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Matthew 5:20

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 5:20

Verse 20 of 48

Scripture focus

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.

Matthew 5:20 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:20

Theological / Devotional

Your righteousness. Jesus addressed the newly appointed inner circle, the Twelve, and others prospective kingdom citizens (v. 1). He sets a lofty citizenship standard.

Exceed. Kingdom citizens’ righteousness must surpass that of scribes and Pharisees, who affected superior piety (p. 51). It is like amateurs competing against champions and told to excel them.

The righteousness. Scribes’ and Pharisees’ righteousness was external adherence to law’s letter. Jesus called for insight and cooperation with law’s principles. The scribes minimized sin’s seriousness, encouraging disobedience (GC 572). They taught judgment by majority of deeds, with works-righteousness to compensate evil (Mishnah Aboth 3.16). Jesus brands their system inadequate for kingdom entry.

Scribes and Pharisees. See pp. 51,52,55.

In no case. Greek ou me, emphatic double negative.

By SdaBc