Best Commentaries on Hebrews

Before turning to the expert recommendations, here are some recent commentaries written by a trusted scholar that may be of interest. Because these volumes are newly published, the commentators on the commentaries have not yet had opportunity to evaluate them. They would, though, come with my recommendation.

• Thomas Schreiner – Hebrews (EBTC). It is hard to imagine that this volume in the EBTC wouldn’t end up on many lists of recommendations. Schreiner is a highly regarded scholar who has written a number of excellent commentaries on other books. (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)
• Sigurd Grindheim – The Letter to the Hebrews (The Pillar New Testament Commentary). Also pretty much guaranteed to be popular is this volume in the PNTC (which replaces the volume by O’Brien that needed to be withdrawn from circulation). Thomas Schreiner calls it an “outstanding contribution” that offers both “careful exegesis and theological depth.” (Amazon, Logos)

And now, here are the expert recommendations:

Paul Ellingworth – The Epistle to the Hebrews (New International Greek Testament Commentary). Ellingworth’s commentary is widely considered among the strongest commentaries on Hebrews—perhaps even the strongest for scholars and well-trained pastors. Because it is a volume in the NIGTC, you will need some knowledge of Greek to enjoy it to the full. Those who studied the language and who are interested in a very technical commentary will find that this one deals very well with the Greek text and that it provides insightful commentary. Everyone warns, though, that it is not for the feint-of-heart. (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)

William L. Lane – Hebrews 1-8; Hebrews 9-13 (Word Biblical Commentary). Until quite recently, Lane’s commentary was considered the best of the commentaries written to be accessible to those with little knowledge of Greek. Carson compares these volumes with Lane’s and says, “Lane often provides a better mix of technical comment and thoughtful theology.” It always bears mention that the Word Biblical Commentary has an awkward and unhelpful format, so it takes just a little bit more work to read than most. (Volume 1: Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos; Volume 2: Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)

F. F. Bruce – The Epistle to the Hebrews, Revised Edition (New International Commentary on the New Testament). Keith Mathison says that this is one of the best of the many commentaries Bruce wrote over the course of his lifetime. He concludes “The commentary is thorough yet accessible and should be consulted by all students of this book of Scripture.” Note that this commentary was originally published in the 60’s but revised and republished in 1990; if you have the older volume, or can buy it used, there may be little use in purchasing the update. (Amazon, Logos)

Philip E. Hughes – A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. This commentary which is not part of a set, has long been considered one of the best available. The commentators on the commentaries commend it for its wide historical sweep and for the way Hughes wrestles with the difficult theological questions. Derek Thomas gives it a one-word review: “Outstanding!” while Jim Rosscup says “The commentary is quite full and able to discuss ramifications where many even of the good commentaries are too general for some eager readers.” (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)

One commentary I would like to see reviewed is Richard Phillip’s contribution to the Reformed Expositional Commentary. I have read it and enjoyed it and know others who relied on it while preaching through Hebrews. (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)