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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 5:20, Jesus issues a profound and challenging declaration during His Sermon on the Mount, asserting that entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is contingent upon a righteousness that transcends the outward, legalistic adherence practiced by the scribes and Pharisees. This statement serves as a critical interpretive key for understanding the true nature of God's demands, shifting the focus from external performance to an internal transformation of the heart and motives, which alone can produce genuine obedience pleasing to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the opening discourse of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, immediately following His declaration that He has not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Jesus first affirms the enduring authority and perpetual relevance of God's Word, stating that not even the smallest letter or stroke of the law will pass away until all is accomplished ([Matthew 5:18](/matthew/5-18 "Matthew 5:18 - The Law's Enduring Authority")). He then warns against diminishing the commandments, emphasizing that those who teach and practice them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven ([Matthew 5:19](/matthew/5-19 "Matthew 5:19 - Importance of Obeying and Teaching the Law")). Matthew 5:20 thus acts as a crucial bridge, transitioning from the affirmation of the Law's authority to a redefinition of the *kind* of obedience God truly desires, setting the stage for the subsequent antitheses (e.g., "You have heard that it was said... but I say to you...") that unpack this "exceeding righteousness" throughout the rest of [Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus's audience, primarily Jewish, lived under the pervasive influence of the scribes (experts in the Mosaic Law and its interpretation) and the Pharisees (a prominent religious sect known for their meticulous adherence to both written and oral traditions). These groups were widely regarded as the epitome of piety and righteousness, serving as models for religious observance. Their righteousness was characterized by strict adherence to ritual purity laws, tithing, Sabbath regulations, and other external observances. However, their practice often became legalistic, focusing on outward conformity while neglecting the spirit of the law, as Jesus frequently critiqued (e.g., [Matthew 23:23-28](/matthew/23-23-28 "Matthew 23:23-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus's statement in [Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - The Call to Exceeding Righteousness") would have been shocking and counter-cultural, directly challenging the prevailing religious paradigm and the authority of its most esteemed leaders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several key themes in the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. It introduces the theme of **True Righteousness**, contrasting superficial external adherence with a deeper, internal transformation that impacts motives and desires. This "exceeding righteousness" is not about doing *more* religious acts than the Pharisees, but about possessing a *different quality* of righteousness—one that flows from a heart aligned with God's character, rather than human approval or legalistic obligation. It also underscores the nature of the **Kingdom of Heaven**, clarifying that entry into God's sovereign reign is not based on human merit or ritualistic performance, but on a spiritual state that reflects genuine repentance and faith. Implicitly, the verse also serves as a **Warning Against Hypocrisy**, exposing the inadequacy of a faith that prioritizes outward show over sincere devotion, a theme Jesus elaborates on in later teachings (e.g., [Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Matthew 6:1-6 - Warnings Against Hypocrisy in Giving, Prayer, and Fasting")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, this term signifies equity of character or act, and specifically, Christian justification. In the context of Matthew 5:20, it refers to the moral and ethical uprightness that God requires. It encompasses both a right standing before God and a right conduct that flows from that relationship. Jesus's challenge is not merely about external conformity to rules, but about an internal disposition that produces actions aligned with God's perfect standard, contrasting sharply with the often superficial "righteousness" of the scribes and Pharisees.
* **exceed (Greek, _perisseúō'_):** From G4052, meaning to superabound, be in excess, excel, or overflow. This word, paired with G4119 (_pleíōn_, meaning 'more' or 'greater'), is crucial. It does not imply that disciples must perform *more* religious rituals or legalistic acts than the Pharisees. Instead, it denotes a *superior quality* or a *deeper kind* of righteousness. It's a call for a righteousness that is qualitatively different and profoundly more comprehensive, extending to the heart's intentions and motivations, not just external behaviors.
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_)::** From G1122, referring to a writer, professionally a scribe or secretary. In the New Testament, scribes were experts in the Jewish Law, responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching it. They were highly respected but often criticized by Jesus for their legalism and hypocrisy.
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** From G5330, meaning a separatist, an exclusively religious person. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. While zealous, their righteousness often became self-righteous, focusing on outward appearance and human traditions over the true spirit of God's Law. Jesus frequently condemned their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I say unto you":** This emphatic declaration marks a significant pronouncement from Jesus, signaling that what follows is a foundational truth. The "For" (G1063, _gár_) introduces a reason or explanation, connecting this statement to His preceding affirmation of the Law's enduring authority and His role in fulfilling it. It underscores Jesus's unique authority as the divine interpreter and revealer of God's will, setting His teaching apart from that of the scribes and Pharisees.
* **"That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees":** This is the core challenge. Jesus sets a new, higher standard for righteousness, contrasting it directly with the perceived pinnacle of piety in His day. The term "exceed" (G4052, _perisseúō_) indicates a qualitative difference, not merely a quantitative one. The righteousness required is not just more meticulous external observance, but a deeper, more profound, and internally motivated obedience that surpasses the superficiality and self-righteousness often characteristic of the religious leaders. It's a righteousness that flows from a transformed heart, encompassing thoughts, motives, and attitudes, not just actions.
* **"ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven":** This is the solemn consequence of failing to meet the required standard. The double negative "in no case" (G3364, _ou mḗ_) strongly emphasizes the absolute impossibility of entry. The "kingdom of heaven" (G932, _basileía_ and G3772, _ouranós_) refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both present (as a spiritual reality experienced by believers) and future (as the consummated eschatological reality). This statement underscores that genuine participation in God's kingdom requires a radical reorientation of life, marked by a righteousness that aligns with God's own character and not merely human standards or traditions.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in Jesus's statement that one's righteousness must "exceed" that of the scribes and Pharisees. Given their reputation as the most scrupulous observers of the Law, this would have sounded like an impossible standard, designed to shock the audience and highlight the inadequacy of human effort alone. This hyperbole serves to underscore the profound qualitative difference Jesus is advocating. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, as Jesus directly juxtaposes the "righteousness" of His disciples with that of the religious elite, implicitly criticizing the latter's superficiality and self-serving motives. This contrast sets the stage for the subsequent antitheses in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus consistently contrasts external obedience with internal purity. Finally, the verse contains a **Conditional Statement** ("except... ye shall in no case enter"), which clearly delineates the requirement for kingdom entry, emphasizing the seriousness and non-negotiable nature of the standard Jesus is establishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:20 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of true righteousness in God's eyes, revealing that His standard far transcends mere external conformity to religious rules. It challenges the common misconception that piety is measured by outward performance, ritualistic adherence, or human approval. Instead, Jesus demands a righteousness that flows from an inwardly transformed heart, characterized by genuine love for God and neighbor, pure motives, and a desire to honor God in every aspect of life. This passage sets the stage for the entire Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus unpacks what this "exceeding righteousness" looks like in practical terms, addressing issues like anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies, all from the perspective of the heart's intent rather than just outward action. It underscores that true spiritual life is not about earning merit, but about a radical reorientation of one's entire being towards God's perfect will.

* [Romans 3:20-22](/romans/3-20-22 "Righteousness Through Faith")
* [Philippians 3:7-9](/philippians/3-7-9 "Paul's Pursuit of Christ's Righteousness")
* [James 1:22-25](/james/1-22-25 "Being Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:20 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging believers across generations to look beyond superficial religiosity and delve into the true condition of their hearts. It compels us to ask whether our faith is merely an outward display of adherence to rules and traditions, or if it genuinely flows from an internal transformation wrought by God's grace. True Christian living is not about accumulating good deeds to earn favor, but about cultivating a heart that loves God supremely and expresses that love through obedience that is motivated by purity, humility, and genuine devotion. This verse reminds us that God is concerned with our motives as much as our actions, calling us to a righteousness that permeates every thought, word, and deed, reflecting the character of Christ rather than seeking human applause. It is a call to authenticity, integrity, and a profound, grace-empowered pursuit of holiness that far surpasses any humanly devised standard.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might my "righteousness" today resemble that of the scribes and Pharisees, focusing more on external appearances or rules than on internal transformation?**
* **What specific areas of my life (thoughts, words, actions) need to be brought into deeper alignment with God's heart, moving beyond mere outward compliance?**
* **How does understanding the "exceeding righteousness" required by Jesus impact my view of grace and my efforts to live a godly life?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart that seeks God's approval above all else, rather than the approval of others?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees"?**

Answer: Jesus does not mean that His followers must perform *more* religious acts or be *more* legalistic than the scribes and Pharisees. Instead, He is calling for a *qualitatively superior* and *deeper kind* of righteousness. The scribes and Pharisees were known for their meticulous external observance of the Law, but Jesus often critiqued them for their hypocrisy, pride, and neglect of the heart's true condition (e.g., [Matthew 23:23-28](/matthew/23-23-28 "Matthew 23:23-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus's "exceeding righteousness" refers to an internal righteousness that stems from a transformed heart, pure motives, and genuine love for God and neighbor, which then naturally produces outward actions consistent with God's character. It's a righteousness that goes beyond the letter of the law to embrace its spirit and intent, affecting one's thoughts and desires, not just external behaviors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:20, with its seemingly impossible demand for an "exceeding righteousness," points ultimately to Christ as its sole fulfillment and the source of such righteousness for believers. No human effort or legalistic striving could ever achieve the standard Jesus sets; indeed, the Law itself was given to expose humanity's inability to attain righteousness by works ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Jesus perfectly embodied this exceeding righteousness, living a life of absolute obedience to God's will, not just externally but in every thought and intention ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). He is the only one whose righteousness truly "exceeded" that of any human, including the scribes and Pharisees. Furthermore, through His atoning death and resurrection, Christ provides this very righteousness to all who believe in Him. Believers are declared righteous in God's sight, not by their own merit, but by faith in Christ, whose perfect righteousness is imputed to them ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the "exceeding righteousness" required for entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is not something we achieve, but something we receive as a gift through union with Christ, empowering us by His Spirit to live lives that increasingly reflect His character and the true spirit of God's Law ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us by the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,