What does Matthew 5:20 mean?

Explanation

In Matthew 5:20, Jesus addresses His followers with a teaching about righteousness.

The scribes and Pharisees were the religious leaders of the time and were generally regarded as the epitome of piety and adherence to Jewish law.

Yet, Jesus challenges this perception by telling His followers that mere outward obedience to the law, as exemplified by the scribes and Pharisees, is insufficient for entry into the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is teaching that righteousness that leads to salvation is not solely about external compliance to religious norms but encompasses a deeper, more authentic transformation of the heart and mind, surpassing the superficial righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus lays out essential teachings to His disciples and the gathered crowds.

This period is during the first century in Judea, a time of Roman occupation.

The scribes and Pharisees were influential figures in Jewish society, known for their strict observance of the Law of Moses.

They were respected, and their behavior was considered the standard for religious righteousness.

However, they often focused on the letter rather than the spirit of the law, which led to legalism.

Theological Insights

Different Christian traditions interpret this verse differently.

In Catholicism, it might be understood in the context of the church's teaching on grace, works, and faith, emphasizing the need for internal conversion and cooperation with God's grace.

Protestant readers may focus on the concept of justification by faith alone, seeing this as a critique of the view that one could earn righteousness through works.

Other viewpoints might be more liberal or conservative, with some seeing this text as a call for social justice and others emphasizing personal morality.

Practical Applications

The call to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees can be understood as an encouragement for believers to pursue a genuine, heartfelt commitment to living ethically and morally.

It suggests that one should not be satisfied with public acts of piety or following religious norms out of obligation or for show but should aim for sincere personal change, integrity, and loving behavior in all aspects of life.

Cross-References

• Matthew 23:25-28: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."
• Romans 10:3: "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
• James 2:14-26: Discusses faith and works, stating that faith without works is dead, which relates to the concept of a righteousness that is not only professed but practiced.

Language Study

The key words in this verse are "righteousness" (Greek: dikaiosyne) which in a biblical context often refers to uprightness or living in a way that is conforming to God's standards, and "exceed" (Greek: perisseuo), meaning to go beyond or surpass.

These original Greek terms suggest a qualitative difference between the superficial righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees and the deeper, more comprehensive righteousness Jesus expects.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many religious traditions, there is a distinction between outward forms of piety and inner spiritual transformation.

For example, the Pharisaic focus on the letter of the law can be compared with other religious leaders in various cultures who might focus on external rituals without advocating for inner change.

The concept of a deeper morality that exceeds formal compliance can also be found in various philosophical traditions, such as Stoicism.

Scientific Perspectives

While science typically does not directly engage with theological concepts like righteousness, psychology and sociology study human behavior, including morality and ethical living.

Scientific studies in these fields often differentiate between external actions and internal motivations, which can parallel the biblical message about the importance of inner transformation over superficial conduct.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Matthew 5:20.

Some commentaries emphasize the sharp contrast Jesus draws between the outward show of righteousness as seen in the scribes and Pharisees and the inward transformation He promotes.

Barclay comments on the importance of genuine goodness that begins in the heart.

Keener reflects on how this teaching fits into Matthew's broader theme of Jesus as the new lawgiver who provides the true interpretation of the Law.

Other experts might focus on how this verse fits into the Sermon on the Mount's overall message of ethical living under God's reign.