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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/5-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/43_Jhn_05_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 5:2 - The Pool of Bethesda" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/5-1.htm" title="John 5:1">◄</a> John 5:2 <a href="/john/5-3.htm" title="John 5:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/5.htm">New International Version</a> Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. <a href="/nlt/john/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. <a href="/esv/john/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. <a href="/bsb/john/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda. <a href="/blb/john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, having five porches. <a href="/kjv/john/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. <a href="/nkjv/john/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. <a href="/nasb_/john/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now in Jerusalem, by the Sheep Gate, there is a pool which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, having five porticoes. <a href="/nasb/john/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. <a href="/nasb77/john/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. <a href="/lsb/john/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. <a href="/amp/john/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now in Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew (Jewish Aramaic) Bethesda, having five porticoes (alcoves, colonnades). <a href="/csb/john/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> By the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool, called Bethesda in Aramaic, which has five colonnades. <a href="/hcsb/john/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> By the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool, called Bethesda in Hebrew, which has five colonnades. <a href="/asv/john/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches. <a href="/cev/john/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> In the city near the sheep gate was a pool with five porches, and its name in Hebrew was Bethzatha. <a href="/erv/john/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches. <a href="/gwt/john/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Near Sheep Gate in Jerusalem was a pool called [Bethesda] in Hebrew. It had five porches. <a href="/gnt/john/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool with five porches; in Hebrew it is called Bethzatha. <a href="/isv/john/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem is a pool called Bethesda in Hebrew. It has five colonnades, <a href="/msb/john/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda. <a href="/net/john/5.htm">NET Bible</a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool called Bethzatha in Aramaic, which has five covered walkways. <a href="/nheb/john/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now in Jerusalem by the sheep area there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, "Beth Hesda," having five porches. <a href="/wbt/john/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, having five porches. <a href="/wey/john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, called in Hebrew 'Bethesda.' It has five arcades. <a href="/web/john/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, “Bethesda”, having five porches. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and there is in Jerusalem by the sheep-[gate] a pool that is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches, <a href="/blb/john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, having five porches. <a href="/ylt/john/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and there is in Jerusalem by the sheep -gate a pool that is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches, <a href="/slt/john/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And there is in Jerusalem, at the sheep place a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, having five porches.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now there is at Jerusalem a pond, called Probatica, which in Hebrew is named Bethsaida, having five porches. <a href="/cpdv/john/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now at Jerusalem is the Pool of Evidence, which in Hebrew is known as the Place of Mercy; it has five porticos. <a href="/nabre/john/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep [Gate] a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. <a href="/nrsvce/john/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now there was at Jerusalem a baptismal pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five entrances. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But there was a certain baptismal place in Jerusalem called in Aramaic, Bayth Khesda, and there were in it five porches.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now there is in Jerusalem, near the sheep gate, a pool, called, in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, with five porches. <a href="/godbey/john/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And there is a pool at the sheep-market, called in Hebrew Bethzatha, having five porches. <a href="/haweis/john/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now there is at Jerusalem near the sheep-market a pool, called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porticos. <a href="/mace/john/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now there was at Jerusalem by the sheep-gate a bath, called in Hebrew, Bethesda, which had five portico's. <a href="/wey/john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, called in Hebrew 'Bethesda.' It has five arcades. <a href="/worrell/john/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now there is in Jerusalem, by the sheep-gate, a pool, which is called, in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. <a href="/worsley/john/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now there is at Jerusalem near the sheep-market a pool, called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticos about it. <a href="/parallel/john/5-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=1341" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/5.htm">The Pool of Bethesda</a> 1Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there is</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2414.htm" title="2414: Hierosolymois (N-DNP) -- The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">near</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4262.htm" title="4262: probatikē (Adj-DFS) -- Pertaining to sheep. From probaton; relating to sheep, i.e. through which they were led into Jerusalem.">Sheep Gate</a> <a href="/greek/2861.htm" title="2861: kolymbēthra (N-NFS) -- (lit: a diving or swimming place), a pool. A diving-place, i.e. Pond for bathing.">a pool</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">with</a> <a href="/greek/4002.htm" title="4002: pente (Adj-AFP) -- Five. A primary number; five.">five</a> <a href="/greek/4745.htm" title="4745: stoas (N-AFP) -- A colonnade, portico. Probably from histemi; a colonnade or interior piazza.">covered colonnades,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">which</a> <a href="/greek/1447.htm" title="1447: Hebraisti (Adv) -- In the Hebrew, or rather, in the Aramaic dialect. Adverb from Hebrais; Hebraistically or in the Jewish language.">in Hebrew</a> <a href="/greek/1951.htm" title="1951: epilegomenē (V-PPM/P-NFS) -- To call; mid: I choose for myself; pass: To be named. Middle voice from epi and lego; to surname, select.">is called</a> <a href="/greek/964.htm" title="964: Bēthesda (N-NFS) -- Bethesda, name of a pool in Jerusalem. Of Chaldee origin; house of kindness; Beth-esda, a pool in Jerusalem.">Bethesda.</a> 3On these walkways lay a great number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/nehemiah/3-1.htm">Nehemiah 3:1</a> At the Sheep Gate, Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated the wall. <a href="/nehemiah/3-32.htm">Nehemiah 3:32</a> And between the upper room above the corner and the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs. <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">Nehemiah 12:39</a> over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard. <a href="/2_kings/25-4.htm">2 Kings 25:4</a> Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, <a href="/jeremiah/39-3.htm">Jeremiah 39:3</a> Then all the officials of the king of Babylon entered and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-sarsekim the Rabsaris, Nergal-sharezer the Rabmag, and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon. <a href="/jeremiah/52-7.htm">Jeremiah 52:7</a> Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled the city by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, <a href="/ezekiel/40-3.htm">Ezekiel 40:3</a> So He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze. He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. <a href="/ezekiel/40-35.htm">Ezekiel 40:35</a> Then he brought me to the north gate and measured it. It had the same measurements as the others, <a href="/ezekiel/40-38.htm">Ezekiel 40:38</a> There was a chamber with a doorway by the portico in each of the inner gateways. There the burnt offering was to be washed. <a href="/ezekiel/40-40.htm">Ezekiel 40:40</a> Outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gateway, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico. <a href="/ezekiel/40-48.htm">Ezekiel 40:48</a> Then he brought me to the portico of the temple and measured the side pillars of the portico to be five cubits on each side. The width of the gateway was fourteen cubits and its sidewalls were three cubits on either side. <a href="/ezekiel/41-1.htm">Ezekiel 41:1</a> Then the man brought me into the outer sanctuary and measured the side pillars to be six cubits wide on each side. <a href="/ezekiel/42-15.htm">Ezekiel 42:15</a> Now when the man had finished measuring the interior of the temple area, he led me out by the gate that faced east, and he measured the area all around: <a href="/ezekiel/43-1.htm">Ezekiel 43:1</a> Then the man brought me back to the gate that faces east, <a href="/ezekiel/44-1.htm">Ezekiel 44:1</a> The man then brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary that faced east, but it was shut.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.market.<a href="/nehemiah/3-1.htm">Nehemiah 3:1</a> Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.<a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">Nehemiah 12:39</a> And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.pool.<a href="/isaiah/22-9.htm">Isaiah 22:9,11</a> Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool… Bethesda.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Aramaic</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-14.htm">Bath</a> <a href="/luke/16-21.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/nahum/3-13.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/john/4-18.htm">Five</a> <a href="/luke/16-20.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/luke/23-38.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/john/5-1.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/john/2-16.htm">Market</a> <a href="/nahum/2-8.htm">Pool</a> <a href="/ezekiel/41-15.htm">Porches</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-30.htm">Porticoes</a> <a href="/luke/20-46.htm">Public</a> <a href="/john/2-15.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/luke/21-20.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/luke/16-24.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/19-13.htm">Aramaic</a> <a href="/john/5-7.htm">Bath</a> <a href="/john/6-10.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/john/5-3.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/john/6-9.htm">Five</a> <a href="/john/10-1.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/john/19-13.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/john/7-25.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Market</a> <a href="/john/5-4.htm">Pool</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Porches</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-30.htm">Porticoes</a> <a href="/john/7-4.htm">Public</a> <a href="/john/10-1.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/john/10-24.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/acts/1-19.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">John 5</div>1. <a href="/john/5-1.htm">Jesus on the Sabbath day cures him who was diseased thirty-eight years.</a> 10. <a href="/john/5-10.htm">The Jews therefore object, and persecute him for it.</a> 17. <a href="/john/5-17.htm">He answers for himself, and reproves them, showing by the testimony of his Father,</a> 31. <a href="/john/5-31.htm">of John,</a> 36. <a href="/john/5-36.htm">of his works,</a> 39. <a href="/john/5-39.htm">and of the Scriptures, who he is.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now there is in Jerusalem Jerusalem is the central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, the heart of Jewish religious life. It is significant in biblical history as the city of David and the site of many key events in the life of Jesus. The mention of Jerusalem sets the stage for the importance of the event, as it is a place where Jesus often taught and performed miracles.near the Sheep Gate The Sheep Gate is one of the gates of Jerusalem mentioned in <a href="/nehemiah/3.htm">Nehemiah 3:1</a>. It was likely used for bringing sheep into the city for sacrifices at the Temple. This gate's proximity to the Temple highlights the sacrificial system central to Jewish worship and foreshadows Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (<a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a>).a pool with five covered colonnades The pool is identified as having five covered colonnades, which suggests a place of shelter and gathering. Archaeological discoveries have identified this pool as the Pool of Bethesda, located near the Temple Mount. The five colonnades may symbolize the five books of the Torah, indicating a place of healing and teaching. The structure provided shade and a place for the sick to gather, awaiting healing.which in Hebrew is called Bethesda The name "Bethesda" means "house of mercy" or "house of grace." This name is fitting for a place where healing occurs, reflecting God's mercy and grace. The pool's name and its function as a place of healing connect to the broader biblical theme of God's compassion and the restoration of His people. The use of Hebrew indicates the Jewish context and audience of the narrative, emphasizing the continuity of Jesus' ministry with the Old Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. It is significant as the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sheep_gate.htm">Sheep Gate</a> A gate in the walls of Jerusalem, traditionally used for bringing sheep into the city, particularly for sacrifices. It symbolizes access to the place of worship and sacrifice. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pool_of_bethesda.htm">Pool of Bethesda</a> A pool in Jerusalem known for its healing properties. The name "Bethesda" can be translated from Hebrew as "house of mercy" or "house of grace." 4. <a href="/topical/f/five_covered_colonnades.htm">Five Covered Colonnades</a> Architectural features providing shelter around the pool, indicating a place where many people gathered, especially those seeking healing. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hebrew_language.htm">Hebrew Language</a> The use of Hebrew in naming the pool emphasizes the Jewish cultural and religious context of the event.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/significance_of_location.htm">Significance of Location</a> The Pool of Bethesda's proximity to the Sheep Gate underscores the connection between physical healing and spiritual access to God. Reflect on how Jesus provides both physical and spiritual healing. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_bethesda.htm">Symbolism of Bethesda</a> The name "house of mercy" invites believers to consider how God's grace is available to all who seek it. Contemplate how you can be a vessel of God's mercy in your community. <a href="/topical/g/gathering_of_the_needy.htm">Gathering of the Needy</a> The five colonnades sheltered many who were sick, illustrating the human condition of need and suffering. Consider how the church can be a place of refuge and healing for those in need. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_healing.htm">Faith and Healing</a> The setting prepares for the miracle that follows, emphasizing the role of faith in receiving God's blessings. Reflect on areas in your life where you need to exercise faith for healing or provision.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 5</a> <a href="/q/how_to_validate_bethesda_pool's_existence.htm">How can the healing at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:2–9) be historically validated when some scholars question the pool’s existence? </a> <a href="/q/is_the_bible's_text_still_original.htm">Is the Bible's text still original?</a> <a href="/q/is_'zeitgeist'_reliable.htm">Is Zeitgeist the Movie a reliable source?</a> <a href="/q/what's_in_the_jesus_papers.htm">What are the contents of the Jesus Papers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Now there is at Jerusalem.--We have no certain knowledge of the time referred to in the last, nor of the place referred to in this, verse. For "sheep-market," we should read with the margin, sheep-gate (<a href="/nehemiah/3-1.htm" title="Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even to the tower of Meah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananeel.">Nehemiah 3:1</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/3-32.htm" title="And between the going up of the corner to the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.">Nehemiah 3:32</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm" title="And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even to the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.">Nehemiah 12:39</a>). This gate was known well enough to fix the locality of the pool, but is itself now unknown. St. Stephen's Gate, which has been the traditional identification, did not exist until the time of Agrippa. There is something tempting in the interpretation of the Vulgate adopted by some modern travellers and commentators, which supplies the substantive from the immediate context, and reads "sheep-pool." But the fact that the Greek adjective for "sheep," is used here only in the New Testament, and in the Old Testament only in the passages of Nehemiah referred to above, seems to fix the meaning beyond doubt.Bethesda means "house of mercy." The "Hebrew tongue" is the then current Hebrew, what we ordinarily call Aramaic, or Syro-Chaldaic. The spot is pointed out traditionally as Birket Israil, near the fort of Antonia, but since Dr. Robinson's rejection of this, it has been generally abandoned. He himself adopted the "Fountain of the Virgin," which is intermittent. He saw the water rise to the height of a foot in five minutes, and was told that this occurs sometimes two or three times a day. The fountain is connected with the pool of Siloam, and probably with the fountain under the Grand Mosque. The seventh edition of Alford's Commentary contains, an interesting letter, pointing out that Siloam itself was probably the pool of Bethesda, and that the remains of four columns in the east wall of the pool, with four others in the centre, show that there was a structure half covering it, which resting upon four columns would give five spaces or porches. The fact that this pool is called Siloam in <a href="/john/9-7.htm" title="And said to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.">John 9:7</a> does not oppose this view. The word "called" here, is more exactly surnamed, and "House of Mercy" may well have been given to the structure, and thus extended to the pool in addition to its own name. But to pass from the uncertain, it is established beyond doubt, (1) that there are, and then were, on the east of Jerusalem mineral springs; (2) that these are, and then were, intermittent; and (3) that such springs are resorted to in the East just as they are in Europe.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Now there is in Jerusalem. A phrase denoting intimate acquaintance with the topography of the city, and the present tense suggests either a hint of a ruin yet existing after the fall of Jerusalem, or it may betray the fact that the evangelist wrote down at the very time some details of the incident which formed the occasion of the following discourse, and never, in his later editing of the document, omitted or altered the form of his sentence. At the sheep (market) or (gate) a pool, surnamed in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes or porches. The adjective προβατικῇ requires some substantive to be introduced, and since there is no reference to any sheep market in the Old Testament, little justification can be found for the gloss contained in the Authorized Version. There was a "sheep gate" mentioned in <a href="/nehemiah/3-1.htm">Nehemiah 3:1, 32</a> and Nehemiah 12:39. There is no reason against this method of supplying the sense, except this, that there is no other instance of the word πύλη, or "gate," being omitted after this fashion. The "sheep gate" stood next. in Nehemiah's recital, to the "fish gate," and it was built by the priests. The old "sheep gate" is now known by the name of St. Stephen's Gate, to the north of the Haram es-Sherif, or temple area from which the path leads down into the valley of the Kedron, and if "gate" be the proper term to add to προβατικη and we have its site fixed by the modern St. Stephen's Gate, then we must look for the pool surnamed Bethesda in that vicinity. Eusebius and Jerome speak of a piscina probatica as visible in their day, but do not determine its site. Robinson ('Bib. Researches,' 1, p. 489) did not accept the identification of the sheep gate with St. Stephen's Gate, and places the former more to the south, and nearer to what is now called the Fountain of the Virgin. This fountain, on Robinson's visit, displayed some curious phenomena of periodical and intermittent ebullition, receiving a supply of water from another source. It was found by Robinson to be connected by a tunnel with the fountain of Siloam, and the relations of these wells have been quite recently submitted to fresh examination ('Palestine Expl. Soc. Rep.,' Oct. 1883). Robinson identified this pool with "Solomon's Pool" of Josephus and "King's Pool" of Nehemiah, and thought it might be the original pool of Bethesda. Neander and Tholuck incline to agree with him. The observations of Robinson have been confirmed by Tobler, and at least show that what certainly happens now in some of these fountains may have been phenomena constantly expected at some other fountain bearing the name now before us, on the northeastern side of the Haram area. Within the (sheep gate) St. Stephen's Gate the traditional site of Bethesda is pointed out. The modern name is Birket lsrael, and this tank, from the accumulation of rubbish, does not now show its original extent; neither does it now hold water, but receives the drainage of neighbouring houses (Colonel Wilson in 'Plot. Palestine,' vol. 1, pp. 66, 106-109). A church, near that of St. Anne, was built by the Crusaders over a well, in this immediate vicinity - a spot which was supposed to be the site of the angelic disturbance. Colonel Wilson prefers this traditional site to that fixed upon by Robinson. So also Sir G. Grove, in Smith's 'Bible Dict.' The five porches, or porticoes, may have been a columnar structure of pentagonal form, which sheltered the sick and the impotent folk. At present no indubitable relic of this building has been discovered. Alford (7th edit.) quotes a letter which makes it probable that Siloam was Bethesda, and the remains of four columns in the east wall of that pool, with four others in the centre, show that a structure with five openings or porches might easily have been erected there. Bethesda, which is said to be the Hebrew (that is, Aramaic) surname of the pool, is very doubtful. Probably this is the correct form of the text, though there are many variants, such as Bethzatha, in א, 33, Tischendorf (8th edit.); Bethsaida, in some versions and Tertullian. It seems generally allowed that its significance (בֵּית חֶסְדָּא) is "house of grace or mercy," and that it derived its reference from the dispensation there of God's providential gifts. The healing virtue of waters charged with iron and carbonic acid and other gas is too well known to need reference, and the remarkable cures derived from their use may account forevery part of the statement which was here written by John. Eusebius speaks of these waters as "reddened," so he thought, with the blood of sacrifices, but tar more probably by chatybeate earth. <a href="/commentaries/john/5-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. there is Ἔστιν (Estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Jerusalem Ἱεροσολύμοις (Hierosolymois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2414.htm">Strong's 2414: </a> The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma near ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Sheep Gate προβατικῇ (probatikē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4262.htm">Strong's 4262: </a> Pertaining to sheep. From probaton; relating to sheep, i.e. through which they were led into Jerusalem. a pool κολυμβήθρα (kolymbēthra) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2861.htm">Strong's 2861: </a> (lit: a diving or swimming place), a pool. A diving-place, i.e. Pond for bathing. with ἔχουσα (echousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. five πέντε (pente) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4002.htm">Strong's 4002: </a> Five. A primary number; 'five'. covered colonnades, στοὰς (stoas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4745.htm">Strong's 4745: </a> A colonnade, portico. Probably from histemi; a colonnade or interior piazza. which ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. in Aramaic Ἑβραϊστὶ (Hebraisti) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1447.htm">Strong's 1447: </a> In the Hebrew, or rather, in the Aramaic dialect. Adverb from Hebrais; Hebraistically or in the Jewish language. is called ἐπιλεγομένη (epilegomenē) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1951.htm">Strong's 1951: </a> To call; mid: I choose for myself; pass: To be named. Middle voice from epi and lego; to surname, select. Bethesda. Βηθζαθά (Bēthzatha) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_964.htm">Strong's 964: </a> Bethesda, name of a pool in Jerusalem. Of Chaldee origin; house of kindness; Beth-esda, a pool in Jerusalem. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/5-2.htm">John 5:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/5-2.htm">NT Gospels: John 5:2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/5-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 5:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 5:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/5-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 5:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 5:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>