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.”Read in Context
Modern Meaning
What Does “Wash your hands of the matter” Mean?
To refuse further responsibility for something.
Biblical Origin
Where Does This Phrase Come From?
Pontius Pilate washed his hands publicly before the crowd, declaring himself innocent of Jesus' blood. The gesture was a Jewish ritual of absolution (Deuteronomy 21:6-7), performed here by a Roman governor. It became the English expression for refusing responsibility.
The phrase appears in Matthew 27:24 in the King James Version of the Bible, first published in 1611.
Usage Today
How Is It Used Today?
Disowning responsibility. "After the third warning, management washed their hands of the project."
The KJV Verse
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.”
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