Matthew 5:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus warns that entering the kingdom requires a righteousness greater than mere outward observance.
What Does Matthew 5:20 Mean?
The scribes and Pharisees were widely regarded as the most scrupulous keepers of the law. Yet Jesus says the righteousness of his followers must exceed theirs to enter the kingdom of heaven -- a demand that must have stunned his hearers.
The point is not more rule-keeping but a deeper, inward righteousness of the heart, which Jesus will unfold in the verses that follow. Outward conformity is not enough; God seeks truth in the inward parts. Such righteousness is finally a gift, worked in us by God, reaching past appearances to transform who we truly are. Only a renewed heart, not mere performance, opens the door to the kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:20
What does Matthew 5:20 mean?
Jesus warns that entering the kingdom requires a righteousness greater than mere outward observance.