King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible:
For I tell you that unless your righteousness is far greater than that of the Torah-teachers and P'rushim, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Berean Standard Bible:
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
American Standard Version:
For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
For{G1063} I say{G3004} unto you{G5213}, That{G3754} except{G3362} your{G5216} righteousness{G1343} shall exceed{G4052}{G4119} the righteousness of the scribes{G1122} and{G2532} Pharisees{G5330}, ye shall in no case{G3364} enter{G1525} into{G1519} the kingdom{G932} of heaven{G3772}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Romans 10:2
- For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
Romans 10:3
- For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Philippians 3:9
- ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Romans 9:30
- ¶ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
Romans 9:32
- Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Matthew 23:2
- Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Matthew 23:5
- But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Matthew 5:20
Matthew 5:20 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, a significant discourse delivered by Jesus Christ early in the Gospel of Matthew. This verse encapsulates a key theme in Jesus' teaching: the call for a righteousness that surpasses the external, legalistic observance of the Law as practiced by the scribes and Pharisees. In the historical context of first-century Judaism, the scribes and Pharisees were highly respected for their meticulous adherence to the Law of Moses and their extensive knowledge of religious tradition. However, Jesus challenges his listeners to aspire to a deeper, more authentic righteousness—one that is rooted in the heart and expressed through genuine love for God and neighbor, rather than merely through outward acts of piety.
The verse underscores the idea that entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is contingent upon a transformative righteousness that exceeds the superficial, self-righteous standard of the religious leaders of the time. Jesus emphasizes that righteousness is not about public displays of religiosity or the rigorous fulfillment of ceremonial laws, but about an internal spiritual renewal that manifests in ethical behavior, compassion, and humility. This radical call to a higher moral standard was a cornerstone of Jesus' message, aiming to realign the values of his followers with the heart of God's law, which is love and justice. In essence, Matthew 5:20 sets a new benchmark for spirituality and ethics, one that is internalized and lived out in every aspect of life, rather than performed for the sake of appearances.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G1063
There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γάρ
Transliteration: gár
Pronunciation: gar
Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet. - Strong's Number: G3004
There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λέγω
Transliteration: légō
Pronunciation: leg'-o
Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter. - Strong's Number: G5213
There are 567 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὑμῖν
Transliteration: hymîn
Pronunciation: hoo-min'
Description: irregular dative case of ὑμεῖς; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves). - Strong's Number: G3754
There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅτι
Transliteration: hóti
Pronunciation: hot'-ee
Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why. - Strong's Number: G3362
There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐὰν μή
Transliteration: eàn mḗ
Pronunciation: eh-an' may
Description: i.e. ἐάν and μή; if not, i.e. unless:--X before, but, except, if, no, (if, + whosoever) not. - Strong's Number: G5216
There are 503 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὑμῶν
Transliteration: hymōn
Pronunciation: hoo-mone'
Description: genitive case of ὑμεῖς; of (from or concerning) you:--ye, you, your (own, -selves). - Strong's Number: G1343
There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δικαιοσύνη
Transliteration: dikaiosýnē
Pronunciation: dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay
Description: from δίκαιος; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness. - Strong's Number: G4052
There are 35 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: περισσεύω
Transliteration: perisseúō
Pronunciation: per-is-syoo'-o
Description: from περισσός; to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel:--(make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above). - Strong's Number: G4119
There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πλείων
Transliteration: pleíōn
Pronunciation: pleh'-on
Description: comparative of πολύς; more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion:--X above, + exceed, more excellent, further, (very) great(-er), long(-er), (very) many, greater (more) part, + yet but. - Strong's Number: G1122
There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γραμματεύς
Transliteration: grammateús
Pronunciation: gram-mat-yooce'
Description: from γράμμα. a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary:--scribe, town-clerk. - Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet. - Strong's Number: G5330
There are 95 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Φαρισαῖος
Transliteration: Pharisaîos
Pronunciation: far-is-ah'-yos
Description: of Hebrew origin (compare פָּרָשׁ); a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary:--Pharisee. - Strong's Number: G3364
There are 84 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὐ μή
Transliteration: ou mḗ
Pronunciation: oo may
Description: i.e. οὐ and μή; a double negative strengthening the denial; not at all:--any more, at all, by any (no) means, neither, never, no (at all), in no case (wise), nor ever, not (at all, in any wise). Compare μὴ οὐκ. - Strong's Number: G1525
There are 186 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰσέρχομαι
Transliteration: eisérchomai
Pronunciation: ice-er'-khom-ahee
Description: from εἰς and ἔρχομαι; to enter (literally or figuratively):--X arise, come (in, into), enter in(-to), go in (through). - Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively). - Strong's Number: G932
There are 154 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: βασιλεία
Transliteration: basileía
Pronunciation: bas-il-i'-ah
Description: from βασιλεύς; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):--kingdom, + reign. - Strong's Number: G3772
There are 264 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὐρανός
Transliteration: ouranós
Pronunciation: oo-ran-os'
Description: perhaps from the same as ὄρος (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity):--air, heaven(-ly), sky.