Matthew 5 20

Matthew 5:20 kjv

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 nkjv

For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 niv

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 esv

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 nlt

"But I warn you ? unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 20 Meaning

This verse declares that true entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven requires a righteousness far surpassing the outward, ceremonial, and legalistic observance practiced by the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ time, namely the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus emphasizes an internal, heartfelt conformity to God’s will, a spiritual transformation that goes beyond mere adherence to the written or oral law. It underscores that superficial religious performance is insufficient for salvation and a life pleasing to God.

Matthew 5 20 Context

This verse is delivered as part of the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5-7. Jesus is addressing His disciples and a large crowd on a mountainside, unveiling the true meaning and radical demands of God's Kingdom. He contrasts His teaching with the common interpretations and practices of the time, particularly those of the religious establishment. Following immediately after Jesus' declaration that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Mt 5:17), Matthew 5:20 serves as a crucial explanation of what that fulfillment entails for His followers: a righteousness that extends beyond outward observance to an internal, wholehearted commitment that permeates one's very being. It challenges the prevailing religious norm, asserting that true godliness is not measured by meticulous adherence to external regulations but by the condition of the heart.

Matthew 5 20 Word analysis

• For I say to you: This emphatic declaration (ἐγὼ λέγω ὑμῖν - egō legō hymin) signifies Jesus' authoritative teaching. It marks a foundational principle He is establishing, drawing a stark contrast to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees. This direct, first-person statement establishes His authority as God's Son and interpreter of His will, not merely another rabbinical voice.
• that unless: The Greek word "ἐὰν μὴ" (ean mē) expresses a strong, almost conditional warning. It introduces an absolute prerequisite, indicating that failure to meet the stated condition results in certain exclusion.
• your righteousness: The Greek term for righteousness is δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē). In its biblical context, it refers not merely to moral uprightness or correct behavior, but a right standing before God and a right way of life. It encompasses both imputed righteousness (given by God) and ethical conduct reflecting God's character. Here, it refers to the righteousness lived out by those who follow Jesus, which must originate from the heart and express itself authentically, going deeper than outward legal compliance.
• exceeds: The word "περισσεύσῃ" (perisseusē) means to "abound, surpass, overflow, excel." This is a crucial verb, indicating that the new standard set by Jesus is not merely equivalent to, but fundamentally superior to, the traditional understanding of righteousness. It suggests a qualitative, not just quantitative, difference.
• that of the scribes and Pharisees:
  • Scribes (γραμματεῖς - grammateis): Professional interpreters and teachers of the Jewish Law, both written and oral. They copied the Scriptures and advised on legal matters. They held significant authority and influence, often being lawyers and experts in tradition.
  • Pharisees (Φαρισαῖοι - Pharisaoi, meaning "separated ones"): A prominent and influential religious sect in first-century Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law, including meticulous observance of the oral traditions (later codified as the Mishnah) in addition to the written Torah. They emphasized ritual purity, tithing, and detailed rules for daily life. While many were sincere, Jesus often criticized them for their hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and focus on external obedience while neglecting the internal transformation and justice of the heart.
  • Jesus uses them as a benchmark for external religious piety, indicating that His followers must have a different kind of righteousness, not just a slightly better version of theirs. Their righteousness was largely external, performance-based, and focused on maintaining a respected appearance.
• you will by no means enter: The strong double negative in Greek, "οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε" (ou mē eiselthēte), emphasizes the absolute impossibility of entry without this greater righteousness. There is no alternative path, no loophole.
• the kingdom of heaven: (βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν - basileia tōn ouranōn). This foundational concept in Matthew's Gospel refers to the sovereign rule of God, which is present both in spiritual reality on earth (through Christ's presence and teaching) and future consummation. Entry signifies salvation, being part of God's new community, experiencing His blessing, and living under His reign. It’s not merely an afterlife destination but a present sphere of submission to God’s kingly rule.

Matthew 5 20 Bonus section

This verse highlights the continuous tension in faith between outward adherence and inward devotion. It cautions against the human tendency to self-justify through performance, religious traditions, or societal reputation rather than humble submission to God's standard. The "righteousness" Jesus calls for here is deeply integrated with love, mercy, and faithfulness, as exemplified throughout the Sermon on the Mount and ultimately demonstrated in His own life and teachings. It serves as a necessary interpretive lens for understanding the Beatitudes and the antitheses (Jesus' "You have heard that it was said... But I say to you...") that follow. Without this surpassing righteousness, no one can truly be part of God's reign, both now and in the age to come.

Matthew 5 20 Commentary

Matthew 5:20 acts as a watershed moment in the Sermon on the Mount, fundamentally redefining the path to God's Kingdom. Jesus isn't demanding a more intense form of legalism; rather, He calls for a radical transformation of the heart that produces genuine, God-honoring righteousness. The "exceeding righteousness" is not achieved by human effort or rigorous rule-keeping but is rooted in an internal disposition and spiritual condition enabled by God. The scribes and Pharisees, for all their outward religious devotion and strict adherence to ceremonial and legal details, often lacked genuine inner piety, love for God, and compassion for others. Jesus' teaching pushes beyond superficial conformity, addressing anger (Mt 5:21-22), lust (Mt 5:27-28), honesty (Mt 5:33-37), and love for enemies (Mt 5:43-47) — areas often neglected by those focused purely on external law. This higher righteousness aligns with the perfection spoken of in Mt 5:48 and can only truly be found in Christ, who fulfills the law’s righteous requirements, and then imputed and imparted to believers.