The Bible stands in a category of its own among world literature. How you view the Bible, however, depends on what spectacles you are wearing. Like statistics, the Bible can be used to prove almost anything. As a result Bible commentaries are notorious for giving the author's particular angle on the Bible as if it is the only viewpoint. In the case of The Oxford Bible Commentary the angle is objectively academic. John Muddiman and John Barton are the pair of Oxford dons who have put together the latest weighty book of Biblical scholarship. Happily, they are aware of the limitations of academic comment and don't pretend the book is more than it is.

Contributing scholars are mostly British and American and most of them come from a mainstream Protestant background. The articles are therefore polished, precise and professionally pedantic. No one can fault the meticulous scholarship and wealth of detailed content. That's just what you want from a hefty Bible commentary. On the other hand, what can strike you when dipping into this tome is how slippery Biblical scholarship has become. At the turn of the last century Biblical criticism shot fundamentalism full of holes, but the new generation of scholars have now shot the certainties of old-fashioned Biblical criticism full of holes. As a result the articles exhibit an odd mix of solid content with honest supposition, guesswork and shoulder shrugging. This actually makes the book better. It's refreshing to read academics who admit their uncertainties. Their honesty allows some questions to remain open-ended, and that's exciting for any serious Biblical student. -- Dwight Longenecker

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.







Excellent!!!, 12 Jul 2005
If you are serious about studying the Holy Bible then this is a supplement that you cannot do without. Its easy to handle format gives you great definition for Bible words and Bible context and also provides a Greek and Hebrew dictionary of translated Englsih words making it easier to understand the Holy Bible in the contect that it is written.

Strongest Strong's by one who prefers Youngs, 15 Oct 2004
What a pity that with the modern computer technology available it is always Strong's Exhaustive concordance that is used as a pattern rather than Young's Analytical which was just as comprehensive (in theory at least) but which had the added advantage of taking one directly to the Greek and Hebrew without having to be given a number which one then has to look up in the dictionary at the back.

For those still using the AV Stongest Strongs is certainly an improvement over the original Strongs in that the dictionary definitions have been improved. However the paper quality is abyssmal - so thin it is difficult not to damage pages, print shows through the paper from the opposite side, and any annotations show right through.

Users of other versions should use the appropriate Exhaustive Concordance for their versions - I know ones exist for NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Kohlenberger seems to start work as soon as a new version appears!

very Strong research tool, 28 Aug 2003
I love using this to help me really grasp those word meanings. However, I don't use a King James as my normal reading translation, so when I find a word I want to know, I have to get the old KJ out to find the word in that, then look it up in Strong's. Good for seeing differences in translation but does mean you need a good sized table or a very big lap!

Excellent concordance, great improvement over the original, 15 Feb 2002
Strong's Concordance has always been one of the best tools to aid effective Bible study. The Strongest Strong's has been updated by better cross referencing and the inclusion of Goodrich-Kohlenberger numbers.

A guide to the use of the concordance eases you in although this section could be expanded.

Generally excellent value for money and a must for any serious Bible student.

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.







Excellent!!!, 12 Jul 2005
If you are serious about studying the Holy Bible then this is a supplement that you cannot do without. Its easy to handle format gives you great definition for Bible words and Bible context and also provides a Greek and Hebrew dictionary of translated Englsih words making it easier to understand the Holy Bible in the contect that it is written.

Strongest Strong's by one who prefers Youngs, 15 Oct 2004
What a pity that with the modern computer technology available it is always Strong's Exhaustive concordance that is used as a pattern rather than Young's Analytical which was just as comprehensive (in theory at least) but which had the added advantage of taking one directly to the Greek and Hebrew without having to be given a number which one then has to look up in the dictionary at the back.

For those still using the AV Stongest Strongs is certainly an improvement over the original Strongs in that the dictionary definitions have been improved. However the paper quality is abyssmal - so thin it is difficult not to damage pages, print shows through the paper from the opposite side, and any annotations show right through.

Users of other versions should use the appropriate Exhaustive Concordance for their versions - I know ones exist for NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Kohlenberger seems to start work as soon as a new version appears!

very Strong research tool, 28 Aug 2003
I love using this to help me really grasp those word meanings. However, I don't use a King James as my normal reading translation, so when I find a word I want to know, I have to get the old KJ out to find the word in that, then look it up in Strong's. Good for seeing differences in translation but does mean you need a good sized table or a very big lap!

Excellent concordance, great improvement over the original, 15 Feb 2002
Strong's Concordance has always been one of the best tools to aid effective Bible study. The Strongest Strong's has been updated by better cross referencing and the inclusion of Goodrich-Kohlenberger numbers.

A guide to the use of the concordance eases you in although this section could be expanded.

Generally excellent value for money and a must for any serious Bible student.

A VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT AND INTERESTING APPROACH TO THE BIBLE., 06 Aug 2007
I opened this book and said immediately that this was my kind of book and just what I needed to help me read and understand the Bible. BUT on the same order and in the same parcel I bought another Nick page book called "The Map" but was most dissapointed to find that apart from the covers both books were absolutely identical, Word for Word. Next reaction was to send one back but on second thoughts decided to give one to a friend thus helping to spread the "Good News" Either of these books is superb. Don't hesitate Buy one of them ! Well Done Nick Page.

More stars needed!, 04 Oct 2006
Nick Page is laugh out loud funny. Not just "for a Christian", but for a human man. There's something almost Blackaderr-y about some of the bits of this book, in terms of sense of humour. It's such an interesting, knowledgable, humble, funny examination of the bible, that you'll find yourself looking forward to reading it. As in, curling up in bed of an evening, possibly early, just so you can read it. It's in bite-size chunks, with "Tricky Bits" explained honestly and without condescension; "Questions, Questions" where the author has brief - invariably hilarious - conversations with someone annoying who asks the questions *we* would ask; maps taking you through the chapters individually, and descriptions of the people that appear in the bible. Plus loads more. Really. Loads.

If you find Christianity a trife po-faced sometimes, this will, no pun intended, utterly renew your faith. If Jesus was to read a book discussing the bible, it'd be this one, cos He was funny, and He had an awesome, very dry sense of humour, as does Mr Nick.

Intelligent, genuinely funny, and full of God's Word. Great book.

An enjoyable insight, 11 Apr 2006
Page presents the message of the Bible in an informative and very readable way. He isn't shy in admitting the significant problems certain parts of the Bible present [for example, how a 'loving God' could allow the murder of men women and children of certain tribes who had fallen out of His favour.]

But he does have a go. Anyone interested in Bible study would enjoy this book.

Eye Opener, 14 May 2003
Having been a Christian for many years, I have viewed the Bible as a sword and shield, a book to be respected and reveranced, but it is also very hard to understand and misunderstood. Nick Page opens it up in a honest, comical and very real way, making it enjoyable to read the Bible and his book together. It does not go into complicated depth. I would highly recommend this to a new christian or someone who is curious about the Bible as an introduction. I would certainly like to meet Nick himself, you feel that you are speaking to him and getting to know him through his openess and humour.
An excellent, enjoyable and simplistic read.

Nick Page Bible Handbook, 24 Aug 2002
A most helpful and interestingly laid out bible handbook. Informative without being over-bearing. It is amazingly fresh, makes the Bible come to life. A reliable companion for House/Cell group leaders, Youth leaders or simply for personal study. If you want to know more about the Bible, this would be the place to start!

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.







Excellent!!!, 12 Jul 2005
If you are serious about studying the Holy Bible then this is a supplement that you cannot do without. Its easy to handle format gives you great definition for Bible words and Bible context and also provides a Greek and Hebrew dictionary of translated Englsih words making it easier to understand the Holy Bible in the contect that it is written.

Strongest Strong's by one who prefers Youngs, 15 Oct 2004
What a pity that with the modern computer technology available it is always Strong's Exhaustive concordance that is used as a pattern rather than Young's Analytical which was just as comprehensive (in theory at least) but which had the added advantage of taking one directly to the Greek and Hebrew without having to be given a number which one then has to look up in the dictionary at the back.

For those still using the AV Stongest Strongs is certainly an improvement over the original Strongs in that the dictionary definitions have been improved. However the paper quality is abyssmal - so thin it is difficult not to damage pages, print shows through the paper from the opposite side, and any annotations show right through.

Users of other versions should use the appropriate Exhaustive Concordance for their versions - I know ones exist for NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Kohlenberger seems to start work as soon as a new version appears!

very Strong research tool, 28 Aug 2003
I love using this to help me really grasp those word meanings. However, I don't use a King James as my normal reading translation, so when I find a word I want to know, I have to get the old KJ out to find the word in that, then look it up in Strong's. Good for seeing differences in translation but does mean you need a good sized table or a very big lap!

Excellent concordance, great improvement over the original, 15 Feb 2002
Strong's Concordance has always been one of the best tools to aid effective Bible study. The Strongest Strong's has been updated by better cross referencing and the inclusion of Goodrich-Kohlenberger numbers.

A guide to the use of the concordance eases you in although this section could be expanded.

Generally excellent value for money and a must for any serious Bible student.

A VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT AND INTERESTING APPROACH TO THE BIBLE., 06 Aug 2007
I opened this book and said immediately that this was my kind of book and just what I needed to help me read and understand the Bible. BUT on the same order and in the same parcel I bought another Nick page book called "The Map" but was most dissapointed to find that apart from the covers both books were absolutely identical, Word for Word. Next reaction was to send one back but on second thoughts decided to give one to a friend thus helping to spread the "Good News" Either of these books is superb. Don't hesitate Buy one of them ! Well Done Nick Page.

More stars needed!, 04 Oct 2006
Nick Page is laugh out loud funny. Not just "for a Christian", but for a human man. There's something almost Blackaderr-y about some of the bits of this book, in terms of sense of humour. It's such an interesting, knowledgable, humble, funny examination of the bible, that you'll find yourself looking forward to reading it. As in, curling up in bed of an evening, possibly early, just so you can read it. It's in bite-size chunks, with "Tricky Bits" explained honestly and without condescension; "Questions, Questions" where the author has brief - invariably hilarious - conversations with someone annoying who asks the questions *we* would ask; maps taking you through the chapters individually, and descriptions of the people that appear in the bible. Plus loads more. Really. Loads.

If you find Christianity a trife po-faced sometimes, this will, no pun intended, utterly renew your faith. If Jesus was to read a book discussing the bible, it'd be this one, cos He was funny, and He had an awesome, very dry sense of humour, as does Mr Nick.

Intelligent, genuinely funny, and full of God's Word. Great book.

An enjoyable insight, 11 Apr 2006
Page presents the message of the Bible in an informative and very readable way. He isn't shy in admitting the significant problems certain parts of the Bible present [for example, how a 'loving God' could allow the murder of men women and children of certain tribes who had fallen out of His favour.]

But he does have a go. Anyone interested in Bible study would enjoy this book.

Eye Opener, 14 May 2003
Having been a Christian for many years, I have viewed the Bible as a sword and shield, a book to be respected and reveranced, but it is also very hard to understand and misunderstood. Nick Page opens it up in a honest, comical and very real way, making it enjoyable to read the Bible and his book together. It does not go into complicated depth. I would highly recommend this to a new christian or someone who is curious about the Bible as an introduction. I would certainly like to meet Nick himself, you feel that you are speaking to him and getting to know him through his openess and humour.
An excellent, enjoyable and simplistic read.

Nick Page Bible Handbook, 24 Aug 2002
A most helpful and interestingly laid out bible handbook. Informative without being over-bearing. It is amazingly fresh, makes the Bible come to life. A reliable companion for House/Cell group leaders, Youth leaders or simply for personal study. If you want to know more about the Bible, this would be the place to start!

Brings the Psalms to life!, 27 Mar 2000
I have always found a study of the Psalms extremely difficult, but this book really brings a full, open meaning to them. It opens - up the Psalms from those so often 'chanted' according to the Psalter and which become dirges. Brueggemann really explains them and had allowed me to use them in my personal offices.

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.







Excellent!!!, 12 Jul 2005
If you are serious about studying the Holy Bible then this is a supplement that you cannot do without. Its easy to handle format gives you great definition for Bible words and Bible context and also provides a Greek and Hebrew dictionary of translated Englsih words making it easier to understand the Holy Bible in the contect that it is written.

Strongest Strong's by one who prefers Youngs, 15 Oct 2004
What a pity that with the modern computer technology available it is always Strong's Exhaustive concordance that is used as a pattern rather than Young's Analytical which was just as comprehensive (in theory at least) but which had the added advantage of taking one directly to the Greek and Hebrew without having to be given a number which one then has to look up in the dictionary at the back.

For those still using the AV Stongest Strongs is certainly an improvement over the original Strongs in that the dictionary definitions have been improved. However the paper quality is abyssmal - so thin it is difficult not to damage pages, print shows through the paper from the opposite side, and any annotations show right through.

Users of other versions should use the appropriate Exhaustive Concordance for their versions - I know ones exist for NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Kohlenberger seems to start work as soon as a new version appears!

very Strong research tool, 28 Aug 2003
I love using this to help me really grasp those word meanings. However, I don't use a King James as my normal reading translation, so when I find a word I want to know, I have to get the old KJ out to find the word in that, then look it up in Strong's. Good for seeing differences in translation but does mean you need a good sized table or a very big lap!

Excellent concordance, great improvement over the original, 15 Feb 2002
Strong's Concordance has always been one of the best tools to aid effective Bible study. The Strongest Strong's has been updated by better cross referencing and the inclusion of Goodrich-Kohlenberger numbers.

A guide to the use of the concordance eases you in although this section could be expanded.

Generally excellent value for money and a must for any serious Bible student.

A VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT AND INTERESTING APPROACH TO THE BIBLE., 06 Aug 2007
I opened this book and said immediately that this was my kind of book and just what I needed to help me read and understand the Bible. BUT on the same order and in the same parcel I bought another Nick page book called "The Map" but was most dissapointed to find that apart from the covers both books were absolutely identical, Word for Word. Next reaction was to send one back but on second thoughts decided to give one to a friend thus helping to spread the "Good News" Either of these books is superb. Don't hesitate Buy one of them ! Well Done Nick Page.

More stars needed!, 04 Oct 2006
Nick Page is laugh out loud funny. Not just "for a Christian", but for a human man. There's something almost Blackaderr-y about some of the bits of this book, in terms of sense of humour. It's such an interesting, knowledgable, humble, funny examination of the bible, that you'll find yourself looking forward to reading it. As in, curling up in bed of an evening, possibly early, just so you can read it. It's in bite-size chunks, with "Tricky Bits" explained honestly and without condescension; "Questions, Questions" where the author has brief - invariably hilarious - conversations with someone annoying who asks the questions *we* would ask; maps taking you through the chapters individually, and descriptions of the people that appear in the bible. Plus loads more. Really. Loads.

If you find Christianity a trife po-faced sometimes, this will, no pun intended, utterly renew your faith. If Jesus was to read a book discussing the bible, it'd be this one, cos He was funny, and He had an awesome, very dry sense of humour, as does Mr Nick.

Intelligent, genuinely funny, and full of God's Word. Great book.

An enjoyable insight, 11 Apr 2006
Page presents the message of the Bible in an informative and very readable way. He isn't shy in admitting the significant problems certain parts of the Bible present [for example, how a 'loving God' could allow the murder of men women and children of certain tribes who had fallen out of His favour.]

But he does have a go. Anyone interested in Bible study would enjoy this book.

Eye Opener, 14 May 2003
Having been a Christian for many years, I have viewed the Bible as a sword and shield, a book to be respected and reveranced, but it is also very hard to understand and misunderstood. Nick Page opens it up in a honest, comical and very real way, making it enjoyable to read the Bible and his book together. It does not go into complicated depth. I would highly recommend this to a new christian or someone who is curious about the Bible as an introduction. I would certainly like to meet Nick himself, you feel that you are speaking to him and getting to know him through his openess and humour.
An excellent, enjoyable and simplistic read.

Nick Page Bible Handbook, 24 Aug 2002
A most helpful and interestingly laid out bible handbook. Informative without being over-bearing. It is amazingly fresh, makes the Bible come to life. A reliable companion for House/Cell group leaders, Youth leaders or simply for personal study. If you want to know more about the Bible, this would be the place to start!

Brings the Psalms to life!, 27 Mar 2000
I have always found a study of the Psalms extremely difficult, but this book really brings a full, open meaning to them. It opens - up the Psalms from those so often 'chanted' according to the Psalter and which become dirges. Brueggemann really explains them and had allowed me to use them in my personal offices.

Amplify your understanding of God's Word, 22 Jan 2008
I don't use this as my main translation but for a single, easy to carry item I have yet to find something that can beat the Amplified Bible for unlocking the meaning of certain words and thus the meaning of the scriptures themselves. You shouldn't use just one bible or one book but if you have space or money only for one it should probably be this one.

As a pocket (if you have quite a big pocket) size bible it of course has some disadvantages but those disadvantages will be found in most, if not all, pocket bibles.

Great version of the Bible; small print and awkward size, 09 Mar 2000
I love the Amplified Version,and have found the precision of the translation really useful. However, this version has very small print and the size - somewhere between A5 and A6 - makes it awkward to read. Pity, especially as it comes at such a good price.

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.







Excellent!!!, 12 Jul 2005
If you are serious about studying the Holy Bible then this is a supplement that you cannot do without. Its easy to handle format gives you great definition for Bible words and Bible context and also provides a Greek and Hebrew dictionary of translated Englsih words making it easier to understand the Holy Bible in the contect that it is written.

Strongest Strong's by one who prefers Youngs, 15 Oct 2004
What a pity that with the modern computer technology available it is always Strong's Exhaustive concordance that is used as a pattern rather than Young's Analytical which was just as comprehensive (in theory at least) but which had the added advantage of taking one directly to the Greek and Hebrew without having to be given a number which one then has to look up in the dictionary at the back.

For those still using the AV Stongest Strongs is certainly an improvement over the original Strongs in that the dictionary definitions have been improved. However the paper quality is abyssmal - so thin it is difficult not to damage pages, print shows through the paper from the opposite side, and any annotations show right through.

Users of other versions should use the appropriate Exhaustive Concordance for their versions - I know ones exist for NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Kohlenberger seems to start work as soon as a new version appears!

very Strong research tool, 28 Aug 2003
I love using this to help me really grasp those word meanings. However, I don't use a King James as my normal reading translation, so when I find a word I want to know, I have to get the old KJ out to find the word in that, then look it up in Strong's. Good for seeing differences in translation but does mean you need a good sized table or a very big lap!

Excellent concordance, great improvement over the original, 15 Feb 2002
Strong's Concordance has always been one of the best tools to aid effective Bible study. The Strongest Strong's has been updated by better cross referencing and the inclusion of Goodrich-Kohlenberger numbers.

A guide to the use of the concordance eases you in although this section could be expanded.

Generally excellent value for money and a must for any serious Bible student.

A VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT AND INTERESTING APPROACH TO THE BIBLE., 06 Aug 2007
I opened this book and said immediately that this was my kind of book and just what I needed to help me read and understand the Bible. BUT on the same order and in the same parcel I bought another Nick page book called "The Map" but was most dissapointed to find that apart from the covers both books were absolutely identical, Word for Word. Next reaction was to send one back but on second thoughts decided to give one to a friend thus helping to spread the "Good News" Either of these books is superb. Don't hesitate Buy one of them ! Well Done Nick Page.

More stars needed!, 04 Oct 2006
Nick Page is laugh out loud funny. Not just "for a Christian", but for a human man. There's something almost Blackaderr-y about some of the bits of this book, in terms of sense of humour. It's such an interesting, knowledgable, humble, funny examination of the bible, that you'll find yourself looking forward to reading it. As in, curling up in bed of an evening, possibly early, just so you can read it. It's in bite-size chunks, with "Tricky Bits" explained honestly and without condescension; "Questions, Questions" where the author has brief - invariably hilarious - conversations with someone annoying who asks the questions *we* would ask; maps taking you through the chapters individually, and descriptions of the people that appear in the bible. Plus loads more. Really. Loads.

If you find Christianity a trife po-faced sometimes, this will, no pun intended, utterly renew your faith. If Jesus was to read a book discussing the bible, it'd be this one, cos He was funny, and He had an awesome, very dry sense of humour, as does Mr Nick.

Intelligent, genuinely funny, and full of God's Word. Great book.

An enjoyable insight, 11 Apr 2006
Page presents the message of the Bible in an informative and very readable way. He isn't shy in admitting the significant problems certain parts of the Bible present [for example, how a 'loving God' could allow the murder of men women and children of certain tribes who had fallen out of His favour.]

But he does have a go. Anyone interested in Bible study would enjoy this book.

Eye Opener, 14 May 2003
Having been a Christian for many years, I have viewed the Bible as a sword and shield, a book to be respected and reveranced, but it is also very hard to understand and misunderstood. Nick Page opens it up in a honest, comical and very real way, making it enjoyable to read the Bible and his book together. It does not go into complicated depth. I would highly recommend this to a new christian or someone who is curious about the Bible as an introduction. I would certainly like to meet Nick himself, you feel that you are speaking to him and getting to know him through his openess and humour.
An excellent, enjoyable and simplistic read.

Nick Page Bible Handbook, 24 Aug 2002
A most helpful and interestingly laid out bible handbook. Informative without being over-bearing. It is amazingly fresh, makes the Bible come to life. A reliable companion for House/Cell group leaders, Youth leaders or simply for personal study. If you want to know more about the Bible, this would be the place to start!

Brings the Psalms to life!, 27 Mar 2000
I have always found a study of the Psalms extremely difficult, but this book really brings a full, open meaning to them. It opens - up the Psalms from those so often 'chanted' according to the Psalter and which become dirges. Brueggemann really explains them and had allowed me to use them in my personal offices.

Amplify your understanding of God's Word, 22 Jan 2008
I don't use this as my main translation but for a single, easy to carry item I have yet to find something that can beat the Amplified Bible for unlocking the meaning of certain words and thus the meaning of the scriptures themselves. You shouldn't use just one bible or one book but if you have space or money only for one it should probably be this one.

As a pocket (if you have quite a big pocket) size bible it of course has some disadvantages but those disadvantages will be found in most, if not all, pocket bibles.

Great version of the Bible; small print and awkward size, 09 Mar 2000
I love the Amplified Version,and have found the precision of the translation really useful. However, this version has very small print and the size - somewhere between A5 and A6 - makes it awkward to read. Pity, especially as it comes at such a good price.

Good but not perfect, 25 Jan 2004
The book is certainly very well done. It is full of excellent colour photographs with good introductions to each book in the Bible. It is also has a lot of information about the Bible before actually trying to interpret it e.g. The Bible today, Passing on the story etc.
However, different parts of the book are written by different people who all have their own views on interpretation (Mostly Conservatives and Liberals) and feel that their views are definitely right. This can be quite confusing when the authors are all telling you to believe in different things (For example one author tells us that Jesus actually performed physical miracles while another tells us that it is symbolic). It is probably better to hold your own views about interpretation than be told.

An excellent volume in the best Lion tradition, 03 Dec 1999
Readers familiar with earlier editions will know what to expect (good photography, readable, 'safe' text and superb design), and if they want more of the same with a little up-date, they will not be disappointed. Newcomers should know that it is aimed more at the popular than the professional market, is the product largely of UK biblical scholars, mostly male, Protestant, clerical and enlightened conservatives. It accepts the broad gains of biblical scholarship over the last 50 years while showing particular caution in handling those of the last 10-15, avoids many of the critical issues though occasionally puts differing viewpoints side-by-side without getting into the argument, and sometimes sticks to a traditional interpretation without even suggesting that many scholars would want to question it. Recent developments are reflected the attention given to women's studies, the environment, justice, narrative readings and a multi-faith society. The wide area covers undoubtedly has its limitations but it will do much to dispel ignorance and increase understanding and may well whet the appetite of both conservatives and traditionalists to dig deeper. That can only be good and it is excellent value for money.

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.







Excellent!!!, 12 Jul 2005
If you are serious about studying the Holy Bible then this is a supplement that you cannot do without. Its easy to handle format gives you great definition for Bible words and Bible context and also provides a Greek and Hebrew dictionary of translated Englsih words making it easier to understand the Holy Bible in the contect that it is written.

Strongest Strong's by one who prefers Youngs, 15 Oct 2004
What a pity that with the modern computer technology available it is always Strong's Exhaustive concordance that is used as a pattern rather than Young's Analytical which was just as comprehensive (in theory at least) but which had the added advantage of taking one directly to the Greek and Hebrew without having to be given a number which one then has to look up in the dictionary at the back.

For those still using the AV Stongest Strongs is certainly an improvement over the original Strongs in that the dictionary definitions have been improved. However the paper quality is abyssmal - so thin it is difficult not to damage pages, print shows through the paper from the opposite side, and any annotations show right through.

Users of other versions should use the appropriate Exhaustive Concordance for their versions - I know ones exist for NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Kohlenberger seems to start work as soon as a new version appears!

very Strong research tool, 28 Aug 2003
I love using this to help me really grasp those word meanings. However, I don't use a King James as my normal reading translation, so when I find a word I want to know, I have to get the old KJ out to find the word in that, then look it up in Strong's. Good for seeing differences in translation but does mean you need a good sized table or a very big lap!

Excellent concordance, great improvement over the original, 15 Feb 2002
Strong's Concordance has always been one of the best tools to aid effective Bible study. The Strongest Strong's has been updated by better cross referencing and the inclusion of Goodrich-Kohlenberger numbers.

A guide to the use of the concordance eases you in although this section could be expanded.

Generally excellent value for money and a must for any serious Bible student.

A VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT AND INTERESTING APPROACH TO THE BIBLE., 06 Aug 2007
I opened this book and said immediately that this was my kind of book and just what I needed to help me read and understand the Bible. BUT on the same order and in the same parcel I bought another Nick page book called "The Map" but was most dissapointed to find that apart from the covers both books were absolutely identical, Word for Word. Next reaction was to send one back but on second thoughts decided to give one to a friend thus helping to spread the "Good News" Either of these books is superb. Don't hesitate Buy one of them ! Well Done Nick Page.

More stars needed!, 04 Oct 2006
Nick Page is laugh out loud funny. Not just "for a Christian", but for a human man. There's something almost Blackaderr-y about some of the bits of this book, in terms of sense of humour. It's such an interesting, knowledgable, humble, funny examination of the bible, that you'll find yourself looking forward to reading it. As in, curling up in bed of an evening, possibly early, just so you can read it. It's in bite-size chunks, with "Tricky Bits" explained honestly and without condescension; "Questions, Questions" where the author has brief - invariably hilarious - conversations with someone annoying who asks the questions *we* would ask; maps taking you through the chapters individually, and descriptions of the people that appear in the bible. Plus loads more. Really. Loads.

If you find Christianity a trife po-faced sometimes, this will, no pun intended, utterly renew your faith. If Jesus was to read a book discussing the bible, it'd be this one, cos He was funny, and He had an awesome, very dry sense of humour, as does Mr Nick.

Intelligent, genuinely funny, and full of God's Word. Great book.

An enjoyable insight, 11 Apr 2006
Page presents the message of the Bible in an informative and very readable way. He isn't shy in admitting the significant problems certain parts of the Bible present [for example, how a 'loving God' could allow the murder of men women and children of certain tribes who had fallen out of His favour.]

But he does have a go. Anyone interested in Bible study would enjoy this book.

Eye Opener, 14 May 2003
Having been a Christian for many years, I have viewed the Bible as a sword and shield, a book to be respected and reveranced, but it is also very hard to understand and misunderstood. Nick Page opens it up in a honest, comical and very real way, making it enjoyable to read the Bible and his book together. It does not go into complicated depth. I would highly recommend this to a new christian or someone who is curious about the Bible as an introduction. I would certainly like to meet Nick himself, you feel that you are speaking to him and getting to know him through his openess and humour.
An excellent, enjoyable and simplistic read.

Nick Page Bible Handbook, 24 Aug 2002
A most helpful and interestingly laid out bible handbook. Informative without being over-bearing. It is amazingly fresh, makes the Bible come to life. A reliable companion for House/Cell group leaders, Youth leaders or simply for personal study. If you want to know more about the Bible, this would be the place to start!

Brings the Psalms to life!, 27 Mar 2000
I have always found a study of the Psalms extremely difficult, but this book really brings a full, open meaning to them. It opens - up the Psalms from those so often 'chanted' according to the Psalter and which become dirges. Brueggemann really explains them and had allowed me to use them in my personal offices.

Amplify your understanding of God's Word, 22 Jan 2008
I don't use this as my main translation but for a single, easy to carry item I have yet to find something that can beat the Amplified Bible for unlocking the meaning of certain words and thus the meaning of the scriptures themselves. You shouldn't use just one bible or one book but if you have space or money only for one it should probably be this one.

As a pocket (if you have quite a big pocket) size bible it of course has some disadvantages but those disadvantages will be found in most, if not all, pocket bibles.

Great version of the Bible; small print and awkward size, 09 Mar 2000
I love the Amplified Version,and have found the precision of the translation really useful. However, this version has very small print and the size - somewhere between A5 and A6 - makes it awkward to read. Pity, especially as it comes at such a good price.

Good but not perfect, 25 Jan 2004
The book is certainly very well done. It is full of excellent colour photographs with good introductions to each book in the Bible. It is also has a lot of information about the Bible before actually trying to interpret it e.g. The Bible today, Passing on the story etc.
However, different parts of the book are written by different people who all have their own views on interpretation (Mostly Conservatives and Liberals) and feel that their views are definitely right. This can be quite confusing when the authors are all telling you to believe in different things (For example one author tells us that Jesus actually performed physical miracles while another tells us that it is symbolic). It is probably better to hold your own views about interpretation than be told.

An excellent volume in the best Lion tradition, 03 Dec 1999
Readers familiar with earlier editions will know what to expect (good photography, readable, 'safe' text and superb design), and if they want more of the same with a little up-date, they will not be disappointed. Newcomers should know that it is aimed more at the popular than the professional market, is the product largely of UK biblical scholars, mostly male, Protestant, clerical and enlightened conservatives. It accepts the broad gains of biblical scholarship over the last 50 years while showing particular caution in handling those of the last 10-15, avoids many of the critical issues though occasionally puts differing viewpoints side-by-side without getting into the argument, and sometimes sticks to a traditional interpretation without even suggesting that many scholars would want to question it. Recent developments are reflected the attention given to women's studies, the environment, justice, narrative readings and a multi-faith society. The wide area covers undoubtedly has its limitations but it will do much to dispel ignorance and increase understanding and may well whet the appetite of both conservatives and traditionalists to dig deeper. That can only be good and it is excellent value for money.

alter, the five books of moses, 21 Dec 2007
This book reveals just how much more there is to learn from an area that has been worked through from century to century. An indispensible guide to those who wish to learn, with new insights into the OT on every page.

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.







Excellent!!!, 12 Jul 2005
If you are serious about studying the Holy Bible then this is a supplement that you cannot do without. Its easy to handle format gives you great definition for Bible words and Bible context and also provides a Greek and Hebrew dictionary of translated Englsih words making it easier to understand the Holy Bible in the contect that it is written.

Strongest Strong's by one who prefers Youngs, 15 Oct 2004
What a pity that with the modern computer technology available it is always Strong's Exhaustive concordance that is used as a pattern rather than Young's Analytical which was just as comprehensive (in theory at least) but which had the added advantage of taking one directly to the Greek and Hebrew without having to be given a number which one then has to look up in the dictionary at the back.

For those still using the AV Stongest Strongs is certainly an improvement over the original Strongs in that the dictionary definitions have been improved. However the paper quality is abyssmal - so thin it is difficult not to damage pages, print shows through the paper from the opposite side, and any annotations show right through.

Users of other versions should use the appropriate Exhaustive Concordance for their versions - I know ones exist for NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Kohlenberger seems to start work as soon as a new version appears!

very Strong research tool, 28 Aug 2003
I love using this to help me really grasp those word meanings. However, I don't use a King James as my normal reading translation, so when I find a word I want to know, I have to get the old KJ out to find the word in that, then look it up in Strong's. Good for seeing differences in translation but does mean you need a good sized table or a very big lap!

Excellent concordance, great improvement over the original, 15 Feb 2002
Strong's Concordance has always been one of the best tools to aid effective Bible study. The Strongest Strong's has been updated by better cross referencing and the inclusion of Goodrich-Kohlenberger numbers.

A guide to the use of the concordance eases you in although this section could be expanded.

Generally excellent value for money and a must for any serious Bible student.

A VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT AND INTERESTING APPROACH TO THE BIBLE., 06 Aug 2007
I opened this book and said immediately that this was my kind of book and just what I needed to help me read and understand the Bible. BUT on the same order and in the same parcel I bought another Nick page book called "The Map" but was most dissapointed to find that apart from the covers both books were absolutely identical, Word for Word. Next reaction was to send one back but on second thoughts decided to give one to a friend thus helping to spread the "Good News" Either of these books is superb. Don't hesitate Buy one of them ! Well Done Nick Page.

More stars needed!, 04 Oct 2006
Nick Page is laugh out loud funny. Not just "for a Christian", but for a human man. There's something almost Blackaderr-y about some of the bits of this book, in terms of sense of humour. It's such an interesting, knowledgable, humble, funny examination of the bible, that you'll find yourself looking forward to reading it. As in, curling up in bed of an evening, possibly early, just so you can read it. It's in bite-size chunks, with "Tricky Bits" explained honestly and without condescension; "Questions, Questions" where the author has brief - invariably hilarious - conversations with someone annoying who asks the questions *we* would ask; maps taking you through the chapters individually, and descriptions of the people that appear in the bible. Plus loads more. Really. Loads.

If you find Christianity a trife po-faced sometimes, this will, no pun intended, utterly renew your faith. If Jesus was to read a book discussing the bible, it'd be this one, cos He was funny, and He had an awesome, very dry sense of humour, as does Mr Nick.

Intelligent, genuinely funny, and full of God's Word. Great book.

An enjoyable insight, 11 Apr 2006
Page presents the message of the Bible in an informative and very readable way. He isn't shy in admitting the significant problems certain parts of the Bible present [for example, how a 'loving God' could allow the murder of men women and children of certain tribes who had fallen out of His favour.]

But he does have a go. Anyone interested in Bible study would enjoy this book.

Eye Opener, 14 May 2003
Having been a Christian for many years, I have viewed the Bible as a sword and shield, a book to be respected and reveranced, but it is also very hard to understand and misunderstood. Nick Page opens it up in a honest, comical and very real way, making it enjoyable to read the Bible and his book together. It does not go into complicated depth. I would highly recommend this to a new christian or someone who is curious about the Bible as an introduction. I would certainly like to meet Nick himself, you feel that you are speaking to him and getting to know him through his openess and humour.
An excellent, enjoyable and simplistic read.

Nick Page Bible Handbook, 24 Aug 2002
A most helpful and interestingly laid out bible handbook. Informative without being over-bearing. It is amazingly fresh, makes the Bible come to life. A reliable companion for House/Cell group leaders, Youth leaders or simply for personal study. If you want to know more about the Bible, this would be the place to start!

Brings the Psalms to life!, 27 Mar 2000
I have always found a study of the Psalms extremely difficult, but this book really brings a full, open meaning to them. It opens - up the Psalms from those so often 'chanted' according to the Psalter and which become dirges. Brueggemann really explains them and had allowed me to use them in my personal offices.

Amplify your understanding of God's Word, 22 Jan 2008
I don't use this as my main translation but for a single, easy to carry item I have yet to find something that can beat the Amplified Bible for unlocking the meaning of certain words and thus the meaning of the scriptures themselves. You shouldn't use just one bible or one book but if you have space or money only for one it should probably be this one.

As a pocket (if you have quite a big pocket) size bible it of course has some disadvantages but those disadvantages will be found in most, if not all, pocket bibles.

Great version of the Bible; small print and awkward size, 09 Mar 2000
I love the Amplified Version,and have found the precision of the translation really useful. However, this version has very small print and the size - somewhere between A5 and A6 - makes it awkward to read. Pity, especially as it comes at such a good price.

Good but not perfect, 25 Jan 2004
The book is certainly very well done. It is full of excellent colour photographs with good introductions to each book in the Bible. It is also has a lot of information about the Bible before actually trying to interpret it e.g. The Bible today, Passing on the story etc.
However, different parts of the book are written by different people who all have their own views on interpretation (Mostly Conservatives and Liberals) and feel that their views are definitely right. This can be quite confusing when the authors are all telling you to believe in different things (For example one author tells us that Jesus actually performed physical miracles while another tells us that it is symbolic). It is probably better to hold your own views about interpretation than be told.

An excellent volume in the best Lion tradition, 03 Dec 1999
Readers familiar with earlier editions will know what to expect (good photography, readable, 'safe' text and superb design), and if they want more of the same with a little up-date, they will not be disappointed. Newcomers should know that it is aimed more at the popular than the professional market, is the product largely of UK biblical scholars, mostly male, Protestant, clerical and enlightened conservatives. It accepts the broad gains of biblical scholarship over the last 50 years while showing particular caution in handling those of the last 10-15, avoids many of the critical issues though occasionally puts differing viewpoints side-by-side without getting into the argument, and sometimes sticks to a traditional interpretation without even suggesting that many scholars would want to question it. Recent developments are reflected the attention given to women's studies, the environment, justice, narrative readings and a multi-faith society. The wide area covers undoubtedly has its limitations but it will do much to dispel ignorance and increase understanding and may well whet the appetite of both conservatives and traditionalists to dig deeper. That can only be good and it is excellent value for money.

alter, the five books of moses, 21 Dec 2007
This book reveals just how much more there is to learn from an area that has been worked through from century to century. An indispensible guide to those who wish to learn, with new insights into the OT on every page.

Still the best one volume bible commentary, 20 Jun 2003
First published in 1953, the New Bible Commentary has been revised and updated 4 times. It has been and still is, the best one volume Bible commentary available. To cover all 66 books of the bible means that some detail must be sacrificed, but the authors capture the flow of the argument in each book well, and also have time to discuss important and controversial issues.

Many of the articles are written by people with best-selling full-length commentaries on the books they were assigned. So you get G J Wenham on Genesis and Peter O'Brien on Colossians, for example.

Highly recommended.

If you would like this book at a bargain price, with 17 other helpful books, including the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, Sinclair Ferguson's New Dictionary of Theology, the New Bible Dictionary and the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Amazon also sells the Essential IVP Reference Collection CD ROM.

Descriptive commentary from a strong educational source -IVP, 02 Sep 2001
The scholars who have contributed to this sterling commentary are clearly people after the heart of the truth in the Bible. The writings are from various times, and have been updated regularly and revised to keep the style relevant to the modern reader. Although the quotations are from the NIV, the commentary does not glue itself to any particular translation. Rather it seeks to determine the most likely from a number of sources - often explaining how some translations do not offer a meaning as passionate as the original text.

I would recommend this book to ANYONE seeking to learn more about their Bible. It is non denominational, it does not seek to conclude on issues, only to clarify what the writers of the bible appear to mean, by demystifying the problems with reading what can be hard to understand through the veil of translation into English.

This is one book that I have next to my bible 95% of the time, and CONSTANTLY turn to it. Interestingly enough, I find I cannot separate my Bible from it, as when I am reading the commentary it makes clear the woven tapestry that the Bible is, it does this by making one think of OTHER portions than the one that may be under discussion. It is self referential and is therefore confident in that which it describes, and it mirrors the Bible very well in this.

Its a GREAT book that leaves no stone unturned, and completely follows the books of both Old and New Testament.

I would (and did) choose this one over ANY other Bible study book.

Really very helpful, 03 Jul 2008
Having completed a lay preachers course in the Christian Church I have been looking for a one volume commentary. Have now found it!
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise (but rather heavy), written by well informed experts commentary. It gives a great verse-by-verse discuss of the whole Bible.

A great starting point fot study and sermon preparation.


An excellent commentary on the Christian bible, 15 Oct 2001
The Oxford Bible Commentary is a concise, expert commentary, providing useful verse-by-verse explanation of the Christian religious book.

The commentary encompasses all books recognised as canonical in any of the western churches of Christianity, and also includes excerpts from books in other canons. The advanced bible scholar may additionally wish to refer to more specialist textbooks for detailed insight into specific topics or individual biblical books.

This is among the most authoritative Bible commentaries available. The reader will appreciate the expertise of the distinguished contributors, their concise verse explanations, thorough verse cross-references, and critical approach. The book is intuitively structured throughout and, despite the large size of this volume, easy to navigate.

It is a helpful aide toward informed reading of the Bible for any reason - religious, theological, historical, literary, or general interest. An extensive bibliographic resource and relevant maps complement the text.

A good Bible commentary such as this is highly enlightening. Each verse in the Bible suddenly makes much more sense in the light of expert explanation. In reading the Bible without the benefit of well-informed commentary, essential considerations such as the historical context, and relationships between verses, are almost certainly overlooked. While opinions expressed in this commentary are objective, they are frequently conservative and tend to be representative of mainstream or orthodox thought.

The OBC is a huge, high quality reference textbook, with a proportionate price-tag, and I fervently commend it to anyone with a serious interest in the Christian scripture.







Excellent!!!, 12 Jul 2005
If you are serious about studying the Holy Bible then this is a supplement that you cannot do without. Its easy to handle format gives you great definition for Bible words and Bible context and also provides a Greek and Hebrew dictionary of translated Englsih words making it easier to understand the Holy Bible in the contect that it is written.

Strongest Strong's by one who prefers Youngs, 15 Oct 2004
What a pity that with the modern computer technology available it is always Strong's Exhaustive concordance that is used as a pattern rather than Young's Analytical which was just as comprehensive (in theory at least) but which had the added advantage of taking one directly to the Greek and Hebrew without having to be given a number which one then has to look up in the dictionary at the back.

For those still using the AV Stongest Strongs is certainly an improvement over the original Strongs in that the dictionary definitions have been improved. However the paper quality is abyssmal - so thin it is difficult not to damage pages, print shows through the paper from the opposite side, and any annotations show right through.

Users of other versions should use the appropriate Exhaustive Concordance for their versions - I know ones exist for NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Kohlenberger seems to start work as soon as a new version appears!

very Strong research tool, 28 Aug 2003
I love using this to help me really grasp those word meanings. However, I don't use a King James as my normal reading translation, so when I find a word I want to know, I have to get the old KJ out to find the word in that, then look it up in Strong's. Good for seeing differences in translation but does mean you need a good sized table or a very big lap!

Excellent concordance, great improvement over the original, 15 Feb 2002
Strong's Concordance has always been one of the best tools to aid effective Bible study. The Strongest Strong's has been updated by better cross referencing and the inclusion of Goodrich-Kohlenberger numbers.

A guide to the use of the concordance eases you in although this section could be expanded.

Generally excellent value for money and a must for any serious Bible student.

A VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT AND INTERESTING APPROACH TO THE BIBLE., 06 Aug 2007
I opened this book and said immediately that this was my kind of book and just what I needed to help me read and understand the Bible. BUT on the same order and in the same parcel I bought another Nick page book called "The Map" but was most dissapointed to find that apart from the covers both books were absolutely identical, Word for Word. Next reaction was to send one back but on second thoughts decided to give one to a friend thus helping to spread the "Good News" Either of these books is superb. Don't hesitate Buy one of them ! Well Done Nick Page.

More stars needed!, 04 Oct 2006
Nick Page is laugh out loud funny. Not just "for a Christian", but for a human man. There's something almost Blackaderr-y about some of the bits of this book, in terms of sense of humour. It's such an interesting, knowledgable, humble, funny examination of the bible, that you'll find yourself looking forward to reading it. As in, curling up in bed of an evening, possibly early, just so you can read it. It's in bite-size chunks, with "Tricky Bits" explained honestly and without condescension; "Questions, Questions" where the author has brief - invariably hilarious - conversations with someone annoying who asks the questions *we* would ask; maps taking you through the chapters individually, and descriptions of the people that appear in the bible. Plus loads more. Really. Loads.

If you find Christianity a trife po-faced sometimes, this will, no pun intended, utterly renew your faith. If Jesus was to read a book discussing the bible, it'd be this one, cos He was funny, and He had an awesome, very dry sense of humour, as does Mr Nick.

Intelligent, genuinely funny, and full of God's Word. Great book.

An enjoyable insight, 11 Apr 2006
Page presents the message of the Bible in an informative and very readable way. He isn't shy in admitting the significant problems certain parts of the Bible present [for example, how a 'loving God' could allow the murder of men women and children of certain tribes who had fallen out of His favour.]

But he does have a go. Anyone interested in Bible study would enjoy this book.

Eye Opener, 14 May 2003
Having been a Christian for many years, I have viewed the Bible as a sword and shield, a book to be respected and reveranced, but it is also very hard to understand and misunderstood. Nick Page opens it up in a honest, comical and very real way, making it enjoyable to read the Bible and his book together. It does not go into complicated depth. I would highly recommend this to a new christian or someone who is curious about the Bible as an introduction. I would certainly like to meet Nick himself, you feel that you are speaking to him and getting to know him through his openess and humour.
An excellent, enjoyable and simplistic read.

Nick Page Bible Handbook, 24 Aug 2002
A most helpful and interestingly laid out bible handbook. Informative without being over-bearing. It is amazingly fresh, makes the Bible come to life. A reliable companion for House/Cell group leaders, Youth leaders or simply for personal study. If you want to know more about the Bible, this would be the place to start!

Brings the Psalms to life!, 27 Mar 2000
I have always found a study of the Psalms extremely difficult, but this book really brings a full, open meaning to them. It opens - up the Psalms from those so often 'chanted' according to the Psalter and which become dirges. Brueggemann really explains them and had allowed me to use them in my personal offices.

Amplify your understanding of God's Word, 22 Jan 2008
I don't use this as my main translation but for a single, easy to carry item I have yet to find something that can beat the Amplified Bible for unlocking the meaning of certain words and thus the meaning of the scriptures themselves. You shouldn't use just one bible or one book but if you have space or money only for one it should probably be this one.

As a pocket (if you have quite a big pocket) size bible it of course has some disadvantages but those disadvantages will be found in most, if not all, pocket bibles.

Great version of the Bible; small print and awkward size, 09 Mar 2000
I love the Amplified Version,and have found the precision of the translation really useful. However, this version has very small print and the size - somewhere between A5 and A6 - makes it awkward to read. Pity, especially as it comes at such a good price.

Good but not perfect, 25 Jan 2004
The book is certainly very well done. It is full of excellent colour photographs with good introductions to each book in the Bible. It is also has a lot of information about the Bible before actually trying to interpret it e.g. The Bible today, Passing on the story etc.
However, different parts of the book are written by different people who all have their own views on interpretation (Mostly Conservatives and Liberals) and feel that their views are definitely right. This can be quite confusing when the authors are all telling you to believe in different things (For example one author tells us that Jesus actually performed physical miracles while another tells us that it is symbolic). It is probably better to hold your own views about interpretation than be told.

An excellent volume in the best Lion tradition, 03 Dec 1999
Readers familiar with earlier editions will know what to expect (good photography, readable, 'safe' text and superb design), and if they want more of the same with a little up-date, they will not be disappointed. Newcomers should know that it is aimed more at the popular than the professional market, is the product largely of UK biblical scholars, mostly male, Protestant, clerical and enlightened conservatives. It accepts the broad gains of biblical scholarship over the last 50 years while showing particular caution in handling those of the last 10-15, avoids many of the critical issues though occasionally puts differing viewpoints side-by-side without getting into the argument, and sometimes sticks to a traditional interpretation without even suggesting that many scholars would want to question it. Recent developments are reflected the attention given to women's studies, the environment, justice, narrative readings and a multi-faith society. The wide area covers undoubtedly has its limitations but it will do much to dispel ignorance and increase understanding and may well whet the appetite of both conservatives and traditionalists to dig deeper. That can only be good and it is excellent value for money.

alter, the five books of moses, 21 Dec 2007
This book reveals just how much more there is to learn from an area that has been worked through from century to century. An indispensible guide to those who wish to learn, with new insights into the OT on every page.

Still the best one volume bible commentary, 20 Jun 2003
First published in 1953, the New Bible Commentary has been revised and updated 4 times. It has been and still is, the best one volume Bible commentary available. To cover all 66 books of the bible means that some detail must be sacrificed, but the authors capture the flow of the argument in each book well, and also have time to discuss important and controversial issues.

Many of the articles are written by people with best-selling full-length commentaries on the books they were assigned. So you get G J Wenham on Genesis and Peter O'Brien on Colossians, for example.

Highly recommended.

If you would like this book at a bargain price, with 17 other helpful books, including the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, Sinclair Ferguson's New Dictionary of Theology, the New Bible Dictionary and the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Amazon also sells the Essential IVP Reference Collection CD ROM.

Descriptive commentary from a strong educational source -IVP, 02 Sep 2001
The scholars who have contributed to this sterling commentary are clearly people after the heart of the truth in the Bible. The writings are from various times, and have been updated regularly and revised to keep the style relevant to the modern reader. Although the quotations are from the NIV, the commentary does not glue itself to any particular translation. Rather it seeks to determine the most likely from a number of sources - often explaining how some translations do not offer a meaning as passionate as the original text.

I would recommend this book to ANYONE seeking to learn more about their Bible. It is non denominational, it does not seek to conclude on issues, only to clarify what the writers of the bible appear to mean, by demystifying the problems with reading what can be hard to understand through the veil of translation into English.

This is one book that I have next to my bible 95% of the time, and CONSTANTLY turn to it. Interestingly enough, I find I cannot separate my Bible from it, as when I am reading the commentary it makes clear the woven tapestry that the Bible is, it does this by making one think of OTHER portions than the one that may be under discussion. It is self referential and is therefore confident in that which it describes, and it mirrors the Bible very well in this.

Its a GREAT book that leaves no stone unturned, and completely follows the books of both Old and New Testament.

I would (and did) choose this one over ANY other Bible study book.

Best Concordance Ever?, 22 Sep 2008
This is possibly the best concordance ever produced in book form. Taking the principles of the well-loved Strong's, it is a complete concordance of the New International Version. The really brilliant part of it is that it also includes words found in the KJV for those who are familar with that version.

The only reason I haven't given it 5 stars is because it is based on the American text of the NIV, but this is dealt with in an index of the words exclusively used in the Anglicised version including those which are simply spelling variations. The numbering system is revised, but closely linked to the original and again, an index is supplied so that users of other books using the original Strong's system are not hindered by the changes.

This is certainly the best concordance I have come across.