Devine Scripture

Matthew 5:20

What does Matthew 5:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 5:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 5:20 means

Jesus issues a stark and radical declaration: in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, His followers' righteousness must profoundly exceed the righteousness practiced by the Scribes and Pharisees. The Scribes and Pharisees were known for their meticulous external observance of the Law, yet Jesus reveals that their righteousness often lacked true heart transformation and genuine love for God and neighbor. This statement sets the stage for Jesus' deeper, internal interpretation of the Law that follows, moving beyond mere outward conformity.

Matthew 5:20 in context

Matthew 5 — The Beatitudes

Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with eight pronouncements that turn the world's value system upside down. Blessing belongs not to the proud and self-sufficient but to the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. In a few sentences he sketches the character of the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and then calls them salt of the earth and light of the world.

  • Kingdom ethics
  • Inner righteousness
  • True blessedness
  • Light and salt

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I say to you, If your righteousness is not greater than the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never go into the kingdom of heaven.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`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.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I say unto you, that unless your righteousness surpass [that] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of the heavens.

Context

This verse serves as a pivotal statement, raising the bar significantly from previous understandings of righteousness. It directly follows Jesus' discussion on the Law's authority and the importance of obeying and teaching it, acting as an introduction to the series of contrasts He will draw between superficial interpretations of the Law and its true spiritual intent.

v.19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

v.20This passage

v.21Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 12:1

    In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

  • Matthew 18:5

    And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me:

  • Revelation 21:27

    and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

  • Matthew 3:10

    And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

  • Luke 18:17

    Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

  • Luke 18:24

    And Jesus seeing him said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:20

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What Matthew 5:20 teaches us about kingdom ethics

  • What Matthew 5:20 teaches us about inner righteousness

  • What Matthew 5:20 teaches us about true blessedness

  • What Matthew 5:20 teaches us about light and salt

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