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Matthew 27:24
ESV 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."
NIV When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man’s blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
NASB 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.'
CSB 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!"
NLT 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!'
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.
NKJV 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. You see to it.”

What does Matthew 27:24 mean?

This gesture by the Roman governor is both cowardly, irrational, and cruel. He knows Jesus is innocent (John 18:33–36; Luke 23:13–14). He recognizes the manipulation of Jewish religious leaders (Matthew 27:18). He sees the absurdity of a mob willing to set loose a "notorious" murder instead of a peaceful teacher (Matthew 27:15–16; Mark 15:7). And yet, history notes that Pilate's position as governor was not secure. His harsh, violent acts had resulted in unrest in the past. His superiors had most likely threatened to remove him if there was further chaos. Most likely, the chief priests know this and are whipping the mob into a frenzy, to intimidate the governor into choosing so-called-peace over justice.

In the end, political risks kept Pilate from doing what he knew was right. After attempting to challenge the crowds—in what must have been a shouting match—about choosing to have Barabbas released instead of Jesus, he realized they were on the verge of a full-blown violent mutiny. It wasn't just that they preferred Barabbas; the assembled crowd is angrily, aggressively demanding Jesus be sentenced to death.

Pilate gives up and gives in. Condemning an innocent man is already an act of weakness. What he does next is almost embarrassing: trying to dodge responsibility for his own decision. In an act of great theatre, Pilate dramatically washes his hands, symbolizing that he refuses any responsibility for Jesus' death. Even as he signs a death warrant for a truly guiltless man, Pontius Pilate has the nerve to declare himself innocent of Jesus' death.

Of course, merely saying "it's not my fault" does not absolve Pilate, in any way. He will give the order for Jesus to be executed. He could have done otherwise—but chose his own comfort and position over upholding justice. His soldiers will carry out that order. He will share the responsibility for Jesus' death with the people in that crowd, everyone else involved, and every other sinner in history whose sins were part of Christ's atonement (2 Corinthians 5:12; Romans 5:8).

For their part, the assembled mob will unthinkingly wave off their own guilt, downplaying the immorality of this scene (Matthew 27:25).
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