Best Commentaries on Job

Anderson’s commentary on Job models excellent scholarship while being accessible to those starting out in their studies of Job. A reliable commentary from a reliable scholar.

A clear and insightful commentary. Atkinson touches on many practical applications in his writing and will be readable to a wide audience.

This father and son duo bring a multi-generational perspective to the book of Job. They delve deep into the significance of the text, showing how it applies to believers’ lives.

As Job once voiced his thoughts honestly to God, Gibson also speaks candidly to readers in this commentary about his difficulties with the meaning of the book. This commentary can be helpful for preachers navigating skepticism and doubt.

Janzen’s commentary on Job is theologically strong and refreshing in application. Longman writes, “He does his job admirably. . . He makes a small yet significant shift away from the question ‘Why do the innocent suffer?’ to ‘Why are the righteous pious?’”

Konkel’s commentary on Job is careful and concisely written. He does a fine job with word study in the book. This is a helpful commentary for pastors to reference.

Smick’s commentary on Job is a helpful resource for preachers seeking personal spiritual application. Mathison says, “He is not as well-known as some of the other commentators . . . but he was a godly man, and his devotion to Jesus Christ is evident on the pages of his commentary.”

Like many of the commentaries in this series, Walton’s writing toggles expertly between the Job’s Ancient Near Eastern context and the theological significance of the text. A helpful introduction for all readers but also rewarding for those who wish to dive deeper.

Clines’s writings on Job are acclaimed for their comprehensive scope and attention to detail. He toggles expertly between the minutiae (verse-by-verse exposition, linguistic and textual issues) and the big picture of Job (literary and theological analysis). Clines’s work is thorough and extensive, but it retains an engaging and lively tone throughout.

While slightly dated, Gordis’s commentary is both scholarly and readable. His interpretations are clear and he gives readers a well-rounded view of the heart of the text. His work shows his acute familiarity with Job, its history, and the Hebrew that comprises it.

While not as technical or extensive as Clines’s commentaries on Job, Hartley’s contribution is insightful and engaging. Longman notes that it is “a major contribution to the study of the book. This is because it examines all the facets of the book, not necessarily because it is terribly original. It is solidly evangelical in its approach and very well researched.”

Less technical than the others in this list but chock full of clear and wise comments on the text. Murphy does a great job not only of offering new interpretations, but of charitably explaining alternative views.