Matthew 27:24
New International Version
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

New Living Translation
Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”

English Standard Version
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”

Berean Standard Bible
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

Berean Literal Bible
And Pilate having seen that it availed nothing, but rather a riot is arising, having taken water, washed the hands before the crowd, saying, "I am guiltless of the blood of this man. For yourselves you will see."

King James Bible
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

New King James Version
When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.

New American Standard Bible
Now when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; you yourselves shall see.”

NASB 1995
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

NASB 1977
And when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

Amplified Bible
So when Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but rather that a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands [to ceremonially cleanse himself of guilt] in the presence of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this [righteous] Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

Christian Standard Bible
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!”

American Standard Version
So when Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, but rather that a tumult was arising, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man; see ye to it.

Contemporary English Version
Pilate saw that there was nothing he could do and that the people were starting to riot. So he took some water and washed his hands in front of them and said, "I won't have anything to do with killing this man. You are the ones doing it!"

English Revised Version
So when Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, but rather that a tumult was arising, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man: see ye to it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pilate saw that he was not getting anywhere. Instead, a riot was breaking out. So Pilate took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. He said, "I won't be guilty of killing this man. Do what you want!"

Good News Translation
When Pilate saw that it was no use to go on, but that a riot might break out, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, "I am not responsible for the death of this man! This is your doing!"

International Standard Version
Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was about to break out instead. So he took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. Attend to that yourselves."

Majority Standard Bible
When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. ?I am innocent of this righteous man?s blood,? he said. ?You bear the responsibility.?

NET Bible
When Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but that instead a riot was starting, he took some water, washed his hands before the crowd and said, "I am innocent of this man's blood. You take care of it yourselves!"

New Heart English Bible
So Pilate, seeing that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, took water and he washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man. You see to it."

Webster's Bible Translation
When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

Weymouth New Testament
So when he saw that he could gain nothing, but that on the contrary there was a riot threatening, he called for water and washed his hands in sight of them all, saying, "I am not responsible for this murder: you must answer for it."

World English Bible
So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Pilate having seen that it profits nothing, but rather a tumult is made, having taken water, he washed the hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent from the blood of this Righteous One; you will see [to it] yourselves”;

Berean Literal Bible
And Pilate having seen that it availed nothing, but rather a riot is arising, having taken water, washed the hands before the crowd, saying, "I am guiltless of the blood of this man. For yourselves you will see."

Young's Literal Translation
And Pilate having seen that it profiteth nothing, but rather a tumult is made, having taken water, he did wash the hands before the multitude, saying, 'I am innocent from the blood of this righteous one; ye -- ye shall see;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Pilate, seeing that it profits nothing, but there is rather an uproar, having taken water, he washed his hands before the crowd, saying, I am guiltless of the blood of this just one: ye shall see yourselves.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made; taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man; look you to it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Pilate, seeing that he was able to accomplish nothing, but that a greater tumult was occurring, taking water, washed his hands in the sight of the people, saying: “I am innocent of the blood of this just man. See to it yourselves.”

New American Bible
When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.”

New Revised Standard Version
So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but that instead confusion was increasing, he took water and washed his hands before the people, and said, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man; do as you please.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when Pilate saw that nothing availed, but that there was an increasing clamor, he took water, washing his hands before the crowds and he said, “I am free from the blood of this righteous man. Know that.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When Pilate saw that he gained nothing, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, and said: I am innocent of the blood of this just man; you will see to it.

Godbey New Testament
And Pilate seeing that he profits nothing, but rather an uproar supervenes, having taken water, washed his hands in the presence of the multitude, saying, For I am free from the blood of this just one: you shall see to it.

Haweis New Testament
When Pilate saw that it was of no use to contend, but that rather a tumult was rising, he took water, and washed his hands before the people, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man: ye must answer for it.

Mace New Testament
Pilate perceiving he was so far from prevailing, that they were more tumultuous, he took water, and washed his hands before all the people, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: you are answerable for it.

Weymouth New Testament
So when he saw that he could gain nothing, but that on the contrary there was a riot threatening, he called for water and washed his hands in sight of them all, saying, "I am not responsible for this murder: you must answer for it."

Worrell New Testament
And Pilate, seeing that it availed nothing, but rather a tumult was being made, taking water, washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this Man. Ye shall see to it."

Worsley New Testament
Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just man, look ye to it:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Pilate Washes his Hands
23“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!” 24When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.” 25All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”…

Cross References
John 19:4-6
Once again Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.” / When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” / As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

Luke 23:4
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

Mark 15:14
“Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

Acts 18:6
But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Deuteronomy 21:6-7
Then all the elders of the city nearest the victim shall wash their hands by the stream over the heifer whose neck has been broken, / and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it.

Psalm 26:6
I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,

Psalm 73:13
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.

Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

John 18:38
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.

John 19:12
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

Luke 23:14-15
and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. / Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death.

Mark 15:12-14
So Pilate asked them again, “What then do you want me to do with the One you call the King of the Jews?” / And they shouted back, “Crucify Him!” / “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

Acts 13:28
And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed.

1 Samuel 19:5
He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?”


Treasury of Scripture

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see you to it.

and washed.

Deuteronomy 21:6,7
And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley: …

Job 9:30,31
If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; …

Psalm 26:6
I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

just.

Matthew 27:4,9,54
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that

John 19:4
Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

Acts 3:14
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Jump to Previous
Blood Contrary Disturbance Gain Gained Hands Innocent Multitude Murder Pilate Prevail Rather Responsible Righteous Riot Starting Threatening Tumult Washed Water
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Blood Contrary Disturbance Gain Gained Hands Innocent Multitude Murder Pilate Prevail Rather Responsible Righteous Riot Starting Threatening Tumult Washed Water
Matthew 27
1. Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate.
3. Judas hangs himself.
19. Pilate, admonished of his wife,
20. and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas.
27. Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns;
33. crucified;
39. reviled;
50. dies, and is buried;
62. his tomb is sealed and watched.














When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing
Pilate, the Roman governor, was attempting to placate the Jewish leaders and the crowd, but his efforts were futile. This reflects the political tension between Roman authority and Jewish leadership. Pilate's role was to maintain order, yet he found himself unable to control the situation. This moment highlights the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about His suffering and rejection (Matthew 20:18-19).

but that instead a riot was breaking out
The potential for a riot underscores the volatile atmosphere in Jerusalem during Passover, a time when the city was filled with pilgrims. The Jewish leaders had incited the crowd, demonstrating their influence and the deep-seated animosity towards Jesus. This situation reflects the fulfillment of Psalm 2:1-2, where the nations rage against the Lord's Anointed.

he took water and washed his hands before the crowd
This act of washing hands was a symbolic gesture of innocence, rooted in Jewish tradition (Deuteronomy 21:6-7). Pilate's action was an attempt to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus' death, yet it also highlights his moral weakness and inability to stand for justice. This moment contrasts with Jesus' own washing of the disciples' feet, symbolizing service and sacrifice (John 13:5).

“I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said
Pilate's declaration of innocence is ironic, as he held the authority to release Jesus but chose political expediency over justice. This statement echoes the theme of innocence found in Isaiah 53:9, where the suffering servant is described as having done no violence. Pilate's words also foreshadow the later acknowledgment of Jesus' innocence by the centurion at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:54).

“You bear the responsibility.”
By placing the responsibility on the crowd, Pilate attempts to shift the moral burden. This reflects the Jewish leaders' earlier statement in Matthew 27:25, where they accept the responsibility for Jesus' death. This moment fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:3, where the Messiah is despised and rejected by men. It also highlights the collective responsibility of humanity in the rejection of Christ, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. He is depicted as attempting to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus' crucifixion.

2. The Crowd
The assembly of people in Jerusalem, influenced by the chief priests and elders, demanding Jesus' crucifixion.

3. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the New Testament, whose trial and crucifixion are pivotal events in Christian theology.

4. The Washing of Hands
A symbolic act by Pilate to declare his innocence in the decision to crucify Jesus, reflecting a Roman custom of absolving oneself from guilt.

5. The Riot
The escalating unrest among the crowd, which pressured Pilate into making a decision against his better judgment.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Moral Compromise
Pilate's decision to wash his hands rather than stand for justice illustrates the peril of compromising one's values under pressure. Christians are called to uphold righteousness, even when it is unpopular or difficult.

The Influence of the Crowd
The crowd's role in Jesus' crucifixion serves as a warning about the power of collective influence. Believers should be discerning and not swayed by the majority when it contradicts God's truth.

Personal Responsibility
Pilate's attempt to shift responsibility highlights the importance of personal accountability. Each individual must own their decisions and actions, especially in matters of faith and justice.

Symbolism vs. Reality
Pilate's hand-washing was a symbolic gesture that did not change the reality of his involvement. Christians should be wary of relying on outward symbols without genuine inner transformation.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Despite human actions, God's sovereign plan was fulfilled through Jesus' crucifixion. This reassures believers that God's purposes prevail, even in seemingly unjust situations.(24) He took water, and washed his hands.--The act belonged to an obvious and almost universal symbolism. So in Deuteronomy 21:6 the elders of a city in which an undiscovered murder had been committed were to wash their hands over the sin-offering, and to say, "Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it." (Comp. also Psalm 26:6.) Pilate probably chose it, partly as a relief to his own conscience, partly to appease his wife's scruples, partly as a last appeal of the most vivid and dramatic kind to the feelings of the priests and people. One of the popular poets of his own time and country might have taught him the nullity of such a formal ablution--

"Ah nimium faciles, qui tristia crimina caedis

Fluminea tolli posse putetis aqua."

"Too easy souls who dream the crystal flood

Can wash away the fearful guilt of blood."

Ovid, Fast. ii. 45.

Verse 24. - He could prevail nothing (οὐδὲν, ὠφελεῖ, he prevailed nothing). Naught that he did altered the determination of the multitude. But that rather a tumult was made (γίνεται, is arising). The present tense gives a graphic touch to the narrative. The delay and hesitation of the governor exasperated the people, and there were ominous signs of a riot, which must be suppressed at any sacrifice of principle or equity. He feared that a report might reach Rome of his having occasioned dangerous excitement at the Passover by refusing to punish a pretender to the Jewish throne, he submits to the popular will, but endeavours to save himself from the guilt of an accomplice in a most atrocious murder. Took water, and washed his hands before the multitude. This symbolical action would appeal to the Jewish sentiment, as it was a mode of asserting innocence prescribed in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 21:6; Psalm 26:6). Pilate thus publicly, in the sight of all the multitude who might not have been able to hear his words, attested his opinion of the innocence of Christ, and weakly cast the guilt upon the people, as if the administration of justice lay with them and not with him. Such lustrations were not exclusively Jewish, but were practised both among Greeks and Romans in expiation of guilt (see Wetstein, ad loc.; and Kuinoel, ad cap. 3:6). I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. Some manuscripts, followed by Alford, Tischendorf, and Westcott and Hort, omit "just Person (δικαίου)." If the word is genuine, it must be regarded as an echo of the wife's message to Pilate (ver. 19). The cowardly governor thus shakes off the responsibility of the perversion of justice which he allows. See ye to it (ὑμεῖς ὄψεσθε, vos videritis, as ver. 4). You will take all the responsibility of the act; the blame will not be mine. Vain hope! Pilate may wash his hands, he cannot purify heart or conscience from the stain of this foul murder. As long as the Church lasts so long will the Creed announce that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Pilate
Πιλᾶτος (Pilatos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4091: Pilate. Of Latin origin; close-pressed, i.e. Firm; Pilatus, a Roman.

saw
Ἰδὼν (Idōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

he was accomplishing
ὠφελεῖ (ōphelei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5623: To help, benefit, do good, be useful (to), profit. From the same as opheleia; to be useful, i.e. To benefit.

nothing,
οὐδὲν (ouden)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

but that
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

instead
μᾶλλον (mallon)
Adverb
Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.

a riot
θόρυβος (thorybos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2351: (a) din, hubbub, confused noise, outcry, (b) riot, disturbance. From the base of throeo; a disturbance.

was breaking out,
γίνεται (ginetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

he took
λαβὼν (labōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

water
ὕδωρ (hydōr)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5204: Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.

[and] washed
ἀπενίψατο (apenipsato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 633: To wash dirt off. From apo and nipto; to wash off.

[his]
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hands
χεῖρας (cheiras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5495: A hand.

before
ἀπέναντι (apenanti)
Preposition
Strong's 561: From apo and enanti; from in front, i.e. Opposite, before or against.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowd.
ὄχλου (ochlou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

“I am
εἰμι (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

innocent
Ἀθῷός (Athōos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 121: (sometimes: unpunished), guiltless, innocent. Not guilty.

of
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

this [man?s]
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

blood,?
αἵματος (haimatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 129: Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.

he said.
λέγων (legōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“You
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

shall bear the responsibility.?
ὄψεσθε (opsesthe)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 27:24 So when Pilate saw that nothing was (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 27:23
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