacher and teacher of God's word.

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.

Critical Reviews

A welcome addition to anyone who wants to study God's Word Southwestern Journal of Theology

... it amply fulfills its purpose in a manner both scholarly and religious. The Expository Times

 

[Solly]

Ah, that was the commentary I most encountered and used through the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. It was a part of every public and academic library I visited. I owned and heavily used the single volume version for use when I couldn't get to a library--still pull out that volume when I place my hard copy resources on the table for a session of old style study. This also provides exercise as I move those books from the bookshelves in multiple rooms to the worktable, and then return them to the shelves. Not a bad workout when I grab books from all three floors. 

[Daniel Francis]

i meant the IB was seen as a doable option when Accordance was questioning if they could get the NIB....

 

-Dan

[Daniel Francis]

Not sure if silence speaks volumes or this was just a request not worth responding too. As I am fully aware Accordance virtually never will pre-announce a product, but I also realize the silence could equally mean, not a big enough market for it, counter productive to even consider it... Never hurts to ask though...

 

-Dan

[Rick Bennett]

Not sure if silence speaks volumes or this was just a request not worth responding too. As I am fully aware Accordance virtually never will pre-announce a product, but I also realize the silence could equally mean, not a big enough market for it, counter productive to even consider it... Never hurts to ask though...

 

-Dan

 

We were entertaining this while we were waiting to get rights to the NIB. However, we ended up cancelling the project because we had encountered a lot of difficulties with the e-text and then shortly thereafter were finally successful in getting the NIB. We have not revisited the topic since then, and I think this is the first request that I can think of since releasing NIB. I do realize there are some valuable contributions in it, but priority-wise, I don't think it is a worthwhile investment at this point. 

[Daniel Francis]

That is fair enough, and yes I have seen more requests on here for the dictionary than for IB, IB is one of the few reasons I have left to turn on Wordsearch now (I did go there yesterday to read the Joshua 3 treatment from FOW that is not yet available in Accordance). Even in my request I stated I would like to buy it but that it was not a high priority with me either. I now know it is likely not coming to Accordance and with great resources in my library like WBC and NIB I hardly think I am missing much.

 

-Dan

[Rick Bennett]

Thanks for the feedback Dan.

[Daniel Francis]

as a Postscript I have my old folio editon still running on my PB3400... but that old behemoth rarely gets grabbed up to my prayer desk....

 

-Dan

[Ken Simpson]

as a Postscript I have my old folio editon still running on my PB3400... but that old behemoth rarely gets grabbed up to my prayer desk....

 

-Dan

 

I remember when that old behemoth was the very essence of cool!

 

And just checked - $4,500 (180 MHz) $6,500 (240 MHz) - in 1997 dollars!

Edited July 15, 2016 by Ken Simpson

[Daniel Francis]

I got my 3400c for 500 back to normal 2001