Archaeologists Discover the “Pool of Siloam” in Jerusalem, Believed to Be the Site Where Jesus Healed a Blind Man

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem, widely believed to be the site where Jesus performed the miracle of healing a blind man, as recorded in the Gospel of John (John 9:1–11). The pool, rediscovered in 2004 during infrastructure work, has been identified through a combination of archaeological evidence, historical texts, and its alignment with biblical descriptions.

The Pool of Siloam is mentioned in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is said to have healed a man born blind by instructing him to wash in the pool. This event is a central moment in the New Testament and is often cited to illustrate Jesus’ compassion and divine power. The archaeological findings align with the biblical narrative, including the discovery of stone steps and water channels, along with a layout that matches descriptions of first-century Jerusalem.

The Jewish historian Josephus also referenced the Pool of Siloam in his writings, describing it as a site used for ritual purification. This reference further supports the claim that the pool was an important religious and historical location, particularly during the Second Temple period.

The Pool of Siloam was originally constructed during the reign of King Hezekiah in the 8th century BCE as part of a strategy to secure water for Jerusalem during the Assyrian siege. As recorded in 2 Kings 20:20 and 2 Chronicles 32:30, Hezekiah’s tunnel system brought water from the Gihon Spring into the city, and the Pool of Siloam was built as a vital part of this infrastructure.

In the Second Temple period, the pool was expanded and became a significant location for Jewish pilgrims, who used it for ritual purification before entering the temple. This made the Pool of Siloam a focal point for worship and spiritual cleansing, enhancing its historical and religious importance.

The pool’s location near the ancient City of David, close to the water source of the Gihon Spring, further strengthens its identification as the biblical Pool of Siloam. The proximity to other key historical and religious sites in Jerusalem, including the temple, adds credibility to its connection with the biblical account of Jesus’ healing miracle.

The archaeological discovery of the Pool of Siloam provides compelling evidence that the site is indeed the location where Jesus healed the blind man, as recounted in the Gospel of John. The combination of archaeological remains, historical references, and alignment with biblical texts offers strong support for the authenticity of this site, solidifying its significance in both religious and historical contexts.