Comprehensive Commentary on the Holy Bible: Containing the Text According to the Authorized Version; Scott's Marginal References; Matthew Henry's Commentary...

The Comprehensive Commentary on the Holy Bible, edited by William Jenks and published in the mid-19th century, was designed to address a growing demand for a singular, accessible resource that consolidated multiple scholarly perspectives. By synthesizing the King James Version text with the annotations of Thomas Scott and the extensive exegetical work of Matthew Henry, the series sought to provide a bridge between academic biblical study and lay devotional practice.

The editorial ambition behind this work was to democratize theological scholarship by making dense commentary approachable for the average household. The physical design reflected the Victorian preference for substantial, multi-volume reference sets meant to serve as a centerpiece of the home library. Upon its release, the collection was well-received by clergy and congregants alike, becoming a staple of 19th-century religious literature due to its methodical arrangement and breadth of reference.