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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/40_Mat_05_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 5:20 - The Fulfillment of the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/5-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/5-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/5-19.htm" title="Matthew 5:19">◄</a> Matthew 5:20 <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm" title="Matthew 5:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> “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! <a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For I say to you that unless your righteousness shall abound above that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall never enter into the kingdom of the heavens. <a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “For I say to you that unless your righteousness far surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “For I say to you that unless your righteousness (uprightness, moral essence) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You must obey God's commands better than the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law obey them. If you don't, I promise you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I can guarantee that unless you live a life that has God's approval and do it more faithfully than the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires. <a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> because I tell you, unless your righteousness greatly exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom from heaven!" <a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a> For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For I say to 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. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For I assure you that unless your righteousness greatly surpasses that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, you will certainly not find entrance into the Kingdom of the Heavens. <a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a> For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For I say to you that if your righteousness may not abound above that of the scribes and Pharisees, you may not enter into the kingdom of the heavens. <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For I say to you that unless your righteousness shall abound above that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall never enter into the kingdom of the heavens. <a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'For I say to you, that if your righteousness may not abound above that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye may not enter to the reign of the heavens. <a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For I say to you, That except your justice abound more than the scribes and Pharisees, ye should not come into the kingdom of the heavens.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a> I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For I say to you, that unless your goodness will exceed that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For I say to you, That, unless your righteousness excel that of the scribes and Pharisees, you can by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>For I say unto you, that if your righteousness may not abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you can not enter into the kingdom of the heavens.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For I say unto you, That except your righteousness abounds more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for I declare to you, that except your righteousness shall exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not enter into the heavenly kingdom. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For I assure you that unless your righteousness greatly surpasses that of the Scribes and the Pharisees, you will certainly not find entrance into the Kingdom of the Heavens. <a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>For I say to you that, unless your righteousness shall exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>For I tell you, that unless your righteousness exceed <Fr>that<FR> of the scribes and pharisees, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/5-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=967" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">The Fulfillment of the Law</a> …19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">unless</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynē (N-NFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">righteousness</a> <a href="/greek/4052.htm" title="4052: perisseusē (V-ASA-3S) -- From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel.">exceeds</a> <a href="/greek/4119.htm" title="4119: pleion (Adj-ANS-C) -- Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">that of the</a> <a href="/greek/1122.htm" title="1122: grammateōn (N-GMP) -- From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.">scribes</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaiōn (N-GMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees,</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthēte (V-ASA-2P) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">you will never enter</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/932.htm" title="932: basileian (N-AFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranōn (N-GMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> 21You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3</a> Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a> and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. <a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a> To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: / “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ... <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20-22</a> Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. / But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. / And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a> know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. <a href="/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30-32</a> What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; / but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20-24</a> O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless? / Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? / You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. ... <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Romans 4:5-6</a> However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. / And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10-11</a> All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” / Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” <a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a> Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind. <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/romans/6-14.htm">Romans 6:14</a> For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a> God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/hebrews/10-14.htm">Hebrews 10:14</a> because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.exceed.<a href="/matthew/23-2.htm">Matthew 23:2-5,23-28</a> Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: … <a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39,40,44</a> And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness… <a href="/luke/12-1.htm">Luke 12:1</a> In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.ye.<a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10</a> And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.<a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21</a> Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.<a href="/matthew/18-5.htm">Matthew 18:5</a> And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/6-25.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/1_john/3-19.htm">Assure</a> <a href="/micah/7-9.htm">Case</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-18.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/amos/6-14.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-10.htm">Exceed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-9.htm">Exceeds</a> <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Find</a> <a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/matthew/2-4.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-19.htm">Surpass</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-19.htm">Surpasses</a> <a href="/matthew/2-4.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Abound</a> <a href="/luke/4-25.htm">Assure</a> <a href="/matthew/13-14.htm">Case</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/26-71.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-6.htm">Exceed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-9.htm">Exceeds</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Find</a> <a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/matthew/5-34.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/6-10.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/5-40.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/9-11.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/6-10.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/matthew/7-29.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/genesis/49-26.htm">Surpass</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-10.htm">Surpasses</a> <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/matthew/5-24.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div>1. <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a> 43. <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a> 48. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/5.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>For I tell you This phrase underscores the authority of Jesus as a teacher and prophet. In the Greek, "λέγω ὑμῖν" (legō hymin) is a direct and personal address, emphasizing the importance of what follows. Jesus often uses this phrase to introduce teachings that challenge conventional wisdom, urging listeners to pay close attention.unless your righteousness The term "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosynē) in this context refers to a state of moral integrity and ethical conduct that aligns with God's will. In the Jewish tradition, righteousness was often associated with adherence to the Law. However, Jesus is calling for a deeper, more heartfelt obedience that goes beyond mere legalism.exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees The scribes and Pharisees were known for their meticulous observance of the Law and their role as religious leaders. The Greek word "περισσεύσῃ" (perisseusē) means to abound or exceed. Jesus is not dismissing the Law but is critiquing the superficial and often hypocritical practices of these groups. He calls for a righteousness that is genuine and surpasses the external compliance of the scribes and Pharisees.you will never enter The phrase "οὐ μὴ εἰσέλθητε" (ou mē eiselthēte) is a strong negation in Greek, indicating the impossibility of entering the kingdom without the requisite righteousness. This underscores the seriousness of Jesus' message and the high standard of holiness required for His followers.the kingdom of heaven This term refers to the reign and rule of God, both in the present spiritual sense and the future eschatological fulfillment. In Matthew's Gospel, "kingdom of heaven" is synonymous with "kingdom of God," reflecting a Jewish reverence for the divine name. Jesus is inviting His listeners to participate in this kingdom, which requires a transformation of heart and life that aligns with God's righteous standards.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Shall exceed.--Better, Shall abound more than.Scribes and Pharisees.--Here, for the first time, the scribes are mentioned in our Lord's teaching. The frequent combination of the two words (thirteen times in the first three Gospels) implies that for the most part they were of the school of the Pharisees, just as the "chief priests" were, for the most part, of that of the Sadducees. Where "scribes and chief priests" are united, it is with a different import, as the two chief divisions of the Sanhedrim, or Great Council. The New Testament use of the word differs from the Old. There the scribe is simply the man who writes, the secretary or registrar of the king's edicts and official documents (<a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm" title="And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;">2Samuel 8:17</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/20-25.htm" title="And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:">2Samuel 20:25</a>; <a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm" title="And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.">2Kings 18:18</a>). After the return of Babylon, as in the case of Ezra (<a href="/ezra/7-6.htm" title="This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God on him.">Ezra 7:6</a>; <a href="/ezra/7-12.htm" title="Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.">Ezra 7:12</a>), it was used first of the transcribers and editors of the sacred books, and then, by a natural transition, of their interpreters; and this is the dominant sense of the word in the New Testament. As interpreters they were much occupied with the traditional comments of previous teachers, and these as descending more into particulars, and so affording a better basis for a casuistic system, had come to usurp the rightful place of the Law. As far as the three Gospels are concerned this is the first direct protest of our Lord against their teaching. St. John's record, however, shows that the conflict had begun already in Jerusalem (<a href="/john/5-10.htm" title="The Jews therefore said to him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.">John 5:10</a>), and that the Sabbath question was prominent in it. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Matthew only. The verse from "except" to the end is quoted verbally in Justin Martyr ('Trypho,' § 105), as being in "the Memoirs." For I say. So far from you my disciples (ver. 13) being right in despising any of the commands contained in the Law, they are all to be specially honoured by you; for your righteousness (i.e. the righteousness you show in observing them; there is no thought here of the imputed righteousness of Christ) must far exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees; otherwise there is no entrance for you into the kingdom of heaven. But wherein lay the superiority of the righteousness which the disciples were to have? Did our Lord mean that his disciples were to painfully toil through the various enactments, ceremonial and other, of the Law as the scribes and Pharisees did, only with more serious and earnest purpose than they? That were in the case of many scribes and Pharisees hardly possible. For notwithstanding our Lord's occasional denunciations, many of them were men of the severest earnestness and the deepest conscientiousness, e.g. Gamaliel and Saul of Tarsus. Our Lord must refer to the Law otherwise than as a system of enactments. His thought is similar to that of his words addressed to Nicodemus (<a href="/john/3-5.htm">John 3:5</a>), where he says that change of heart evidenced by public profession (cf. <a href="/romans/10-10.htm">Romans 10:10</a>) is necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God (cf. also <a href="/matthew/18-8.htm">Matthew 18:8</a>). So here; while the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, even when joined to earnestness of purpose, nevertheless consists in the observance of external rules, there is a higher principle in the Law, by observing which a higher righteousness can be attained. Christ points, that is to say, away from the Law as a system of external rules to the Law in its deeper meaning, affecting the relation of the heart to God (cf. further Weiss, 'Life,' 2:147). Shall exceed; rather, shall abound still more than. The statement is not merely comparative, but implies an abundance (cf. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:10</a>)even in the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. The Jewish spirit reckons up good actions as producing in many cases even a superfluity of righteousness. But the righteousness which Christ's disciples must have needs to be still more abundant. The righteousness; omitted in the Greek (Westcott and Herr) by condensation. The scribes and Pharisees. The most learned (scribes) and the most zealous (Pharisees) in the Law (cf. Nosgen) are here placed in one class (τῶν γραμματέων καὶ Φαρισαίων). Ye shall in no case; Revised Version, in no wise. "The emphatic negative οὐ μή is not elsewhere so rendered in the Authorized Version. The previous versions have in this place simply . ye shall not,' following the Vulgate,. non intrabitis" (Humphry) Enter into the kingdom of heaven (cf. <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3</a>; <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21</a>). A much stronger statement than that of ver. 19, though some would identify the two. There Christ was comparing one disciple with another; here his disciples with non-disciples. "Such a relaxing for yourselves and others of the commandments will set you low in the true kingdom of obedience and holiness; but this of having a righteousness so utterly false and hollow as that of the scribes and Pharisees will not merely set you low, but will exclude you from that kingdom altogether (ver. 20); for while that marks an impaired spiritual vision, this marks a vision utterly darkened and destroyed" (Trench, ' Sermon on the Mount'). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. unless ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. righteousness δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. exceeds περισσεύσῃ (perisseusē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4052.htm">Strong's 4052: </a> From perissos; to superabound, be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel. [that] of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. scribes γραμματέων (grammateōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1122.htm">Strong's 1122: </a> From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Pharisees, Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. you will never enter εἰσέλθητε (eiselthēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. kingdom βασιλείαν (basileian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm. of τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. heaven. οὐρανῶν (ouranōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/5-20.htm">Matthew 5:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:20 For I tell you that unless your (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 5:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>