Matthew 5:20 cpdv — For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

— Matthew 5:20, Catholic Public Domain Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Matthew 5:20 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

Matthew 5 — Context

17

Do not think that I have come to loosen the law or the prophets. I have not come to loosen, but to fulfill.

18

Amen I say to you, certainly, until heaven and earth pass away, not one iota, not one dot shall pass away from the law, until all is done.

19

Therefore, whoever will have loosened one of the least of these commandments, and have taught men so, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever will have done and taught these, such a one shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20

For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21

You have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not murder; whoever will have murdered shall be liable to judgment.’

22

But I say to you, that anyone who becomes angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment. But whoever will have called his brother, ‘Idiot,’ shall be liable to the council. Then, whoever will have called him, ‘Worthless,’ shall be liable to the fires of Hell.

23

Therefore, if you offer your gift at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you,

Matthew 5:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 5:20 say?
Matthew 5:20 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Where is Matthew 5:20 in the Bible?
Matthew 5:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 20.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 5:20.
What translation should I read Matthew 5:20 in?
Matthew 5:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 5:20?
Matthew 5:20 reads (CPDV): “For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2