A commentary is a work devoted to the explanation, clarification, or illustration of the text of the Bible. Commentaries usually contain introductory material on each book of the Bible as well as a verse-by-verse analysis and extensive discussions of particular texts.

The primary function of a good commentary is to furnish an exact interpretation of the meaning of the passage under consideration. It also shows the connection of ideas, the steps of argument, the scope and design of the whole text.

Commentary authors are usually specialists. They may read the Bible in Hebrew, Greek, and/or Aramaic and so be able to explain the original meaning of a verse. Some authors are historians or archaeologists so they can explain the context, history, manners, and customs of the people and times referred to. They may also include references to other sources for information about the text.
 

There are many different Bible commentaries. They run from 1-volume to huge multi-volume sets. Each commentary will reflect the biases and interests of the authors. You may want to compare and contrast the information you find in more than one commentary.

Free Downloadable Matthew Henry Concordance in PDF format

Vol 1        Vol 2        Vol 3        Vol 4        Vol 5        Vol 6

Vol. 1 - Genesis to Deuteronomy.

Vol. 2 - Joshua to Esther.

Vol. 3 - Job to Song of Solomon.

Vol. 4 - Isaiah to Malachi.

Vol. 5 - Matthew to John.

Vol. 6 - Acts to Revelation.