Siloam etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "Siloam" is derived from the Hebrew word "shiloah", meaning "sent" or "sent forth". It refers to a water source, specifically a pool or spring. In the Bible, Siloam is mentioned as a pool in Jerusalem where Jesus performed the miracle of healing a blind man (John 9:1-7).

Origin

Siloam originates from the Gihon Spring, a natural spring located on the eastern side of Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The spring's waters flow through a tunnel known as the Hezekiah Tunnel, which was built in the 8th century BC by King Hezekiah to secure Jerusalem's water supply during times of siege. The tunnel leads to the Siloam Pool, which is located at the foot of the Ophel Hill.

Use in the Bible

In the Bible, Siloam is mentioned in several passages:

  • John 9:1-7: Jesus heals a blind man at the Pool of Siloam.
  • Isaiah 8:6: The waters of Siloam symbolize the gentle reign of King Hezekiah.
  • Nehemiah 3:15: The Pool of Siloam serves as a demarcation point for the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall.

Later History

Over the centuries, Siloam has continued to hold religious and historical significance. It was a popular destination for Jewish pilgrims during the Second Temple period. In the Byzantine era (4th-7th centuries AD), a church was built over the Pool of Siloam.

Today, Siloam remains an important archaeological site. Excavations have revealed remnants of the Gihon Spring, the Hezekiah Tunnel, and the Byzantine church. The Pool of Siloam is still used for ritual bathing by some religious groups.

Siloam relate terms

  • restroom

    Etymology The word restroom is a combination of two words Rest Derived from the Old

  • figure

    Etymology The word figure comes from the Latin word figura which means shape for

  • blacklist

    Etymology The word blacklist originated in the 19th century It is thought to have com

  • conference

    Etymology of Conference The word conference is derived from the Latin word conferre

  • quarrel

    Etymology Middle English querele Old French querele Latin querela meaning complain

  • abandon

    Etymology Origin Middle English abandonar from Old French abandoner from Late Latin

  • baccalaureate

    Etymology and Meaning The word baccalaureate originates from the Medieval Latin word b

  • succor

    Etymology The word succor comes from the Old French word socors which in turn is de

  • chess

    Etymology The word chess is derived from the Old French word eschecs which in turn