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All the books listed on this page are personal recommendations that represent some of the very best biblical scholarship available today.
Bible Translations
The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha (Fifth Edition) — The book introductions and footnotes make this one of the best study Bibles available.
The Common English Bible Study Bible — A study Bible based on the new Common English Bible translation. If you want a fresh translation written in everyday English that is based on the latest scholarship and manuscripts, this is the one for you.
Old Testament
The Bible Unearthed by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman — This is a solid introduction to biblical archaeology and how it has changed the way scholars understand the Old Testament.
God’s Conflict with the Dragon and the Sea by John Day — This book explores the numerous passages in the Bible about dragons and God’s combat against the sea, including their background in the ancient texts of Ugarit.
Daniel (Hermeneia) by John J. Collins — This masterful commentary by the world’s leading scholar in Jewish apocalypticism is essential reading for anyone interested in Daniel.
Egypt, Canaan, and Israel in Ancient Times by Donald B. Redford — The books of Egyptologist Donald Redford are a must-have for anyone interested in the Egypt and the exodus story.
Reading the Fractures of Genesis by David M. Carr — This pivotal work has made important contributions to our understanding of the sources behind Genesis.
Yahweh and the Gods and Goddesses of Canaan by John Day — This classic provides a solid introduction to the religious beliefs of the ancient Canaanites and how they relate to Yahweh, the God of the Israelites.
The Apocalyptic Imagination by John J. Collins — This work by Collins is the standard textbook on apocalypticism, a major Jewish theological trend that molded early Christianity.
Gods, Goddesses, and Images of God in Ancient Israel by Othmar Keel and Christoph Uehlinger — This eye-opening book provides a thorough look at the connections between the Bible and ancient Near Eastern religious iconography.
New Testament
Misquoting Jesus by Bart Ehrman — This is the book that launched my interest in biblical studies. Informative and accessible, it’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in the Gospels.
Acts (Hermeneia) by Richard Pervo — If you want to explore the book of Acts, there is no better commentary to guide you.
The Origins of Early Christian Literature by Robyn Faith Walsh — This insightful look at how literary culture during the early Christian era is revolutionizing our understanding of the Gospels.
Forgery and Counterforgery by Bart Ehrman — Ehrman has a simpler version of this book called Forged for general audiences, but this book offers more information and is still a fairly easy read.
The Mystery of Acts by Richard Pervo — This is a great introduction to many of the puzzles in Acts by one of the top scholars of that book.
Who Wrote the New Testament? by Burton L. Mack — The monumental scholarship of Burton Mack has redefined our understanding of the origins of Christianity.
Is That in the Bible? 