Matthew 27:24
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἰδὼν
saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 30
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 30
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
6 of 30
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 30
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
μᾶλλον
that rather
G3123
μᾶλλον
that rather
Strong's:
G3123
Word #:
9 of 30
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
γίνεται
was made
G1096
γίνεται
was made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
11 of 30
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀπενίψατο
and washed
G633
ἀπενίψατο
and washed
Strong's:
G633
Word #:
14 of 30
to wash off (reflexively, one's own hands symbolically)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
his hands
G5495
χεῖρας
his hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
16 of 30
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλου
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλου
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
19 of 30
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
20 of 30
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
23 of 30
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἵματος
the blood
G129
αἵματος
the blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
25 of 30
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαίου
just person
G1342
δικαίου
just person
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
27 of 30
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
Cross References
Matthew 27:4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.Psalms 26:6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:Matthew 26:5But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Historical Context
As prefect, Pilate alone held ius gladii (right of the sword). No handwashing could transfer his legal authority or moral responsibility. Fear of riot and Caesar's displeasure drove his decision. Governors who lost control faced recall and disgrace.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do you try to 'wash your hands' of moral responsibility for decisions you know are wrong?
- How does Pilate's claiming innocence while condemning Christ illustrate the self-deception of knowing truth but choosing expediency?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 (ἀθῷός εἰμι ἀπὸ τοῦ αἵματος τούτου)—Pilate's handwashing invoked Jewish ritual (Deuteronomy 21:6-7), a symbolic declaration of non-culpability. Yet the act condemned him—he proclaimed Christ's justice (dikaios) while condemning Him to death.
You cannot wash away responsibility for moral choices. Pilate knew Christ was innocent (v. 18, 19, 23), yet chose political survival over justice. His words 'see ye to it' (ὑμεῖς ὄψεσθε) attempted to transfer guilt, but God holds all accountable—both Jewish leaders and Roman authority crucified Christ.