An Exposition on the Old and New Testament, In Five Volumes (Volumes 1, 3, & 5 ONLY of 5)
London: Printed for John and Paul Knapton in Ludgate-street, Thomas Cox under the Royal-Exchange, Richard Ford and Richard Hett both in the Poultry, Aaron Ward in Little-Britain, and Thomas Longman in Pater Noster Row. 1737. Fourth Edition. Hardcover. THIS LISTING CONTAINS VOLUMES 1, 3 AND 5 of the 5-volume set. It is MISSING Volumes 2 and 4.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) was a Welsh-born English Nonconformist (Presbyterian) minister. Son of Puritan minister Philip Henry, he was a gifted preacher who pastored primarily in Chester, England. He began this massive verse-by-verse, devotional commentary project in 1704 while serving as a minister, driven by a desire to make Scripture accessible and practical for ordinary believers. It remains one of the most influential and widely used devotional commentaries in Protestant Christianity, especially among evangelicals. For over 300 years, it has been a staple for pastors, lay readers, and Bible students, and influenced figures like George Whitefield (who read it multiple times). It continues to enrich readers seeking not just knowledge but heart transformation.
Covering the entire Bible exhaustively, while it is scholarly, it is valued for its warmth and profitability rather than critical scholarship by today’s academic standards, making it ideal for personal devotion, preaching preparation, and family worship. Critics note its length (millions of words) and occasional dated elements, but its enduring popularity testifies to its spiritual depth. Henry excels at drawing spiritual lessons, illustrations, metaphors, and applications for daily life. Charles Spurgeon praised it as “pious and pithy, sound and sensible, suggestive and sober,” recommending every minister read it fully.
Early editions, (such as this one), were published in five volumes, and were later expanded or reissued in six volumes, particularly found in modern sets. Each chapter or section includes: a summary of contents, the full biblical text (KJV), verse-by-verse exposition, practical observations, applications, doctrinal insights, and devotional reflections.
Henry completed the full Old Testament and the New Testament up to Acts before his death in 1714 at age 51. Thirteen other Nonconformist ministers finished the remaining New Testament books (Romans to Revelation) using his notes and writings, ensuring continuity in style and spirit.
ABOUT THIS SET: This fourth edition is uncommon. All three books are very large and heavy folios, measuring 16" tall x 10" wide, respectively, with varying degrees of thickness between 2" and 3". On a shelf, this set spans 7.5". Bound in matching full leather calf, covers are plain. Hubbed spines bear six raised bands and are stamped in gilt lettering, along with a handwritten antiquarian label noting which books of the Bible were contained within the volume. All edges red stain. Volume I contains a frontispiece engraving of Matthew Henry in black and white, with red and black ink title page. Dual columened.
VOLUME I: Published in 1737. Contains Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I & II Samuel, and I & II Kings. There are no page numbers, but book and chapter number are listed at the head of each page.
VOLUME III: Published in 1737. Contains Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
VOLUME V: Published in 1738. Contains The Acts of the Apostles, The Several Epistles in the New Testament, and the Revelation.
CONDITION: External covers show moderate wear, and leather erosion, particularly along the extremities. Inner hinges and a couple outer joints are starting, yet boards are very well attached and the bindings are quite sound. Unmarked except for previous owner's vintage inscription within the introductory pages of each volume, dated 1930, and bookseller markings in pencil on the title page of Volume I. Leaves are very bright with very little foxing or chipping. A very nice set.
PLEASE NOTE: At over 27 lbs. with packaging materials, due to the size and weight of this set, an additional shipping charge may apply, and will be requested after purchase. This set will arrive with "signature required" upon delivery. Full refund if not satisfied. Very Good.
Item #080224
Price: $1,000.00