Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:24

What does Matthew 27:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:24 means

Seeing that he cannot prevail and that a riot is brewing, Pilate washes his hands before the crowd and declares himself innocent of this righteous man’s blood, telling them to handle it. This gesture is a theatrical attempt to absolve himself morally while capitulating politically. The hand-washing signals Pilate’s desire to distance himself from the verdict, though his actions contradict his words. Legally and ethically he still holds responsibility, illustrating human attempts to evade guilt despite active complicity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So when Pilate saw that he was able to do nothing, but that trouble was working up, he took water and, washing his hands before the people, said, The blood of this upright man is not on my hands: you are responsible.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Pilate, seeing that it availed nothing, but that rather a tumult was arising, having taken water, washed his hands before the crowd, saying, I am guiltless of the blood of this righteous one: see ye [to it].

Context

This verse follows Pilate’s question about Jesus’ guilt (v. 23) and marks his public abdication of responsibility. The hand-washing and declaration introduce themes of hypocrisy, moral evasion, and political expediency. It leads immediately to the crowd’s response accepting responsibility (v. 25) and Pilate’s handing over Jesus to be scourged and crucified (v. 26).

v.23And he said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, saying, Let him be crucified.

v.24This passage

v.25And all the people answered and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 26:6

    I will wash my hands in innocency: So will I compass thine altar, O Jehovah;

  • Matthew 27:54

    Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

  • Jeremiah 2:35

    Yet thou saidst, I am innocent; surely his anger is turned away from me. Behold, I will enter into judgment with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.

  • Deuteronomy 21:6

    And all the elders of that city, who are nearest unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley;

  • Matthew 27:9

    Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was priced, whom certain of the children of Israel did price;

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