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.
Original Language Analysis
ἔστιν
there is
G2076
ἔστιν
there is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
1 of 16
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἱεροσολύμοις
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμοις
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
5 of 16
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
ἐπὶ
by
G1909
ἐπὶ
by
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προβατικῇ
the sheep
G4262
προβατικῇ
the sheep
Strong's:
G4262
Word #:
8 of 16
relating to sheep, i.e., (a gate) through which they were led into jerusalem
κολυμβήθρα
market a pool
G2861
κολυμβήθρα
market a pool
Strong's:
G2861
Word #:
9 of 16
a diving-place, i.e., pond for bathing (or swimming)
ἡ
which
G3588
ἡ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἑβραϊστὶ
in the Hebrew tongue
G1447
Ἑβραϊστὶ
in the Hebrew tongue
Strong's:
G1447
Word #:
12 of 16
hebraistically or in the jewish (chaldee) language
Cross References
Nehemiah 12:39And 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.Nehemiah 3:1Then 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.Nehemiah 3:32And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.
Historical Context
Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem's Old City discovered a pool matching John's description—a trapezoid-shaped double pool with five covered colonnades. This confirms John's eyewitness accuracy. The pool was associated with healing rituals, attracting those desperate for cure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the name 'Bethesda' (house of mercy) contrast with the reality of those waiting there?
- What does archaeological confirmation of this site teach about the Gospel's historical reliability?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John provides geographical detail: 'Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.' The name Bethesda means 'house of mercy' or 'house of outpouring'—ironically, a place of paralysis waiting for mercy. The five porches held multitudes of disabled people. This setting becomes the stage for Jesus' demonstration of divine mercy that transcends human limitations.