King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:20 Mean?

Matthew 5:20 in the King James Version says “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

18

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20

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.

21

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to

22

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Raca: that is, Vain fellow


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The shocking statement that righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees—the most religious people—reveals that external conformity is insufficient. True righteousness comes from the heart, not mere behavioral compliance. This verse introduces the deeper interpretation of the Law that follows.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Scribes and Pharisees were considered the pinnacle of righteousness in first-century Judaism. They meticulously kept detailed laws and traditions. Jesus's audience would have been stunned to hear their righteousness was inadequate for the Kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's righteousness imputed to believers fulfill this requirement?
  2. In what ways do you rely on external religious behavior rather than heart transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
λέγω1 of 23

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ2 of 23

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν3 of 23

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 23

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐὰν5 of 23
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ6 of 23
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

περισσεύσῃ7 of 23

shall exceed

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

8 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δικαιοσύνη9 of 23

righteousness

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

ὑμῶν10 of 23

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πλεῖον11 of 23
G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

τῶν12 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γραμματέων13 of 23

the righteousness of the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ14 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Φαρισαίων,15 of 23

Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

οὐ16 of 23
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ17 of 23
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰσέλθητε18 of 23

enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς19 of 23

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν20 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείαν21 of 23

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν22 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῶν23 of 23

of heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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