Βηθζαθά (Bēthesda)
Bēthesda
Bethesda
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Bēthesda is a proper noun appearing only once in the New Testament, in John 5:2. It refers to a specific pool in Jerusalem located near the Sheep Gate. The name itself carries significant weight, with sources suggesting it means "house of mercy" or possibly "flowing water," reflecting its Aramaic roots.
This location is notable not just for its geography but for its reputation. The text describes it as a place where many disabled people waited, believing the waters had curative powers. This detail highlights the cultural and religious context of healing in first-century Jerusalem, positioning the pool as a center for those seeking physical restoration.
Translators consistently render this word as Bethesda, preserving the original name rather than translating it. Its singular occurrence underscores its role as a specific setting for Jesus’ ministry, marking the site where he performed a significant miracle that challenged prevailing notions of healing and authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bethesda carries a quiet weight of hope, often translated as "house of mercy." In John’s Gospel, this pool stands as a backdrop for one of Jesus’ most profound encounters with human suffering. It was a place where the sick gathered, waiting for movement in the water, driven by a belief that healing might come from nature or ritual.
Jesus did not wait for the waters to stir. Instead, He spoke directly to a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years. This act shows that divine compassion does not rely on our methods or timing. The mercy found at Bethesda is personal and immediate, offering restoration that goes beyond physical health to touch the spirit.
When we feel stuck in long seasons of struggle, this story reminds us that Jesus sees us where we are. He does not require us to perform rituals or wait for perfect conditions. His word alone brings life, inviting us to trust in a mercy that is always present, even when we cannot see the way forward.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bethzatha,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βηθζαθά,1×
Key Verses
-
John 5:2
Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, “Bethesda”, having five porches.
This verse identifies the location near the Sheep Gate as the setting for Jesus’ miracle, establishing Bethesda as a real place where the marginalized gathered.