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Scripture Studies

The Second Vatican Council described the study of "the sacred page" as the "very soul of sacred theology" (Dei Verbum 24).

Selected Scripture Commentaries in print

Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary - A six-volume  dictionary of the Bible offering an up-to-date and comprehensive treatment of biblical subjects and topics. Call number: REF 220.03 An21

 

 

Berit Olam - Catholic commentary series published by Liturgical Press, focusing on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), which uses the literary-critical method of scripture study. "The authors approach the books of the Hebrew Bible as literary works, recognizing that the stories and poetry can be better appreciated if one is acquainted with the techniques whereby the ancient Hebrew authors told stories and wrote poems, as well as the strategies that modern readers use to understand them." (from the publisher's website)  Reference set call number: REF 221.32 B444

Sacra Pagina - Also from Liturgical Press, focusing on the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). It "presents fresh translations and modern expositions of all the books of the New Testament by an international group of Catholic Biblical scholars.  The authors use a variety of critical methodologies while maintaining the context of the Catholic interpretive tradition." (publisher's website) Reference set call number: REF 225.32 Sa14

Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary - This new commentary series is "designed to make quality Bible study more accessible. Pastors, professors  and students of Scripture are discovering that this commentary is a wonderful new tool for enhancing interpretation. All volumes include ... insightful sidebars in four categories and a wealth of fine art visuals." (publisher's website) Reference set call number: REF 221.32 Sm96 (Old Testament) and REF 225.32 Sm96 (New Testament)

Yale Anchor Bible Commentaries - is a multi-volume work of international and interfaith scholars, Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant.  Each author contributes an individual volume in the series. "It aims to present the best contemporary scholarship in a way that is accessible not only to scholars but also to the educated nonspecialist. Its approach is grounded in exact translation of the ancient languages and an appreciation of the historical and cultural context in which the biblical books were written supplemented by insights from modern methods, such as sociological and literary criticism." (from the publisher's website) Arranged in three sections (Hebrew, Apocalyptic, and Christian scriptures). Reference set call numbers: REF 221.32 An21 (Old Testament and Apocrypha) and REF 225.32 An21 (New Testament)

Commentary Perspectives

Many Scripture commentary series have particular audiences, theological perspectives, and interpretive approaches. Below are a few sites that give some indication of approaches.

Journals

Biblical Archaeology Society Archives (BAS Archives) - This is a useful online tool for the study of Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology. It has all the informative editorial content of three BAS publications: Biblical Archaeology Review (1975 to present); Bible Review (1985 to 2005); and Archaeology Odyssey (1998 to 2006).

Catholic Biblical Quarterly - Published by the Catholic Biblical Association of America. Includes reports from the Association.

Elenchus of Biblica - published by the Pontifical Biblical Institute. Annual publication. The bibliography treats all areas of investigation which involve the scientific study of the Bible.

Journal for the Study of the New Testament - "Aims to present cutting-edge work for a readership of scholars, teachers in the field of New Testament, postgraduate students and advanced undergraduates. ... Diverse aspects of New Testament study are represented and promoted by the journal, including work from historical perspectives, studies using social-scientific and literary theory or developing theological, cultural and contextual approaches." (publisher's website)

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament - Offers "...the best in current scholarship on the Old Testament across a range of critical methodologies. Many original and creative approaches to the interpretation of the Old Testament literature and cognate fields of inquiry are pioneered in this journal, which showcases the work of both new and established scholars." (publisher's website)