- Related Resource: Multiple Sermons and Commentaries on Leviticus
The following commentaries on Leviticus—and related biblical books—are authored by recognized evangelical scholars and writers. Most of these volumes are relatively recent (primarily post-1970) and, until recently, were available only through printed editions or proprietary Bible software platforms. They are now accessible at no cost through archive.org, though several limitations apply.
First, the platform disables direct copy-and-paste functionality.
Second, materials are loaned on a one-hour checkout basis; however, they may be renewed immediately upon expiration, allowing for extended reading and note-taking.
Third, access requires a free archive.org account. This can be created by visiting archive.org, selecting the profile icon in the upper-right corner, and registering with an email address and password.
While I have consulted or made use of many (though not all) of these works, readers are strongly encouraged to emulate the Bereans of Acts 17:11+ by evaluating all material in light of Scripture. The selections represented here have been chosen for their generally conservative theological orientation and their commitment to biblical fidelity. Should you encounter a work that appears not to meet these criteria, you are invited to communicate your concerns via the contact form at: https://www.preceptaustin.org/
As this resource grows in popularity, you will occasionally encounter a commentary marked “Borrow Unavailable.” This simply indicates that another user has it checked out for the current hour. Because users may immediately renew their one-hour loan, a volume can remain unavailable for an extended period. Below are several practical strategies that I have found helpful to see portions of a book which is unavailable:
- Search by page number.
Use the search box on the left side of the page and enter a number; this often retrieves a specific page. For example, With the Word was recently unavailable, so I searched for 100, which produced a two-page preview for that work. - Search by keyword or title phrase.
Enter a distinctive word or phrase from the title. If you use more than one word, place the phrase in quotation marks for a more precise search. - Search using part of a known quotation.
If you have a sentence or phrase from the book, search a short portion of that line, putting phrases in quotation marks. If the initial attempt yields no results, try a different phrase in the quotation. - Search on a word that that will likely be on almost every page of the book.
E.g., take the commentary by Gordon Wenham on Leviticus. Let's say it was unavailable. Then I do a search on the word Leviticus and retrieved over 448 hits which allows me access to most of the book. - Refresh limited previews.
Occasionally a page will open but fail to render fully (displaying only “Limited Preview”). Try refreshing the page—F5 on Windows or Command + R on Mac—which sometimes allows the content to load correctly.
The book of Leviticus by Wenham, Gordon J
Keith Mathison rates this as the #1 commentary on Leviticus. See Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Leviticus
Rosscup - Sparkling, inviting and generally convincing effort at showing the modern meaning and relevance of Leviticus, based on the legitimate and inherent meaning of the text. Displays a minimum of “reaching,” and a real respect for the canonical text. Indispensable for preaching or teaching, and rewarding for personal (serious) study.—Dan Phillips
Cyril Barber - New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1979. Following a brief introduction and a selective bibliography containing all the best works and journal articles, Wenham settles down to expound the text. Each section is prefaced by a translation of the MT Following an historical assessment of the teaching of the passage, "the abiding theological value" of the portion of Scripture under consideration is discussed. The result is a valuable contribution to the biblical preacher's library.
William Barrick - This commentary was perhaps the catalyst for the other works listed here. It is well-written with a bold approach to key subjects (e.g., the clean-unclean and holy-profane categories). Each chapter concludes with a discussion of its relationship to the New Testament and Christianity. It occasionally suffers from exegetical malnutrition.
Leviticus by John E Hartley - 584 pages from Word Biblical Commentary series.
Keith Mathison rates this as the #2 commentary on Leviticus. See Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Leviticus
William Barrick - Hartley’s commentary is a detailed exegetical commentary on the Hebrew text of Leviticus. He introduces each section of the text with a scholarly bibliography. Then he provides a translation with notes and a brief discussion of “Form/Structure/Setting” before giving comments on the text. Most sections are concluded by an “Explanation” summarizing the basic thought of the passage, its theological implications, and giving discussion of New Testament relationships.
Leviticus 1-16 : a new translation with introduction and commentary - by Jacob Milgrom
Leviticus 17-22 : a new translation with introduction and commentary - by Jacob Milgrom
Leviticus 23-27 : a new translation with introduction and commentary - by Jacob Milgrom
Keith Mathison rates this as the #4 commentary on Leviticus. See Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Leviticus
James Rosscup - This work is very impressive in its command of the subjects and scholarly literature helpful on them. Often Milgrom takes views conservatives will appreciate. He argues at length for the ancient rooting of material called priestly, and the reasonableness of seeing Aaron and his line of priests as historical. His commentary often cites from medieval Jewish exegetes who have been much passed over by scholarship in general. He also draws from scholars of the past century and a half, such as Kalisch, Driver, Noth, Snaith, Wenham, Harrison and Levine (cf. his lengthy bibliography, pp. 69–128). A translation and broad introduction precedes sections, then Milgrom gives “Notes” which deal exhaustively with verses (9 pp. on 1:1, etc.). He explains problems, such as prohibiting leaven and honey and including salt (2:11–13) and the reason Nadab and Abihu were struck down in the midst of service in 10:1 (cf. p. 598 and pp. 633–35 where he cites twelve views of rabbis). He goes into much detail on why some foods, as pork, were prohibited (cf. his verse by verse commentary plus special sections, 691–742). Few stones are left unturned. At the end are indices of subjects, terms, authors, sources in Scripture, Apocrypha/Pseudepigrapha, Qumran, Versions, Targums, Rabbinics, etc. The 3 vols add up to 2714 pp., at ca. $150.00. The last 2 vols. are, as the first, massive in learned explanation. Milgrom often gives much insight on what the text means, more overall than any other commentary. One must be aware that nearly 1/3 of the work’s pp. are devoted to issues other than verse by verse comments, much of this helpful to scholars, wordy, repetitious or on matters that most will not see as needed. As in using Aune’s 3-vol. work on the Revelation, one may have to pass over much to get at what seems most pertinent.
Leviticus, an introduction and commentary by R K Harrison (Or here)
Tim Challies - The Tyndale Old Testament series is intended to be concise. Harrison’s volume reflects that concision with a page count of only 254. The series is not only concise, but also very readable, so this may well be the best choice for someone who wants only one commentary, and one that is written with a general audience in mind. At the very least, it may well be a great place to begin to get an overview of the book.
William Barrick - In this compact volume Harrison presents an evangelical commentary on Leviticus with a brief (but adequate) introduction. His focus is on the relevance of Leviticus for today’s Christian.
Leviticus : the traditional Hebrew text with the new JPS translation by Baruch A Levine
Leviticus by Mark Rooker - NOTE: This book is only on Perlego and there is a monthly fee involved giving access to 800,000 books
A Commentary on Leviticus (1846) by Andrew Bonar (552 pages)
Tim Challies - Because Andrew Bonar’s commentary is quite old it falls outside the boundaries of the top-5 I am recommending. However, it is considered an exceptional volume and one that is very much worthy of a place in your collection. C.H. Spurgeon was apparently especially fond of it
The Bible knowledge commentary : an exposition of the scriptures by F Duane Lindsey (Dallas Theological Seminary)
The Expositor's Bible Commentary - Leviticus by Richard Hess
Leviticus : based on the New Revised Standard Version by Philip J Budd
The book of Leviticus by Samuel H Kellogg
Leviticus ; a commentary by Martin Noth
Leviticus by McGee, J. Vernon
KJV Bible Commentary on Leviticus - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT - no restriction on length of time one can use it. Allows Copy and paste
Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective (pre-millennial) The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.
NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H. Wayne; 917 ratings Very helpful notes. Conservative.
Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament Warren Wiersbe - Always worth checking.
William Barrick - The driving force behind this brief expository commentary is application to believers today.
Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament by Warren Wiersbe
"Even the most difficult Scriptures come alive as Warren Wiersbe leads you book-by-book through the Old Testament and helps you to see the "big picture" of God's revelation. In this unique volume, you will find: • Introductions and/or outlines for every Old Testament book • Practical expositions of strategic chapters • Special studies on key topics, relating the Old Testament to the New Testament • Easy-to-understand expositions that are practical, preachable, and teachable If you have used Dr. Wiersbe's popular BE series, you know how simple and practical his Bible studies are, with outlines that almost teach themselves. If not, you can now discover a wonderful new resource. This work is a unique commentary on every book of the Old Testament. It contains new material not to be found in the BE series.
With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - Comments on each chapter. Wiersbe is always worth checking!
"A fresh approach which not only offers trustworthy exposition, but also provides a book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter tour through the glory of the Bible. This highly readable personal "conversation" with Scripture guides you through each book, helping you reap the rich, life-changing applications on every page. You will be encouraged to develop your own personal Bible reading program and learn the power of meditation on its truth."
The IVP Bible Background Commentary Old Testament (ONLINE) - InterVarsity Press 2000. John Walton
Theological Dictionary Of The Old Testament - 17 volumes - massive resource - fully searchable and allows copy and paste
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament = TWOT no time limit and allows copy and paste. Downloaded PDF.
A survey of Old Testament introduction Gleason L Archer
108 PAGE BIBLIOGRAPHY ON WORKS RELATED TO LEVITICUS