### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV