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Best Commentaries on James

The driving message of James’s letter is that Christians’ faith in the gospel should work itself out in a life of obedience. As he says in James 1:22, believers in Christ should not just hear the Word and believe it but also do what it says. James teaches us that faith in the gospel results in fruitful good works.

James’s letter has been called “the Proverbs of the New Testament” because it’s filled with practical exhortations. The many different and seemingly disconnected themes in the letter are tied together by his desire to apply Christian teaching to a believer’s daily walk.

Here are our picks for the best commentaries on James.

Introductory Commentaries

For Sunday school teachers and small group leaders without advanced training

James: An Introduction and Commentary

Douglas J. Moo
Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
IVP Academic, 2015

Not to be confused with his more advanced commentary (see below), this work is an excellent introductory work to James’s epistle. Readers will receive the benefits of Moo’s detailed study and warm writing at a less technical level.

The Message of James

J. Alec Motyer
Bible Speaks Today Series
IVP Academic, 2021

Though some of his illustrations are dated, Motyer is one of the few commentators whose applications do justice to the socio-economic dimension of James’s setting. Teachers and church members will deeply benefit from his incisive treatment of the letter.

Preaching Commentaries

For pastors and Bible teachers preparing to proclaim the Word

Exalting Jesus In James

David Platt
Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary
Holman Bible Publishers, 2014

Platt’s exposition of James is a Christ-centered approach. He crafts his chapters to explain and apply key passages in this epistle devotionally, and he helps his readers to see the beauty of Christ in the epistle.

Hebrews, James

R.T. France and George H. Guthrie
Expositor's Bible Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2017

Guthrie offers his comprehensive yet succinct commentary, working from the original Greek, and referring to other translations when useful. Written from an evangelical perspective, Guthrie offers a balanced and respectful approach when presenting different theological opinions, and he brings insightful exposition and thoughtful discussion of the text.

The Letter of James

Douglas J. Moo
Pillar New Testament Commentary
Eerdmans, 2021

Moo’s more technical commentary is indispensable for Bible teachers. Tabb says it “displays [Moo’s] usual combination of exegetical rigor, clarity of expression, and sound theology.” In his second and expanded edition, Moo includes discussions of contemporary research. Readers will benefit from his understanding of faith, works, and justification.

Scholarly Commentaries

For scholars and pastor-theologians proficient in biblical Greek

James

Craig L. Blomberg and Mariam J. Kamell (Kovalishyn)
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2008

Biblical scholars Blomberg and Kamell have given us a distinguished treatment of James’s literary context and structure with a line-by-line commentary on the Greek. Their exegetical outlines and argument for the overall structure of James are convincingly on-point. They provide an astute theological perspective with application points that are sensitive to Bible teachers in local church contexts.

The Epistle of James

Peter H. Davids
New International Greek Testament Commentary
Eerdmans, 1982

Davids provides a thorough analysis of the relevant issues related to Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, giving particular attention to interpreting the Greek text of James in context. His presentation of the structure of the letter is arguably accurate, and Davids masterfully deals with the theme of rich and poor. Though this commentary is slightly dated, those with even minimal Greek knowledge should consider consulting this work.

James

Dan G. McCartney
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
Baker Academic, 2009

McCartney’s thorough commentary showcases his expertise in biblical interpretation. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, McCartney leads readers through all aspects of the book of James—sociological, historical, and theological—to help them better understand its theological meaning and applicable relevance. This work ranks highly for readers with a handle on biblical Greek.