Matthew 5:20
Meaning, cross-references, and a prayer for Matthew 5:20 — by Collins Asein
Quick Summary
Matthew 5:20 is a verse from the book of Matthew in the New Testament. The KJV reads: "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall..." Below you will find the full verse text, cross-references, meaning, and a prayer based on this scripture.
Matthew 5:20 — KJV
“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)
Matthew 5:20 in Context — About the Book of Matthew
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — Israel's Messiah who fulfils the prophets line by line. It preserves the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, and the Great Commission. Five great teaching blocks make it the church's first discipleship manual.
Cross-References for Matthew 5:20
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Shares key themes with Matthew 5:20: say, except, enter
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Shares key themes with Matthew 5:20: say, except, enter
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Shares key themes with Matthew 5:20: say, enter, into
“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.”
Shares key themes with Matthew 5:20: scribes, pharisees, enter
“But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)”
Shares key themes with Matthew 5:20: say, righteousness, into
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