When Pilate sees that the dispute is escalating, Matthew says that he takes water and washes his hands before the crowd, declaring, 'I am innocent of the blood of this just person.' The crowd answers with the expression, 'His blood be on us, and on our children.'
Jesus in Context
Pilate Washes His Hands: Bloodguilt and Responsibility
Pilate publicly washes his hands while declaring himself innocent of Jesus' blood, followed by the crowd's declaration accepting responsibility for that blood.
Introduction
Historical and Cultural Context
Handwashing could function symbolically as a declaration of innocence from bloodguilt. The action therefore communicates Pilate's claim that responsibility for Jesus' death does not rest upon him. The crowd's response uses the biblical idiom of blood being 'upon' someone to express responsibility for a death.
Why It Matters
Understanding the language of bloodguilt helps explain the exchange. Pilate's washing and the crowd's response are opposing declarations concerning responsibility for Jesus' death. The scene uses symbolic action and a familiar idiom of blood responsibility rather than merely recording literal concerns about washing or blood.