Matthew once again emphasizes that all the people were responsible for the death of Jesus (see comment at verse 22).

His blood be on us and on our children: see verse 24 for comments on blood. Children is sometimes translated as “descendants.” Barclay renders Pilate’s denial of his responsibility and the people’s response as follows: “ ‘I am not responsible for this man’s death,’ he said. ‘The responsibility is yours.’ 25 The whole people answered: ‘Let the responsibility for his death be on us and on our children.’ ”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .