Matthew 5:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
That
G3754
ὅτι
That
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 23
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 23
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
περισσεύσῃ
shall exceed
G4052
περισσεύσῃ
shall exceed
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
7 of 23
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαιοσύνη
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνη
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
9 of 23
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
πλεῖον
G4119
πλεῖον
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
11 of 23
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Φαρισαίων,
Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων,
Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
15 of 23
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
17 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Philippians 3:9And 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:Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.Matthew 7:21Not 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.Revelation 21:27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's righteousness imputed to believers fulfill this requirement?
- In what ways do you rely on external religious behavior rather than heart transformation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.