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Tools for the Unashamed Workman.
No.6.
Commentaries with Greek Text.
pp. 98 - 100
Our survey of the many translations of the Scriptures that are of service to the
workman in the Word, would not be at all complete without a reference to those larger
works that not only give a translation, but provide a commentary at the same time. We
draw the reader's attention to the following, which are not however placed in order of
merit.
He Kaine Diatheke, The New Testament with English Notes,
Philological and
Explanatory. By E. Valpy.
The fourth edition, published in 1836, is enriched by a fairly full contribution on the
Greek Article contributed by Bishop Middleton, Dr. Tilloch and Mr. Granville Sharp.
While we do not say that this commentary has anything exceptional about it, the reader
would be well advised should he see it second hand for a few shillings to secure it. Here
and there its philological notes and explanatory passages are suggestive.
A work of much greater value and authority is that entitled:
"The Greek Testament with English Notes, Critical, Philological and Exegetical,
especially adapted for the use of theological students, and ministers."
By the Rev. S. T. Bloomfield, D.D. The ninth edition of this work was
published in 1858.
His own note which we extract from the preface, very aptly introduces the words
"cautious", "candour", "charity", which we would ourselves use in characterizing this
work.
"To revert in a general way to the two departments of his present labours--the critical
and exegetical. As to the former, the Author trusts that his recent very extensive
researches have enabled him materially to improve the Text which he had long ago
framed; at any rate he has been guided by a spirit alike remote on the one hand from the
reckless innovation, and, on the other, from a slavish adherence to what had been indeed
received . . . . . As to the latter and more important department, he is not aware that aught
has been left undone to serve every necessary purpose of the Student in Theology, the
Minister and Preacher, and the general Reader of Divinity. Accordingly he trusts that the
work will be found to present a constant Handbook supplying an ever ready Aid, and, as
far as is needed (though the materials for judgment are always placed before the reader),
a Guide. In regard to such portions as concern Systems of Theology--nay even points of
doctrine whereon professing Christians, however sober and conscientious, have differed
and do differ, he has been anxious to lay down the course of Exegesis (on the adjustment
of which the decision of such points turns), in the most cautious manner ever
endeavouring to open out the mind of the Spirit in the spirit of love, candour, and
Christian charity; at any rate studiously avoiding to treat such passages polemically or
controversially."