The blood curse refers to a New Testament passage from Matthew 27:24-25 which is part of the section that describes Pilate's court before the Crucifixion of Jesus.
The King James Bible states:
- When Pilate saw that he could not prevail, but rather that a tumult was beginning, 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." Then answered all the people and said, "His blood be on us, and on our children!"
This immediately follows the action of Pilate in Matthew 27:24 in which he washes his hands in public to proclaim his own innocence.
This episode is then followed by Jesus Carrying the Cross towards Calvary in Matthew 27:31–33.
Famous quotes containing the words blood and/or curse:
“And if blood of Martyrs is to flow on the steps
We must first build the steps;
And if the Temple is to be cast down
We must first build the Temple.”
—T.S. (Thomas Stearns)
“O curse of marriage,
That we can call these delicate creatures ours
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,
And live upon the vapour of a dungeon
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others’ uses.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)