What is the Pool of Siloam?

Etymology and Location

The term “Siloam” is related to the Hebrew root meaning “to send,” often rendered in English as “Sent” (see John 9:7 note). The Pool of Siloam lies in the southern part of the City of David, just below the old walls of Jerusalem. It connects to the Gihon Spring through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which was dug during the reign of King Hezekiah to provide a secure water supply (2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chronicles 32:30).

Old Testament Background

Hezekiah’s construction of the tunnel and the pool came at a time when the city needed protection against Assyrian invasions, as recorded in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. This strategic engineering feat allowed water from the Gihon Spring to flow directly into the city, minimizing the risk that an enemy could cut off the water.

Nehemiah 3:15 mentions the “Pool of Shelach” (another form of the name) during the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem’s walls and infrastructure. The passage indicates the pool’s proximity to the King’s Garden, highlighting its importance for irrigation and communal life.

New Testament Significance

The Pool of Siloam is most famously referenced in the Gospel of John, when Jesus heals a man born blind. Jesus anointed the man’s eyes with mud and instructed him: “Go,” He told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). “So the man went and washed, and came back seeing” (John 9:7). This event not only provided physical healing, but also underscored a deeper spiritual truth about sight, faith, and recognizing the Messiah.

Some link the Pool of Siloam to water ceremonies that were part of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (cf. John 7:37–39). The daily drawing of water from Siloam symbolized blessings, life, and salvation. Jesus Himself referred to “living water,” highlighting His identity as the true source of eternal life (John 7:38).

Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeologists rediscovered a portion of the Pool of Siloam in the late 19th century, but a more significant excavation took place in 2004 when workers repairing a sewage line in the City of David uncovered steps leading down into a large pool. Subsequent work by archaeologists Eli Shukron and Ronny Reich revealed more of the original steps and structure, aligning with historical and biblical descriptions.

Layers of sediment and coin findings date the pool’s final construction phase to the late Second Temple period, consistent with the time of Jesus’ ministry (first century AD). These discoveries match accounts from early historians like Josephus, who described water supply features around Jerusalem. The evidence demonstrates that the site was in active use during the era described in John’s Gospel.

Historical and Cultural Importance

In ancient Jerusalem, water sources were critical for the city’s survival. Siloam, as an easily accessed reservoir, served daily needs and played a role in religious festivities. The location was also near the original settlement area of Davidic Jerusalem, highlighting its historical continuity from the time of the Judean kings through to the ministry of Jesus.

During religious observances, pilgrims to Jerusalem would know the strategic importance of Siloam. Its water was considered ceremonially clean, suitable for ritual washings, making it an integral part of Jewish worship practices.

Theological Insights

The name “Sent” points to the divine commissioning of the One who performed miracles there. Jesus intentionally directed the blind man to wash in a pool that carried the meaning of being “sent,” reflecting that His power and identity, too, were from the Father (cf. John 5:36–37).

The episode in John 9 also illustrates the broader biblical theme of transformation. Darkness or blindness becomes light and sight through obedience to God’s command and trust in the “Sent One.” This echoes Old Testament promises that God is the source of both physical and spiritual restoration (Isaiah 29:18; 35:5).

Connection to Scriptural Consistency

Manuscript evidence supports the reliability of the Gospel accounts, including the story in John 9. Early Greek manuscripts such as p66 and p75 (Bodmer Papyri) contain the reference to the pool, demonstrating that this mention was present in the text from very early on. Over centuries, the textual record shows consistency in John’s narrative, affirming that the details have been faithfully preserved.

Archaeological findings add further weight to the biblical text’s reliability, matching the topographical details and historical context of first-century Jerusalem.

Practical Reflection

The Pool of Siloam stands as a reminder of divine provision. It was an essential source of water in a time of distress under Hezekiah. Centuries later, it became the scene of a profound miracle, symbolizing the greater provision found in Jesus.

Believers and interested readers alike can reflect on the physical and spiritual significance of water in biblical times. As there was a real and accessible pool in Jerusalem, so there remains a real hope of healing and restoration through spiritual obedience and faith.

Conclusion

The Pool of Siloam holds a notable place in biblical history. From Hezekiah’s strategic measures, to the post-exilic rebuilding era, to the ministry of Jesus, this site spans centuries of sacred narrative. Archaeological discoveries confirming its location and usage strongly support biblical descriptions.

Beyond its rich history, Siloam’s most enduring legacy appears in John’s Gospel: a man blind since birth is made to see, underscoring the transformative power of the One “sent” by God. Through this location and event, Scripture conveys both the historical reality and the spiritual depth of the biblical message.