Brief Overview of Σιλωάμ (Strong’s G4611: Siloam)
Strong’s G4611: From Hebrew שִׁלֹחַ (shiloach), meaning “sent.” A pool and tower in Jerusalem with deep spiritual significance. In the New Testament, it appears in both historical reference and as the site of Jesus’ healing miracle, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and divine mission.
U- Unveiling the Word
Σιλωάμ represents both a physical location and spiritual symbolism in Scripture. First mentioned in Luke 13:4 regarding a tragic tower collapse, it gains deeper significance in John 9:7 where Jesus heals a blind man. Early church writers saw in its meaning (“sent”) a type of Christ’s mission and baptismal renewal. Today, it reminds us that physical locations can carry spiritual significance in God’s redemptive work.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: Σιλωάμ, Siloam, see-lo-AM
- Detailed pronunciation: stress on last syllable: ‘see’ as in see, ‘lo’ as in low, ‘AM’ as in am
- Part of Speech: Proper Noun
Etymology:
- From Hebrew שִׁלֹחַ (shiloach)
- Root meaning “to send”
- Indeclinable foreign name
D – Defining Meanings
- Pool of Siloam
- Tower of Siloam
- Jerusalem landmark
For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a transliterated proper noun
Translation Options:
- “Siloam” – Traditional transliteration
- “Shiloah” – Hebrew form
- “Sent” – Literal meaning
E – Exploring Similar Words
- Βηθεσδά (Bethesda, bay-thes-DAH) – another pool See G964
- ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, a-po-STEL-lo) – to send See G649
- κολυμβήθρα (kolumbēthra, ko-loom-BAY-thra) – pool See G2861
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As an indeclinable foreign name:
- No case changes
- No number changes
- No gender variation
- Maintains same form in all contexts
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes both physical location and symbolic meaning. Thayer’s notes its Hebrew origin. LSJ documents limited Greek usage. Vine’s highlights its connection to sending. Strong’s connects it to flowing water. Moulton-Milligan shows its use in geographical references.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?” Luke 13:4
Additional References:
John 9:7, John 9:11
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Josephus: Wars | “The fountain of Siloam never failed the city.” |
| Josephus: Antiquities | “The pool called Siloam lay by the walls.” |
| Early Christian Writers | “The waters of Siloam symbolize baptismal grace.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Σιλωάμ shows how God uses physical places for spiritual purposes. The pool’s name meaning “sent” points to Christ, the Sent One, who brings spiritual sight and cleansing. Its waters remind us that Jesus continues to bring healing and spiritual enlightenment to those who come to Him in faith.
D – Did You Know?
- Archaeological excavations have confirmed the pool’s location.
- The water came from the Gihon Spring through Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
- Early Christians used Siloam as a baptismal symbol.
Strong’s G4611: From Hebrew שִׁלֹחַ (shiloach), meaning “sent.” A pool and tower in Jerusalem with deep spiritual significance. In the New Testament, it appears in both historical reference and as the site of Jesus’ healing miracle, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and divine mission.
Part of speech: Proper Noun
Tags: Siloam, Jerusalem, healing miracles, Jesus’ ministry, biblical places, pools, towers, blind man, John’s Gospel, spiritual symbolism, divine mission, water symbolism
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
