Bethesda
LocationsGeographical Setting
An archaeological site in Jerusalem identified as the Pool of Bethesda, featuring remains of two adjacent pools surrounded by colonnades.
What is the meaning of Bethesda in the Bible?
The Pool of Bethesda is an archaeological site in Jerusalem, traditionally identified by the remains of two adjacent pools surrounded by five porticoes, which corresponds to the description in John 5:2-4.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical layout of the Pool of Bethesda provides historical context for the narrative in John 5, illustrating the scale of the gathering of invalids and the specific setting of the healing event.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Bethesda in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bethesda clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.