Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for the layperson, etc
Review: It works great for the layperson or Bible student who just wants to know what the scholars say, without all the detailing and discussion. It offers (usually, I think) multiple opinions, when they exist, about what something may mean, etc. It compares/contrasts well, gives overviews of background info and is very concise. If one reads the preface, it says that it is for the layperson. It claims to have retained the "important imperitive material...without the text of the NIV and the detailed scholarly notes and discussions." It serves the purpose set forth in the Preface and makes an excellent reference as well as excellent springboard into Biblical research for college/university students and people preparing Bible studies/lessons. For this reason, this layperson/student gives it 5 stars!

Rating:
Summary: Too brief to be of use for anyone serious on Bible study.
Review: This is an abridged version of the Expositor's Bible Commentary, which to start with is already too brief and too unsubstantiating in its comments on the Biblical texts. After abridgement, it is worse!