### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Σιλωάμ (Silōám)**, represented by `{{G4611}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to **Siloam**, a pool located in Jerusalem. This proper noun appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, making it a specific but significant landmark in the scriptural narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Siloam** `{{G4611}}` is mentioned in two distinct contexts. The first is a tragic event where Jesus refers to a **tower** in **Siloam** that fell and killed eighteen people, using the incident to teach that suffering is not necessarily a sign of greater personal sin [[Luke 13:4]]. The second and more prominent context is the healing of a blind man. Jesus `{{G2424}}` makes clay `{{G4081}}`, anoints the man's eyes `{{G3788}}`, and commands him to "Go `{{G5217}}`, wash `{{G3538}}` in the pool `{{G2861}}` of **Siloam**" ([[John 9:7]], [[John 9:11]]). The man's obedience results in him receiving his sight.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding **Siloam**:
* `{{G2861}}` **kolymbḗthra** (pool): This word, meaning a diving-place or pond for bathing, identifies the specific type of location **Siloam** was. Jesus instructs the blind man to go to the **pool** of **Siloam** to be healed [[John 9:7]].
* `{{G4444}}` **pýrgos** (tower): This term for a tower or castle is used by Jesus when he references the tragedy of the **tower** in **Siloam** that fell, killing those nearby [[Luke 13:4]].
* `{{G649}}` **apostéllō** (to send): The Gospel of John explicitly notes that the name **Siloam** is interpreted as "Sent." This connects the physical location to the divine mission of Jesus, whom the Father has **sent** [[John 3:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4611}}` is profound, especially in the Gospel of John.
* **The Meaning of "Sent":** The interpretation of **Siloam** as "Sent" [[John 9:7]] is a crucial detail. The blind man is sent by Jesus, who is Himself the one "sent" from God [[John 8:42]], to a pool whose very name means "Sent." This highlights the nature of Jesus's divine mission.
* **Obedience and Healing:** The healing miracle is directly tied to an act of obedience. The man is instructed to go and wash, and it is after he "went his way therefore, and washed" that he "came seeing" [[John 9:7]]. The location of **Siloam** becomes the stage for demonstrating faith through action.
* **Tragedy and Righteousness:** In Luke's Gospel, Jesus uses the collapse of the tower of **Siloam** to confront a common assumption. He challenges the crowd to reconsider whether the victims were worse sinners `{{G3781}}` than others, shifting the focus to the universal need for repentance [[Luke 13:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4611}}` **Siloam** is more than just a place name. It serves as a pivotal location for one of Jesus's significant miracles, illustrating themes of obedience, faith, and the nature of His mission as the one "Sent" from God. It is also used as a real-world example in Jesus's teachings to correct false assumptions about sin and suffering.
TRV