Arabic editions of major Bible commentary series released

The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Lebanon and publisher Dar Manhal al Hayat have released five Arabic-language volumes from the New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT) and the New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) series. The books, which include commentaries on Genesis, Psalms, Galatians, and Ephesians, were officially launched on September 22, 2026.

Project leaders state that the initiative aims to address a long-standing scarcity of detailed biblical scholarship available in Arabic. Editor-in-chief Wajih Youssef noted that the commentaries provide in-depth analysis of historical, linguistic, and theological questions, serving as a resource for pastors, students, and teachers across the Arabic-speaking world. The project involved a collaborative effort among scholars, translators, and editors based in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt.

During the launch event, organizers emphasized that these volumes are intended to assist readers in understanding the context and meaning of Scripture rather than replacing the Bible itself. Seminary president Wissam Nasrallah described the translation project as a bridge for theological development, while publishing director Sandra El Hajj Baz framed the work as a tool to help believers engage more deeply with the biblical text.