Matthew 27:24

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἰδὼν
saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#2
δὲ
When
but, and, etc
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Πιλᾶτος
Pilate
close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman
#5
ὅτι
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#6
οὐδὲν
nothing
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#7
ὠφελεῖ
he could prevail
to be useful, i.e., to benefit
#8
ἀλλὰ
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#9
μᾶλλον
that rather
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#10
θόρυβος
a tumult
a disturbance
#11
γίνεται
was made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#12
λαβὼν
he took
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#13
ὕδωρ
water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#14
ἀπενίψατο
and washed
to wash off (reflexively, one's own hands symbolically)
#15
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
χεῖρας
his hands
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#17
ἀπέναντι
before
from in front, i.e., opposite, before or against
#18
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ὄχλου
the multitude
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#20
λέγων,
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#21
Ἀθῷός
innocent
not guilty
#22
εἰμι
I am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#23
ἀπὸ
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#24
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
αἵματος
the blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#26
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
δικαίου
just person
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
#28
τούτου·
of this
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
#29
ὑμεῖς
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#30
ὄψεσθε
see
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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