John 9:7

KJV

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Go {G5217}, wash {G3538} in {G1519} the pool {G2861} of Siloam {G4611},(which {G3739} is by interpretation {G2059}, Sent {G649}.) He went his way {G565} therefore {G3767}, and {G2532} washed {G3538}, and {G2532} came {G2064} seeing {G991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said to him, “Go, wash off in the Pool of Shiloach!” (The name means “sent.”) So he went and washed and came away seeing.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.

American Standard Version

and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went away therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 9:7 records the climactic moment of Jesus' healing of a man born blind, where Jesus commands the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, whose name is parenthetically explained as "Sent." The man's immediate obedience to this seemingly simple instruction results in his miraculous restoration of sight, serving as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and the transformative power of faith and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the narrative of [Jesus healing the man born blind](/john/9 "John 9 - Healing the Man Born Blind"), which occupies the entirety of John chapter 9. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus had performed the unusual act of mixing His spittle with dust to make clay, which He then applied to the man's eyes ([John 9:6](/john/9-6 "John 9:6 - Jesus Anoints the Blind Man's Eyes")). The command to "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" is the final, essential step in this multi-stage healing process. The subsequent verses detail the man's encounter with his neighbors, the Pharisees' intense interrogation, and his eventual spiritual enlightenment and confession of Jesus as the Son of God ([John 9:8-38](/john/9-8-38 "John 9:8-38 - The Man's Testimony and Confession")). The narrative carefully contrasts the physical healing with the spiritual blindness of the religious authorities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pool of Siloam was a well-known, historically significant reservoir located in Jerusalem, fed by the Gihon Spring via Hezekiah's Tunnel. It served as a vital water source for the city, particularly during festivals, and was associated with ritual purity. For a man born blind, a condition often attributed to sin (either his own or his parents') in Jewish thought ([John 9:2](/john/9-2 "John 9:2 - Disciples' Question About Sin and Blindness")), this healing was extraordinary. Furthermore, the healing occurred on the Sabbath ([John 9:14](/john/9-14 "John 9:14 - The Sabbath Controversy")), which immediately sparked controversy among the Pharisees, who viewed Jesus' actions as a violation of their interpretation of the Law. The mention of the pool's name meaning "Sent" is a deliberate interpretive note by the evangelist John, drawing a crucial theological connection.

* **Key Themes:** John 9:7 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Divine Authority and Power** is paramount, as Jesus demonstrates His unique ability to overcome incurable conditions, signaling His messianic identity. The man's unquestioning **Obedience and Faith** is highlighted, as his healing is contingent upon his immediate compliance with Jesus' specific, unconventional instruction. The profound **Symbolism of Siloam ("Sent")** is a key theological thread, linking the pool's name to Jesus Himself as the One "sent" by the Father into the world ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son")). Finally, the narrative powerfully explores the theme of **Physical and Spiritual Sight**, illustrating how the restoration of physical vision foreshadows and leads to spiritual illumination and recognition of Jesus as the Light of the World ([John 9:5](/john/9-5 "John 9:5 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, a primary verb meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' authoritative command. It is not a suggestion but a directive, highlighting His sovereign power and the expectation of immediate obedience.
* **wash (Greek, _níptō'_):** From G3538, referring to the act of washing, typically a part of the body. Here, it signifies a specific action required for the healing to be completed. It implies an active participation from the one being healed, not merely a passive reception of a miracle.
* **Sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** From G649, meaning "to send out (properly, on a mission)." This word, used to interpret the name Siloam, is profoundly significant. It directly connects the physical act of washing in the pool to the greater theological truth of Jesus Himself being the ultimate "Sent One" from God, commissioned with a divine mission to bring salvation and light to the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said unto him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam"":** This clause reveals Jesus' direct and authoritative command to the man. The instruction to "Go, wash" implies an active step of faith and obedience required from the blind man. The destination, the "pool of Siloam," is specific and public, ensuring that the miracle, once completed, would be undeniable and widely known.
* **"(which is by interpretation, Sent.)":** This parenthetical note from the evangelist John is a crucial theological commentary. It highlights the symbolic significance of the Pool of Siloam's name. By linking the pool to the concept of being "Sent," John subtly foreshadows and reinforces the identity of Jesus as the one "sent" by God the Father, drawing a direct parallel between the physical location and the divine messenger.
* **"He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.":** This final clause demonstrates the man's immediate and unhesitating obedience, which is met with instantaneous and complete healing. The phrase "went his way therefore" underscores his compliance. The simple, declarative statement "and came seeing" powerfully conveys the miraculous outcome, emphasizing the direct cause-and-effect relationship between obedience to Jesus' command and the restoration of sight.

#### Literary Devices
John 9:7 is rich in **Symbolism**. The Pool of Siloam itself, whose name means "Sent," symbolizes Jesus as the ultimate "Sent One" from God, the source of true spiritual cleansing and enlightenment. The act of washing in the pool can be seen as a symbolic act of purification and reception of divine grace. There is also profound **Irony** present in the broader narrative, initiated by this verse: the physically blind man gains sight, both literally and spiritually, while the Pharisees, who claim to see and understand, remain spiritually blind to Jesus' true identity and mission ([John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus Condemns Spiritual Blindness")). The narrative structure also employs **Cause and Effect**, where Jesus' command (cause) directly leads to the man's obedience and subsequent healing (effect), underscoring the power of divine instruction and faithful response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 9:7 powerfully illustrates the intersection of divine command, human obedience, and miraculous transformation. The healing is not merely a physical restoration but a profound theological statement about Jesus' identity and mission. By commanding the man to wash in the pool named "Sent," Jesus subtly connects the source of the physical healing to His own divine commission from the Father. This act underscores that true healing, both physical and spiritual, comes from the One whom God has sent into the world. The man's immediate and unquestioning obedience serves as a model of faith, demonstrating that trust in God's unconventional methods often precedes the experience of His extraordinary power.

* [Isaiah 6:10](/isaiah/6-10 "Isaiah 6:10 - Spiritual Blindness")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 9:7 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the nature of our obedience to God's commands, especially when His instructions seem illogical or unconventional to our human understanding. The blind man's story reminds us that God's ways are not our ways, and His power is often revealed through simple acts of faith and trust. Are we willing to step out in faith, even when the path is unclear, confident that God's directives always lead to our ultimate good and His glory? This passage also serves as a poignant reminder of spiritual blindness. Just as the man was physically unable to see, many in the world today, and even within the church, may be spiritually blind to the truths of the Gospel, the presence of God, or the path of righteousness. Jesus, the Light of the World, desires to open our spiritual eyes, leading us from darkness into His marvelous light. Our readiness to "wash" in the living waters He provides is crucial for gaining true spiritual sight and experiencing His transformative power in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to an act of obedience that seems illogical or unconventional?**
* **How does the blind man's immediate response challenge your own willingness to trust and obey God without hesitation?**
* **In what ways might you be experiencing spiritual blindness, and how can you seek Jesus, the "Sent One," to open your eyes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus use clay and spittle, and then command the man to wash in the pool, rather than simply healing him with a word?**

Answer: Jesus often used tangible means in His healings, not because He needed them, but to engage the faith of the individual or to provide a visible sign. The use of clay and spittle, though unconventional, created a physical process that required the man's active participation and obedience. The subsequent command to wash in the Pool of Siloam added another layer to this process, emphasizing the man's faith in following a specific, seemingly ritualistic instruction. This multi-step process highlighted the man's journey of faith and obedience, making the miracle even more profound and undeniable, and perhaps also serving as a symbolic act of new creation or cleansing, reminiscent of God forming man from dust in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Forms Man from Dust").

**What is the significance of the Pool of Siloam's name meaning "Sent"?**

Answer: The evangelist John explicitly includes this interpretation ("Sent") to draw a crucial theological connection. The name "Siloam" (Hebrew: Shiloah) means "sent" or "sending out," and John uses this to subtly point to Jesus Himself as the ultimate "Sent One" from God the Father. Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus frequently refers to Himself as being "sent" by the Father ([John 5:23](/john/5-23 "John 5:23 - The Father Sent the Son"), [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Came to Do the Father's Will"), [John 8:42](/john/8-42 "John 8:42 - Jesus Came from God")). Therefore, the act of washing in the "Sent" pool symbolizes receiving cleansing and spiritual sight from the One whom God has sent into the world to save it and be its light ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 9:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the "Sent One" of God, the embodiment of divine light and healing. The Pool of Siloam, whose name means "Sent," serves as a powerful symbol pointing to Christ. Just as the blind man was sent to a physical pool to receive physical sight, humanity is called to come to Jesus, the One "sent into the world" by the Father ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son")), to receive spiritual sight. Jesus declared Himself the "[Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")" and specifically "[the light of the world](/john/9-5 "John 9:5 - Jesus, the Light of the World")" in this very chapter, emphasizing His mission to illuminate those in spiritual darkness. The physical healing of the blind man is a tangible sign of Jesus' greater work: to open the eyes of those spiritually blind, enabling them to see the truth of God and His kingdom. Through His atoning work, Jesus provides the ultimate cleansing, washing away the spiritual blindness of sin and granting new life and spiritual discernment to all who believe and obey Him ([Ephesians 5:26-27](/ephesians/5-26-27 "Ephesians 5:26-27 - Christ Cleanses the Church"), [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness into Light")). He is the true "Siloam," the source from whom all spiritual healing and enlightenment flow.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 35:5

¶ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

John 11:37

And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

John 9:11

He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Isaiah 8:6

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;

Psalms 146:8

The LORD openeth [the eyes of] the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

Nehemiah 3:15

But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.