Matthew 5:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:20 mean?

Matthew 5:20 says that unless a person’s righteousness is greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees, they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is warning that outward religious behavior is not enough; a deeper, truer righteousness is required.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount. The scribes and Pharisees were respected religious leaders known for their strict observance of the law. By saying that even their level of righteousness is not enough, Jesus is challenging common assumptions about what God desires and setting the stage for his teachings about the heart behind the law.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:20

• δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, G1343): This word means "righteousness" and refers to being just or right according to God’s standards. Here, it points to a kind of righteousness that goes beyond rule-keeping and reaches into a person’s motives and heart.
• περισσεύσῃ (perisseusē, G4052): This verb, translated as "shall exceed," means to overflow or surpass. Jesus is not asking for a little more than the scribes and Pharisees, but for a righteousness that is of a different and greater kind.
• γραμματέων (grammateōn, G1122) and Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn, G5330): These are the "scribes" and "Pharisees." Mentioning both groups highlights the most respected religious authorities of the time, making Jesus’ statement especially striking.

Why Matthew 5:20 matters

• Matthew 5:20 corrects the idea that following religious rules or traditions alone is enough to please God, emphasizing the need for a deeper, inner righteousness.
• This verse sets the tone for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus explains what true righteousness looks like in everyday life.
• By raising the standard above that of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus invites listeners to examine their hearts and motives, not just their outward actions.