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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."
Verse Takeaways
1
Washing Hands Doesn't Wash Guilt
Commentators unanimously agree that Pilate's dramatic hand-washing was a "farce" that did not absolve him of guilt. As the magistrate with the power to release an innocent man, his failure to act justly made him complicit. Scholars stress that attempting to remain neutral in the face of injustice is not a righteous option; it is a dereliction of duty.
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Matthew
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11
18th Century
Presbyterian
He took water, etc. The Jews were accustomed to wash their hands when they wished to show that they were innocent of a crime committed by …
Washed his hands (απενιψατο τας χειρας). As a last resort since the hubbub (θορυβος) increased because of his vacillation. The ver…
19th Century
Anglican
He took water, and washed his hands — The act belonged to an obvious and almost universal symbolism. For example, in Deuteronomy 2…
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Baptist
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, say…
To the best of our knowledge, this hand washing was not a Roman custom. After living several years among the Jews he detested, Pilate picked up one…
16th Century
Protestant
But Pilate, perceiving that he gained nothing by it. As sailors who have experienced a violent tempest at last give way and permit themsel…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
When Pilate saw he could prevail nothing That it was to no purpose to talk to them, and in favour of Jesus; he saw t…
Having no malice against Jesus, Pilate urged Him to clear Himself and labored to get Him discharged. The message from his wife was a warning. God h…
13th Century
Catholic
Above, the Evangelist recounted what Christ suffered from the Jews; here, he recounts what He suffered from the Gentiles. And he does four things:<…
