Matthew 27:24

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} Pilate {G4091} saw {G1492} that {G3754} he could prevail {G5623} nothing {G3762}, but {G235} that rather {G3123} a tumult {G2351} was made {G1096}, he took {G2983} water {G5204}, and washed {G633} his hands {G5495} before {G561} the multitude {G3793}, saying {G3004}, I am {G1510} innocent {G121} of {G575} the blood {G129} of this {G5127} just person {G1342}: see {G3700} ye {G5210} to it.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, "My hands are clean of this man's blood; it's your responsibility."

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.”

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:24 captures the dramatic moment when Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, publicly attempts to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus' impending crucifixion. Despite his personal conviction of Jesus' innocence, Pilate yields to the escalating pressure from the agitated Jewish multitude, who, incited by their religious leaders, demand Jesus' death. In a symbolic gesture before the crowd, Pilate washes his hands, declaring his innocence of "the blood of this just person" and placing the responsibility squarely on the people. This act underscores his moral cowardice and the profound injustice of Jesus' condemnation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative within Matthew's Gospel, immediately following Pilate's repeated attempts to release Jesus. Pilate had already offered the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, hoping they would choose Jesus, as recorded in [Matthew 27:15-17](/matthew/27-15-17 "Matthew 27:15-17 - Pilate's Offer to the Crowd"). However, influenced by the chief priests and elders, the crowd vehemently demanded Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate's wife had also warned him about Jesus, calling Him a "just man" in [Matthew 27:19](/matthew/27-19 "Matthew 27:19 - Pilate's Wife's Warning"), further highlighting Pilate's awareness of Jesus' innocence. Faced with an uncontrollable "tumult," Pilate's hand-washing is his final, desperate act to distance himself from a decision he clearly knew was unjust, but felt compelled to make for political expediency.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of hand-washing to declare innocence was a recognized custom in both Jewish and Roman cultures. In Jewish law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 21:6-7](/deuteronomy/21-6-7 "Deuteronomy 21:6-7 - Ritual for Unsolved Murder"), elders would wash their hands to disavow responsibility for an unsolved murder, symbolizing their lack of complicity. Similarly, Roman officials might perform symbolic acts to underscore their judgments or distance themselves from popular unrest. Pilate, as the Roman governor of Judea, was responsible for maintaining order and preventing riots, which could lead to severe repercussions from Rome. The "tumult" mentioned in the text indicates a dangerous, escalating mob mentality, which Pilate feared could erupt into a full-scale rebellion, jeopardizing his position and potentially his life. His decision was thus a calculated political move, prioritizing civil order and self-preservation over moral justice.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:24 powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Pilate's moral abdication**, as he, despite acknowledging Jesus' innocence, succumbs to external pressure and political expediency rather than upholding justice. This demonstrates the profound danger of compromising one's convictions. Secondly, the **symbolism of hand-washing** is central, representing a futile attempt to cleanse oneself of guilt for an unjust act. While Pilate physically washed his hands, his spiritual and moral culpability remained. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **power of mob mentality and crowd pressure**, showing how an agitated multitude, manipulated by influential leaders, can override reason and justice, leading to grave injustice. This is a recurring theme in the Passion narrative, where the crowd's cry for crucifixion drowns out Pilate's attempts at release, as seen in [Matthew 27:22-23](/matthew/27-22-23 "Matthew 27:22-23 - The Crowd's Demand for Crucifixion"). Finally, the explicit reference to Jesus as "this just person" emphasizes the **unjust nature of His condemnation**, highlighting His blamelessness in the face of a corrupt legal process.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tumult (Greek, _thórybos'_):** From G2351, meaning a disturbance, uproar, or noisy commotion. In this context, it describes the escalating, violent agitation of the crowd, indicating a potential riot that Pilate sought to prevent. It emphasizes the intense pressure and chaotic environment Pilate faced.
* **innocent (Greek, _áthōos'_):** From G121, meaning not guilty. This is Pilate's direct declaration concerning his own involvement in Jesus' condemnation. It signifies his attempt to publicly disavow any culpability for the "blood" of Jesus, acknowledging that Jesus was not legally deserving of death.
* **just person (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From G1342, meaning equitable, righteous, or innocent. Pilate's description of Jesus. This word powerfully underscores Jesus' blamelessness and the profound injustice of the proceedings. It confirms that even His judge recognized His lack of wrongdoing, making the subsequent crucifixion an act of extreme injustice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made,"**: Pilate recognized the futility of his efforts to release Jesus. His attempts to persuade the crowd had failed, and instead of calming down, the situation was deteriorating into a violent, disorderly commotion or riot. This clause highlights Pilate's assessment of the uncontrollable nature of the crowd's demands and the potential threat to public order.
* **"he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying,"**: In a highly public and symbolic act, Pilate took water and cleansed his hands in full view of the agitated crowd. This physical action was intended to be a visual declaration of his moral detachment and innocence regarding the decision that was about to be made. It was a dramatic performance designed to shift responsibility away from himself.
* **"I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it]."**: Pilate's verbal declaration accompanying the hand-washing. He explicitly stated his blamelessness concerning Jesus' impending death, referring to Jesus as a "just person," thereby acknowledging His innocence. The final phrase, "see ye to it," is a direct challenge and a forceful transfer of responsibility, effectively placing the culpability for Jesus' death upon the multitude.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 27:24 is rich with **Symbolism**, primarily through Pilate's act of washing his hands. This gesture, rooted in ancient customs, symbolically represents an attempt to cleanse oneself of guilt or responsibility for bloodshed. However, the narrative employs **Irony**, as Pilate's outward ritual of purification stands in stark contrast to his inner moral compromise; a physical act cannot absolve spiritual culpability. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, where the audience knows the full significance of Jesus' innocence and the profound consequences of His death, while Pilate, despite acknowledging Jesus' justice, fails to grasp the ultimate theological weight of his decision. The "tumult" itself functions as a **Metonymy** for the chaotic and irrational mob mentality that overrides justice and reason.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the themes of human responsibility, the nature of justice, and the tragic consequences of moral cowardice. Pilate's public declaration of innocence, while acknowledging Jesus' blamelessness, ultimately serves as a stark example of a leader abdicating his duty to uphold truth and justice when faced with popular pressure. His attempt to wash away guilt highlights the human tendency to externalize blame rather than confront internal culpability. The narrative implicitly teaches that true innocence is not achieved through ritualistic acts or shifting blame, but through righteous action and adherence to truth, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. The "blood of this just person" foreshadows the immense theological significance of Jesus' innocent sacrifice.

* [Deuteronomy 21:6-7](/deuteronomy/21-6-7 "Deuteronomy 21:6-7 - Ritual for Unsolved Murder")
* [Psalm 26:6](/psalms/26-6 "Psalm 26:6 - Washing Hands in Innocence")
* [Acts 5:28](/acts/5-28 "Acts 5:28 - Peter's Accusation to the Sanhedrin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Pilate's actions in Matthew 27:24 serve as a powerful cautionary tale for all who face moral dilemmas. It challenges us to consider whether we prioritize personal convenience, social acceptance, or political expediency over truth and justice. Pilate knew what was right, yet he succumbed to the crowd's pressure, attempting to outwardly absolve himself while inwardly compromising his integrity. This calls believers to cultivate moral courage, to stand firm in their convictions even when it means facing unpopularity or opposition. True responsibility cannot be washed away by symbolic gestures; it demands a commitment to righteousness and a willingness to bear the cost of upholding what is just. We are reminded that the opinions of the multitude, especially when inflamed by prejudice or manipulation, can lead to profound injustice, and we must be vigilant against the dangers of mob mentality in our own contexts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "wash your hands" of responsibility, rather than standing for what is right?**
* **How do you discern between legitimate social pressure and the kind of "tumult" that compromises truth and justice?**
* **What does Pilate's declaration of Jesus as "this just person" reveal about the nature of true innocence and the injustice of His crucifixion?**
* **How can you cultivate the courage to uphold your convictions, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ

**Did Pilate truly believe Jesus was innocent?**

Answer: Yes, the text strongly suggests Pilate believed Jesus was innocent. He explicitly calls Jesus "this just person" in [Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Matthew 27:24 - Pilate's Hand-Washing"), and earlier, his wife warned him about Jesus, referring to Him as a "just man" in [Matthew 27:19](/matthew/27-19 "Matthew 27:19 - Pilate's Wife's Warning"). Furthermore, John's Gospel records Pilate repeatedly declaring, "I find no guilt in him" ([John 18:38](/john/18-38 "John 18:38 - Pilate Finds No Guilt") and [John 19:4](/john/19-4 "John 19:4 - Pilate's Declaration of No Fault")). His attempts to release Jesus, even offering a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, confirm his conviction of Jesus' blamelessness.

**Was Pilate's hand-washing effective in absolving his guilt?**

Answer: From a theological and moral perspective, no. While Pilate's hand-washing was a public, symbolic act intended to declare his innocence and shift blame to the crowd, it did not genuinely absolve him of his culpability. He was the Roman governor with the authority to release Jesus, and despite his conviction of Jesus' innocence, he yielded to political pressure and fear of a riot. His act was a desperate attempt to appear clean, but it could not erase his moral responsibility for condemning an innocent man. The New Testament does not present this act as a means of true absolution, but rather as a demonstration of his moral cowardice.

**What was the significance of the "tumult" Pilate observed?**

Answer: The "tumult" (Greek: _thórybos_) signifies a noisy, agitated, and potentially violent commotion or uproar among the crowd. For a Roman governor like Pilate, such a disturbance was a serious matter. Riots could lead to widespread rebellion, which would be met with severe Roman reprisal, potentially costing Pilate his position or even his life. The escalating "tumult" therefore represented a direct threat to Roman order and Pilate's authority, pressuring him to make a decision that would quell the unrest, even if it meant sacrificing justice. It highlights the volatile political climate of Judea under Roman rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Pilate's declaration, "I am innocent of the blood of this just person," ironically underscores the very truth that makes Jesus' sacrifice so profoundly redemptive. The "just person" whom Pilate condemned was indeed perfectly innocent, "a lamb without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). This blamelessness was essential, for only a spotless sacrifice could atone for the sins of humanity. Pilate's futile attempt to wash his hands of Jesus' blood stands in stark contrast to the true cleansing power of Christ's own blood. While Pilate tried to remove himself from guilt, Jesus' blood was shed precisely to remove the guilt of all who believe, cleansing our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The crowd's cry, "His blood be on us and on our children!" ([Matthew 27:25](/matthew/27-25 "Matthew 27:25 - The Crowd Accepts Responsibility")), though spoken in ignorance and malice, tragically foreshadowed the ultimate reality that Christ's blood would indeed be "on" humanity, not as a curse, but as the means of salvation, washing us from our sins and making us a kingdom of priests to God ([Revelation 1:5-6](/revelation/1-5-6 "Revelation 1:5-6 - Washed by His Blood")). Thus, Pilate's act, intended to distance himself from the blood, inadvertently highlights the very purity and atoning power of the innocent blood that would be shed for the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 26:6

¶ I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

Matthew 27:4

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Deuteronomy 21:6

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:

Deuteronomy 21:8

Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them.

Matthew 26:5

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.

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.