Matthew 5:19-20

5:19 So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 5:20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:48

5:48 So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.


tn Grk “teaches men” ( in a generic sense, people).

tn Or “that of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.

sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

sn This remark echoes the more common OT statements like Lev 19:2 or Deut 18:13: “you must be holy as I am holy.”