King James Bible
"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."
Jesus asserts his authority as teacher and interpreter of God's law, speaking directly to his disciples and the crowds. This phrase marks a pivotal teaching moment in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus contrasts external religious observance with internal transformation. The scribes and Pharisees were renowned for meticulous law-keeping and religious devotion, yet Jesus demands something greater. He calls for a righteousness that surpasses mere external compliance—one rooted in heart transformation rather than performance. This stark warning emphasizes the absolute necessity of genuine righteousness for participation in God's kingdom. Jesus connects entrance to the kingdom not with religious status or achievements, but with a righteousness that flows from inner renewal.