The Greek word Bēthesdá, represented by G964, is defined as "house of kindness." Of Chaldee origin, it appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The name specifically refers to a pool in Jerusalem.
In its single biblical appearance, G964 identifies a specific landmark at G1722 Jerusalem G2414. The location is described as a pool G2861 situated by G1909 the sheep G4262 market. The text explicitly states that the name Bethesda is what the place is called G1951 in the Hebrew tongue G1447 and that it was a significant structure, having G2192 five G4002 porches G4745 John 5:2.
Several related words help describe the setting and features of Bethesda:
- G2861 kolymbḗthra (pool): Meaning "a diving-place," this term identifies the central feature of Bethesda. It is also used to name the pool of Siloam, another location associated with healing John 9:7.
- G4745 stoá (porch): Defined as "a colonnade or interior piazza," this word describes the five structures surrounding the pool. These covered areas are also mentioned elsewhere in Jerusalem, such as Solomon's porch in the temple John 10:23.
- G2414 Hierosólyma (Jerusalem): As the "capitol of Palestine," this name establishes the famous city where the pool was located. Jerusalem is the setting for key scriptural events, including the command for the apostles to wait there for the promise of the Father Acts 1:4.
The significance of G964 is tied to its role as a place of expectant healing.
- A Site of Miraculous Hope: Tradition held that an angel went down into the pool G2861 at a certain season to trouble the water, and the first person to enter afterwards was made whole of their disease John 5:4.
- A Gathering of the Afflicted: The location was a gathering place for those with infirmities. The account of the impotent man reveals his desire to be put into the pool when the water was troubled John 5:7. The five G4002 porches G4745 suggest the structure was built to accommodate many such people.
- The "House of Kindness": The name Bethesda ("house of kindness") becomes the setting for an act of divine mercy when an impotent man, who had no one to help him into the water, has a direct encounter with Jesus John 5:7.
In summary, Bēthesdá G964 is more than just a name on a map. While mentioned only once, it represents a specific place rich with meaning. Defined as "house of kindness," this pool in Jerusalem with its five porches was a center of hope for the afflicted. Its single mention in scripture John 5:2 establishes the backdrop for a powerful demonstration of healing that ultimately came not from the pool itself, but from a direct encounter at the site.
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