Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 7 - Jul 12
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
Biblical Hermeneutics, Five ViewsIn this Spectrum Multiview volume five experts in biblical hermeneutics gather to state and defend their approach to the discipline. Contributors include: Craig Blomberg with the historical critical grammatical approach Richard Gaffin with the redemptive historical approach Scott Spencer with the literary postmodern approach Robert Wall with the canonical approach Merold Westphal with the philosophical theological approach Spectrum Multiview Books
In this Spectrum Multiview volume five experts in biblical hermeneutics gather to state and defend their approach to the discipline. Contributors include:
• Craig Blomberg with the historical-critical/grammatical approach
• Richard Gaffin with the redemptive-historical approach
• Scott Spencer with the literary/postmodern approach
• Robert Wall with the canonical approach
• Merold Westphal with the philosophical/theological approach
Spectrum Multiview Books offer a range of viewpoints on contested topics within Christianity, giving contributors the opportunity to present their position and also respond to others in this dynamic publishing format.
Publisher: IVP
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9780830839636
______________
Stanley E. Porter (PhD, University of Sheffield) is president, dean, professor of New Testament, and Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is the author of twenty-eight books on various topics in New Testament and related subjects, including Hermeneutics: An Introduction to Interpretive Theory (with Jason C. Robinson), and he has edited over eighty volumes, including Biblical Hermeneutics: Five Views (with Beth M. Stovell). Porter has also published over three hundred articles, chapters, and related writings. Beth M. Stovell (PhD, McMaster Divinity College) is associate professor of Old Testament at Ambrose Seminary of Ambrose University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
______________
"Biblical Hermeneutics is a welcome addition to the often labyrinthine discussion of biblical interpretation. Each essay is clearly and astutely written, and the congenial tone of the contributors is refreshing." Andrea L. Robinson, Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry, Fall 2013
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 243 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Excellent Expository Commentary
Format: Hardcover, Format: Hardcover
I recently added the English Standard Version Expository Commentary to my library. This relatively new release has quickly become an invaluable resource for my personal study. The layout is exceptionally well designed. Each section begins with an overview of the passage, followed by the Scripture text itself. A concise section summary and an outline of the verses under consideration then provide helpful structure. Finally, the commentary offers thoughtful exposition, typically presented verse by verse or by clearly defined segments.
Each volume opens with a thorough introduction to the book, beginning with an overview of the text and title and authorship information. Where relevant, the evidence supporting the work’s authorship and reliability is presented, and complex or disputed passages are addressed. The introduction also discusses the date of composition and the historical circumstances surrounding the text.
This is followed by an examination of the book’s genre and literary structure—for example, whether it was written in Hebrew or Greek and why that matters. The author's theological perspective is then explored, along with how the book fits within and contributes to the broader message of Scripture. A key question guiding the introduction is how this book relates to the rest of the Bible. The result is a rich understanding of the cultural context, way of life, and interpretive challenges faced by the reader. An extensive outline precedes the scriptural text itself.
The commentary that follows is highly readable. My older NIV Expositor’s Bible Commentary tends to be more academic, particularly in its treatment of the original languages. By comparison, the ESV edition is both comprehensive and accessible. I consistently come away with all the essential information I need for serious study without being overwhelmed.
Physically, the volumes are attractive and well-constructed. The paper is thicker than that found in many comparable commentaries, the binding is sturdy and appears to be Smyth-sewn, and the typeface is easy on the eyes. The footnotes and endnotes are also clear and readable, contributing to an overall impression of quality and durability. This belongs in any serious Bible student's or pastor's library.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Very conservative approach, BUT that's not necessarily a hard pass if you're more progressive
Format: Hardcover, Format: Hardcover
A few things you should know if you're considering this purchase:
1. This commentary set has a conservative take on many topics. I haven't read through everything, but that is the general approach.
2. This commentary set is has a very strong complementarian view, and it takes the time to argue this extensively in all the key passages like the Creation story, 1 Corinthians 11, Ephesians 5, 1 Timothy 2 and 3, and Titus 2. It also makes reference to it in smaller passages like Romans 16:1-3 and Acts 18:26.
3. The conclusion given for the practical application of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 is that this passage should be put into practice with whatever is relevant in the culture you live in. Many denominations would take this approach; very conservative denominations will find issue with the application not being specifically head coverings.
The only reason I'm mentioning these things is so you get a better understanding of what approach this commentary set takes. The fact that I gave this set 5 stars is not because of its conservative views, but rather for the following reasons:
1. The commentary is written in a way that's easy to understand and follow. I felt like the language and sentence structure is pretty down to earth compared to other deeply theological and intellectual commentaries I've read.
2. It's formatted in a way that feels digestible. It goes through the whole Bible taking one chunk of Scripture at a time. So this is what it looks like: A big title saying what the Scripture passage is, then a paragraph or two of Scripture, and then the commentary on the Scripture. The commentary is broken up into these sections: Section Overview, Section Outline, Comment (which has commentary clearly marked verse by verse), and Response. I've included a picture to show what I mean. (Many Scripture passages are longer than the one shown in the picture though.) I find this format to be pretty easy to follow along.
3. It's easy to tell that a lot of thought and effort went into this set. It feels thorough, but not overwhelmingly detailed.
Now, for a bit of my personal opinions about the views this commentary set holds. I'm not certain where I fall in the whole conservative/progressive spectrum. I'm not sure I can clearly define whether I'm complementarian or egalitarian. But I do believe in actively listening to opposing viewpoints, even when it feels uncomfortable to do so. It was truthfully uncomfortable for me to read a very strong complementarian view. However, even in the discomfort, I still came across other things in this commentary set that gave a more clear understanding of Scripture, things I'd never thought of before and that were good for me to read.
If you're more progressive, it goes without saying that this commentary set will not align with your views on everything. However, I don't necessarily think that means the set is absolutely not for you. I believe that the church at large, regardless of where we are on the conservative or progressive spectrum, would benefit from reading and listening to views we might not necessarily agree with. I believe it helps us grow in compassion and understanding and grace toward each other. And even though you may find yourself strongly disagreeing with some of the conservative views, I really do think there's a lot of other commentary that you would probably find really helpful and great to read.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Analog Assistance
Format: Hardcover, Format: Hardcover
This ESV Expository Commentary (12-Volume Set) is a dream come true for me.
Here’s why I wanted it: I have difficulty with picking up my phone to search the internet when I don’t understand a thing I’m reading during my daily study. I loathe this habit because it takes a lot to reel myself back in to my study time. For over a month now I’ve used this set to put my foot down and have less distraction for the most important part of my day. [Side note: I use the M’Cheyne one year reading plan each year to give myself the discipline to read through but now I am finally able to use my time wisely when I have questions.] Now, as I read from the old and New Testament each day, it feels like I have a very studious friend by my side helping me gain more depth of understanding by filling in the many gaps of my knowledge base.
Each book is covered with an overview, author, date, occasion and purpose, genre and literary features, relationship to the rest of the Bible and Christ (love this section) and a preaching from section and some have an interpretive challenges section. (:
Each chapter has: Section overview, section outline, comments and response.
In the contents section it shares the exactly the authors names who contributed. I’m thankful this part is clear because I can look into further writings by these authors if they have anything.
I could just cry over how beautiful and helpful this set of incredible books have been to my life. I have much more confidence in facing the more challenging sections of the Bible.
—————————————-
Physically:
Some of these books are very hefty so keep them where you won’t have to carry one far to get to your desk. I only have to walk up a few stairs but if I’ve got two of the thicker ones? lol A workout for me!
They lay open very well, the spine is designed beautifully for easier place holding.
There is plenty of border around each page so you can add notes quite plentifully if you’re like me (a micron of 01 size or finer gives maximum use if you write tiny and it doesn’t bleed).
The font is not tiny, even the footnotes are reasonably sized.
The scripture written about is in the text itself which is great if you have a smaller desk.
They take up almost an entire bookshelf in a standard shelving unit.
—————————————
These are amazing, just amazingly clear and readable. I’ve been especially helped by the historical context which I previously was unaware of- like information on the people in surrounding areas, their cultures and beliefs, the impact it had on the Jewish peoples etc.
[[The cost: If you are thinking you don’t want to afford these, here’s how I look at it: I purchase a phone every three years or so, I was about to put that off one more year and buy these. If you have a daughter or son and they are on fire for the Lord and studious-these would make a mind blowingly great gift for graduation. If you are wondering what to get your pastor this year, why not get a few people in on it with you? If you, like me, just really want a boost to your understanding that is pretty much exhaustive this set will help you for years to come. I say these things because I know the cost gave me pause but after reading them for over a month I know them to be worth every cent, for me: they’ve been pretty much priceless.]]
I’ve been encouraged and informed by the hours I’ve read through these and they simply shine with thorough scholarly care, now I would not hesitate for a second to recommend these to any believer with the conviction that we ought to be ready in season and able to answer to the reason for our joy.
I agree with the other reviewers who’ve said these are for anyone teenaged and up (I’m sure they’d be helpful for studious children even younger depending on their ability and desire).
PS Most of my pictures are from the volume X- Romans through Galatians because that’s what I happened to be using during this review.
I sure hope something in my review helps you to make the best choice for your needs. (:
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Comprehensive, invaluable resource
Format: Hardcover, Format: Hardcover
This set is just massive. There is so much depth and insight, I don't know that I'll ever get to it all. One could literally read these volumes cover to cover because they're simply interesting and thought provoking. That said, I think it's best taken in small doses, perhaps focusing on single verses as they arise in daily life or in bible study. The physical quality of the volumes is top notch as well. This set would work well in a private library but could be equally appropriate for a church library. Absolutely recommended.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Valued study tool
Format: Hardcover
This resource is phenomenal. I’ve been including this commentary set in my resources to teach through the minor prophets, and I find myself really appreciating its solid, accurate, grace-filled contents.
This includes the ESV text, supporting timelines, graphics, and charts, and expansive commentary supporting the text. This set will be a valued study tool for years to come.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2025