Mat 5:20 | RWP | e4.org | Shall exceed ( περισσευση πλειον ). Overflow like a river out of its banks and then Jesus adds "more" followed by an unexpressed ablative ( της δικαιοσυνης ), brachylogy. A daring statement on Christ's part that they had to be better than the rabbis. They must excel the scribes, the small number of regular teachers ( ), and the Pharisees in the Pharisaic life ( ) who were the separated ones, the orthodox pietists.

‏ Matthew 5:20

Shall exceed ( περισσευση πλειον ). Overflow like a river out of its banks and then Jesus adds "more" followed by an unexpressed ablative ( της δικαιοσυνης ), brachylogy. A daring statement on Christ's part that they had to be better than the rabbis. They must excel the scribes, the small number of regular teachers (5:21-48), and the Pharisees in the Pharisaic life (6:1-18) who were the separated ones, the orthodox pietists.