Matthew 27:24

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."

Parallel Translations

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!”

King James Version (1611)
When Pilate saw that he could preuaile nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, hee tooke water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this iust person: see yee to it.

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.

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."

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."

New Century Version
When Pilate saw that he could do nothing about this and that a riot was starting, he took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. Then he said, "I am not guilty of this man's death. You are the ones who are causing it!"

New American Standard Bible (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."

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."

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."

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!"

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."

Darby Translation
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].

Easy-to-Read Version
Pilate saw that there was nothing he could do to make the people change. In fact, it looked as if there would be a riot. So he took some water and washed his hands in front of them all. He said, "I am not guilty of this man's death. You are the ones who are doing it!"

Geneva Bible (1587)
When Pilate saw that he auailed nothing, but that more tumult was made, he tooke water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this iust man: looke you to it.

George Lamsa Translation
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.

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!"

Lexham English Bible
So Pilate, when he saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but instead an uproar was developing, took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this man. You see to it!"

Literal Translation
And seeing that nothing is gained, but rather an uproar occurs, taking water, Pilate washed his hands before the crowd, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous one; you will see.

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.

Bible in Basic English
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.

Hebrew Names Version
So when Pilate saw that nothing was 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."

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'sthis righteous man's">[fn] blood. You must see to that yourselves."Deuteronomy 21:6;">[xr]

Etheridge Translation
Then Pilatos, when he saw that nothing availed, but that the tumult became greater, took waters (and) washed his hands before [fn] the assembly, and said, I am expiated from the blood of this Just One. You shall know.

Murdock Translation
And Pilate, when he saw that it availed nothing, but rather that tumult was produced, took water, and washed his hands before the eyes of the multitude, and said: I am pure from the blood of this just man: see ye to it.

Bishop's Bible (1568)
When Pilate sawe that he coulde preuayle nothyng, but that more busynesse was made, he toke water, and washed his handes before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this iust person, see ye to 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.

World English Bible
So when Pilate saw that nothing was 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."

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. Then Pilate, seeing, that he could prevail nothing, but 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: see ye to it.

Weymouth's 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."

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And Pilat seynge that he profitide no thing, but that the more noyse was maad, took watir, and waischide hise hondis bifor the puple, and seide, Y am giltles of the blood of this riytful man; bise you.

Update Bible 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 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].

New English Translation
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 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. [fn] You see to it."

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!"

New Life Bible
Pilate saw that he could do nothing. The people were making loud calls and there was much pushing around. He took water and washed his hands in front of the many people. He said, "I am not guilty of the blood of this good Man. This is your own doing."

New Revised Standard
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."

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And Pilate, seeing, that, nothing, it availed, but rather, a tumult, was arising, taking water, washed his hands of it before the multitude, saying - Innocent, am I, of the blood of this man, - Ye, shall see to it for yourselves.

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.

Revised 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."

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
When Pilate sawe that he prevayled nothinge but that moare busines was made he toke water and wasshed his hondes before ye people sayinge: I am innocent of the bloud of this iuste person and that ye shall se.

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;'

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
So whan Pilate sawe, that he coude not helpe, but that there was a greater vproure, he toke water, and wasshed his handes before the people, and sayde: I am vngiltie of ye bloude of this righteous man. Se ye therto.

Mace New Testament (1729)
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.

THE MESSAGE
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was imminent, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in full sight of the crowd, saying, "I'm washing my hands of responsibility for this man's death. From now on, it's in your hands. You're judge and jury."

Simplified Cowboy Version
When Pilate saw that there was fixin' to be a riot, he dipped his hands in a horse trough and washed them sayin', "This is y'alls doin', not mine. I'm innocent of this man's blood and I wash my hands of this whole ordeal."

Contextual Overview

¹¹Now Jesus stood before [Pilate] the governor, and the governor asked Him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" [In affirmation] Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." ¹²But when the charges were brought against Him by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. ¹³Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they are testifying against You?" ¹⁴But Jesus did not reply to him, not even to a single accusation, so that the governor was greatly astonished. ¹⁵Now at the feast [of the Passover] the governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner whom the people chose. ¹⁶And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner [guilty of insurrection and murder], called Barabbas. ¹⁷So when they had assembled [for this purpose], Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" ¹⁸For Pilate knew that it was because of jealousy that the chief priests and elders had handed Jesus over to him. ¹⁹While he was seated on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous and innocent Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him." ²⁰But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

and washed: Deuteronomy 21:6, Deuteronomy 21:7, Job 9:30, Job 9:31, Psalms 26:6, Jeremiah 2:27, Jeremiah 2:35

just: Matthew 27:4, Matthew 27:9, Matthew 27:54, John 19:4, Acts 3:14, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:22 - Shed Exodus 23:2 - follow Exodus 30:13 - an half shekel Leviticus 22:19 - General Joshua 2:19 - his blood 1 Samuel 19:5 - sin against innocent 2 Samuel 3:28 - guiltless Psalms 18:4 - floods Psalms 83:2 - lo Isaiah 5:23 - take Isaiah 37:29 - tumult Jeremiah 26:16 - General Jeremiah 26:19 - Thus Jeremiah 36:25 - made Matthew 27:19 - that just Mark 6:26 - General Mark 7:4 - except Mark 10:22 - sad Mark 15:14 - Why Luke 23:4 - I find Luke 23:5 - they Luke 23:14 - have found Luke 23:41 - but John 13:9 - not John 18:38 - I find John 19:6 - Take Acts 18:15 - look Acts 25:10 - as thou Ephesians 5:15 - See James 4:8 - Cleanse James 5:6 - have 1 Peter 2:22 - did

Cross-References

Genesis 27:7
'Bring me some game and make me a savory and delicious dish [of meat], so that I may eat it, and declare my blessing on you in the presence of the LORD before my death.'

Genesis 27:8
"So now, my son, listen [carefully] to me [and do exactly] as I command you.

1 Samuel 21:2
David said to Ahimelech the priest, "The king has commissioned me with a matter and has told me, 'Let no one know anything about the matter for which I am sending you and with which I have commissioned you. I have directed the young men to a certain place.'

1 Samuel 21:13
So [fearing for his life] he changed his behavior in their sight, and acted insanely in their hands, and he scribbled on the doors of the gate, and drooled on his beard.

1 Samuel 27:10
When Achish asked, "Where did you raid today?" David replied, "Against the Negev (the South country) of Judah, and against the Negev of the Jerahmeelites, and against the Negev of the Kenites."

2 Samuel 14:5
The king asked her, "What is the matter?" She said, "Truly I am a widow; my husband is dead.

Job 15:5
"For your guilt teaches your mouth, And you choose [to speak] the language of the crafty and cunning.

Proverbs 12:19
Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.

Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.

Proverbs 30:8
Keep deception and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion,

Gill's Notes on the Bible

When Pilate saw he could prevail nothing,.... That it was to no purpose to talk to them, and in favour of Jesus; he saw they were determined upon his crucifixion, and that nothing else would satisfy them:

but that rather a tumult was made; there was an uproar among the people, and he might fear the consequences of it, should he not grant their request; otherwise, as Philo the p Jew says of him, he was, την φυσιν ακαμπης και μετα του ανθαδους αμειλικτος, "naturally inflexible, rigid, and self-willed": but he knew the temper of these people, and had had experience of their resoluteness, when they were determined on any thing; as in the case of his introducing the golden shields into the holy city, of which the same author speaks: and was then obliged, though sore against his will, as now, to yield unto them:

He took water, and washed his hands before the multitude; either in conformity to a custom among the Jews, whereby they testified their innocence as to the commission of murder; see Deuteronomy 21:6, or to a Gentile one, used when murder was committed, for the lustration or expiation of it q:

saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person; though this did not clear him from all guilt in this matter: he ought to have acted the part of an upright judge, and not have yielded to the unrighteous requests of the people; he ought not to have scourged an innocent man, and much less have condemned and delivered him to be crucified, as he did; though in this he bore a testimony to the innocence of Christ, and which is somewhat remarkable in him; who was, as Philo says r, notoriously guilty of receiving bribes, of injuries, rapine, and frequent murders of persons uncondemned:

see ye [to it]; you must be answerable for this action, and all the consequences of it. The Syriac version renders it, "you have known"; and the Persic version, "you know": and the Arabic version, "you know better"; Deuteronomy 21:6- :.

p De Legat. ad Caium, p. 1034. q Vid. Ovid. Fast. l. 2. Anticlidis Redit. l. 74. Triclinius in Ajac. Sophocl. 3. 1. r Ubi supra. (De Legat. ad Caium, p. 1034.)

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

He took water ... - The Jews were accustomed to wash their hands when they wished to show that they were innocent of a crime committed by others. See Deuteronomy 21:6; Psalms 26:6. Pilate, in doing this, meant to denote that they were guilty of his death, but that he was innocent. But the mere washing of his hands did not free him from guilt. He was “bound” as a magistrate to free an innocent man; and whatever might be the clamour of the Jews, “he” was guilty at the bar of God for suffering the holy Saviour to be led to execution, in order to gratify the malice of enraged priests and the clamors of a tumultuous populace.

See ye to it - That is, take it upon yourselves. You are responsible for it, if you put him to death.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Matthew 27:24. Pilate - took water, and washed his hands — Thus signifying his innocence. It was a custom among the Hebrews, Greeks, and Latins, to wash the hands in token of innocence, and to show that they were pure from any imputed guilt. In case of an undiscovered murder, the elders of that city which was nearest to the place where the dead body was found, were required by the law, Deuteronomy 21:1-10, to wash their hands over the victim which was offered to expiate the crime, and thus make public protestation of their own innocence. David says, I will wash my hands in innocence, so shall I compass thine altar, Psalms 26:6. As Pilate knew Christ was innocent, he should have prevented his death: he had the armed force at his command, and should have dispersed this infamous mob. Had he been charged with countenancing a seditious person, he could have easily cleared himself, had the matter been brought before the emperor. He, therefore, was inexcusable.