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For I tell you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Verse Takeaways
1
Beyond External Religion
Commentators unanimously explain that the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was purely external—focused on ceremonies, traditions, and public reputation. Jesus calls for a righteousness that 'exceeds' this by originating in the heart. True righteousness is about internal purity, holy motives, and a genuine love for God, not just outward performance.
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Matthew
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13
18th Century
Presbyterian
Your righteousness. Your holiness, your views of the nature of righteousness, and your conduct and lives. Unless you are more hol…
Shall exceed (περισσευση πλειον). Overflow like a river out of its banks and then Jesus adds "more" followed by an unexpressed abl…
19th Century
Anglican
Shall exceed —Better, Shall abound more than.
Scribes and Pharisees —Here, for the first time, th…
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Baptist
For I say to you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into t…
And that teaching, far from being more lenient, is nothing less than perfection (). The Pharisees and teachers of the law were among the most punct…
16th Century
Protestant
Unless your righteousness shall be more abundant. He takes a passing notice of the Scribes, who were laboring to tarnish the doct…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For I say to you These words are directed, not to the true disciples of Christ in general, or to his apostles in par…
Let no one suppose that Christ allows his people to trifle with any commands of God's holy law. No sinner partakes of Christ's justifying righteous…
13th Century
Catholic
For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees. Above, the Lord showed that …
