κολυμβήθρα (kolumbēthra)
kolumbēthra
pool
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kolumbēthra refers specifically to a pool used for swimming or bathing. Derived from a verb meaning "to dive," it denotes a constructed reservoir rather than a natural body of water. In the New Testament, this term appears exclusively in the Gospel of John, describing five distinct locations associated with healing and ministry.
Most notably, the word identifies the pool at Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:2-7), where Jesus healed a paralytic on the Sabbath. It also describes the pool of Siloam (John 9:7) where Jesus sent a blind man to wash after giving him clay. These settings highlight physical spaces of gathering and potential restoration within the city.
Translators consistently render this word as "pool," capturing its function as a place for immersion. The term underscores the tangible, earthly context of Jesus' miracles, grounding spiritual encounters in specific, recognizable landmarks of first-century Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kolumbēthra points to a constructed pool, specifically one used for washing or immersion. In the Gospel of John, this term grounds Jesus’ miracles in real places like Bethesda and Siloam. These were not abstract settings but tangible spots where people gathered with hopes for healing.
When Jesus directed individuals to these pools, He engaged with their physical needs and social contexts. The blind man at Siloam had to walk and wash, participating in his own restoration. This shows that faith often involves action within everyday life, using ordinary means for extraordinary grace.
For your journey, this reminds you that God meets us where we are. Whether in a quiet moment or a busy public space, He can bring clarity and healing. You do not need to seek distant or mystical places; His presence is available in the concrete realities of your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pool3×
- pool;1×
- a pool,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κολυμβήθραν2×
- κολυμβήθρᾳ,1×
- κολυμβήθραν·1×
- κολυμβήθρα,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 introduces the pool of Bethesda as a specific landmark where Jesus began His ministry of healing, establishing the setting for a major Sabbath controversy.
-
John 5:7
The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, another steps down before me.”
The paralytic’s complaint highlights his helplessness and reliance on the pool’s perceived power, making Jesus’ direct command to stand all the more significant.
-
John 9:7
and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he went away, washed, and came back seeing.
Jesus’ simple instruction to wash in Siloam demonstrates that healing often requires obedience and participation from the recipient, linking physical action with spiritual sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kolumbēthra mean?
Why does John mention these pools?
Is kolumbēthra used for baptism?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
John 5 verses
Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, “Bethesda”, having five porches.
John 5:4for an angel went down at certain times into the pool and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the…
John 5:7The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m…
John 9:7and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he went away, washed, and came back seeing.
John 9:11He answered, “A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I…