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.

JOHN 9:7KJV
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John 9:7 (KJV)

What does John 9:7 mean?

John 9:7 describes Jesus telling a blind man to go wash in the pool of Siloam, which means "Sent." The man obeys, washes, and is able to see for the first time. This verse shows the moment the miracle happens as a result of the man's response to Jesus' instruction.

Jesus is speaking to a man who was blind from birth, after putting mud on his eyes. The pool of Siloam was a well-known place in Jerusalem, and the name "Siloam" is explained in the verse as meaning "Sent." The verse highlights both the man's trust in Jesus' words and the immediate, life-changing result of following them.

The Greek behind John 9:7

  • Σιλωάμ (Siloam, transliterated "Siloam"): The verse explains that this name means "Sent" (ἀπεσταλμένος, apostellō). This detail connects the place to the idea of being sent, which is important in John's Gospel, where Jesus is often described as sent by God.
  • νίψαι (nipsai, "wash"): The Greek word here means to wash or cleanse, emphasizing the physical action the man must take in response to Jesus' command.
  • ἀπήλθεν οὖν (apēlthen oun, "he went therefore"): This phrase shows the man’s immediate obedience, which is key to the unfolding of the miracle.

Why John 9:7 matters

  • John 9:7 clarifies that the healing did not happen instantly, but only after the man obeyed Jesus' specific instruction to wash in Siloam, showing the importance of trust and action.
  • The explanation of "Siloam" as "Sent" ties the miracle to a larger theme in John’s Gospel about Jesus being sent by God, hinting at deeper meaning behind the location.
  • This verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where the man’s healing leads to questions and controversy, highlighting both the power of Jesus and the reactions of those around him.

Where else these words appear

“Siloamwhich” Greek G4611 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 13:4 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?
  • 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.

“interpretation” Greek G2059 · used in 4 verses

  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
  • John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
  • Hebrews 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

“pool” Greek G2861 · used in 5 verses

  • John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
  • John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

“wash” Greek G3538 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
  • John 9:15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
  • John 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.