The Pools of Bethesda and Siloam — Healing Waters in Jerusalem
Artifact Summary
The Pool of Bethesda and the Pool of Siloam are two Jerusalem pools connected with miracles of Jesus in the Gospels.
- Bethesda (John 5:2) is where Jesus healed a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years.
- Siloam (John 9:7) is where Jesus sent a blind man to wash, and he came back seeing.
Both sites have been identified archaeologically in Jerusalem and provide concrete locations for events recorded in the New Testament.
Key Points
- The Pool of Bethesda was located near the Sheep Gate and had five porches, matching John’s description.
- Excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries revealed a pool complex with colonnades near the Church of St. Anne.
- The Pool of Siloam is at the southern end of the City of David, where Hezekiah’s Tunnel empties into the Tyropoeon Valley.
- The stepped stone pool at Siloam dates to the Second Temple period and fits the setting of Jesus’ miracle.
What It Corroborates
These pools confirm the physical reality of places named in the Gospels and support the reliability of John’s detailed topographical information.
KJV Connections
- 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 9:6–7: Jesus sent the blind man to wash in the pool of Siloam, “which is by interpretation, Sent.”
Application
The pools remind us that Jesus healed in real places, at real moments, among real people. His power to heal and restore is as real today as it was then.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly were the pools located?
Bethesda is in the northeast of the Old City near St. Anne’s Church. Siloam is in the City of David near the exit of Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
Do the excavations match the Bible?
Yes. Bethesda’s five porches and Siloam’s Second Temple setting align with the Gospel accounts.
Are these pools still visible?
Yes, both sites are accessible to visitors in Jerusalem.