The Greek word kolymbḗthra, represented by G2861, is defined as a diving-place or a pond for bathing, meaning a pool. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, signifying its role as a specific and noteworthy location.
In the biblical narrative, G2861 is used exclusively in the Gospel of John to identify two locations of healing in Jerusalem. One is the pool at the sheep market called Bethesda, which had five porches John 5:2. This pool was known as a place where an angel would trouble the water, and the first person to enter would be healed John 5:4. The other is the pool of Siloam, where Jesus sent a blind man to wash in order to receive his sight (John 9:7, John 9:11).
Several related words clarify the actions that take place at a G2861 pool:
- G5015 tarássō (to stir or agitate): This word describes the stirring of the water G5204 at the pool of Bethesda, the event which initiated the opportunity for healing (John 5:4, John 5:7).
- G3538 níptō (λούω): This word is used for the command to wash. It is the specific action the blind man had to take at the pool of Siloam, and his obedience to wash resulted in his sight being restored (John 9:7, John 9:11).
- G2597 katabaínō (to descend): This term is used to describe an angel going down into the pool of Bethesda, and also the action of people stepping down into the water to be healed (John 5:4, John 5:7).
The theological weight of G2861 is tied to its role as a site for divine works.
- Locus of Miraculous Healing: The pool serves as a physical location where supernatural healing occurs, both through angelic intervention at Bethesda John 5:4 and through obedience to Christ's command at Siloam John 9:7.
- Requirement of Action: Healing at these pools required an act of faith. At Siloam, the man had to follow the instruction to go and wash John 9:11. At Bethesda, a person had to physically enter the pool at the right moment John 5:7.
- Instrument of Divine Purpose: Jesus uses the pool of Siloam as an instrument in His miracle. He specifically directs the blind man to the pool after anointing his eyes with clay G4081 as the final step in restoring his sight John 9:11.
In summary, G2861 is more than a simple pond for bathing; it is a key setting in the New Testament narrative. It functions as a stage for miracles, illustrating themes of healing, faith, and obedience. The stories of the pool of Bethesda and the pool of Siloam demonstrate how God can use specific, physical places to manifest His power and purpose.
TRV