New Testament
Matthew 5:20
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I'm telling you, unless your righteousness goes far beyond that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
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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.
What Matthew 5:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of true righteousness, which goes beyond mere outward appearances and strict adherence to the law, as practiced by the scribes and Pharisees. He is teaching that simply following religious rules is not enough to gain entry into the kingdom of heaven. Instead, He calls for a deeper, more genuine righteousness that reflects a transformed heart and spirit. This means living in a way that aligns with God's will, showing love, mercy, and humility. Jesus challenges His listeners to examine their motives and actions, urging them to pursue a relationship with God that leads to authentic righteousness, rather than just a checklist of religious duties. This sets the stage for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, where He elaborates on what true righteousness looks like in various aspects of life.
How to apply Matthew 5:20 to your life
To apply this teaching, focus on developing a genuine relationship with God rather than just following rules. Reflect on your motivations and strive to embody love, compassion, and humility in your daily actions. Seek to grow spiritually and align your life with God's values.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 5:20 mean?
Matthew 5:20 means that true righteousness must exceed the superficial adherence to the law practiced by the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus is teaching that simply following religious rules is insufficient for entering the kingdom of heaven; instead, a deeper, genuine righteousness is required.
What is the significance of the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 5:20?
The scribes and Pharisees represent a group known for their strict observance of the law and outward religious practices. Jesus uses them as a benchmark to illustrate that mere rule-following is not enough; true righteousness involves a transformed heart and genuine faith.
What does 'righteousness' refer to in Matthew 5:20?
In Matthew 5:20, 'righteousness' refers to a moral and spiritual quality that goes beyond legalistic behavior. It emphasizes living in accordance with God's will, characterized by love, mercy, and humility, rather than just fulfilling religious obligations.
How can I apply Matthew 5:20 in my life?
To apply Matthew 5:20, focus on building a genuine relationship with God rather than just following rules. Reflect on your intentions and strive to act with love and compassion in your daily life, aligning your actions with God's values.
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