Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

JOHN 5:2KJV
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John 5:2 (KJV)

What does John 5:2 mean?

John 5:2 describes a specific location in Jerusalem: a pool called Bethesda, situated near the sheep market, which had five porches or covered walkways. This verse sets the scene for the events that follow by giving readers a clear picture of where they take place.

The Gospel writer, John, is narrating to his audience about a real place in Jerusalem that people at the time would have recognized. The mention of the pool’s Hebrew name, Bethesda, and the detail about the five porches, helps anchor the story in a concrete setting and prepares the reader for the healing miracle that will soon occur at this pool.

The Greek behind John 5:2

  • Βηθεσδά (Bethesda, transliterated "Bethesda"): This is the name of the pool in Hebrew, often understood as "house of mercy" or "house of grace." Its mention highlights the pool’s reputation as a place where people hoped for healing.
  • προβατικός (probatikos, transliterated "sheep"): This word refers to the sheep, likely indicating the pool’s proximity to a gate or market where sheep were brought, possibly for temple sacrifices. This detail ties the location to the religious life of Jerusalem.
  • πέντε (pente, transliterated "five"): The specific mention of "five" porches gives a concrete architectural detail, suggesting the pool was a sizable and notable public place.

Why John 5:2 matters

  • John 5:2 helps readers visualize the setting for the miracle that follows, making the story more vivid and grounded in a real location.
  • The details about the pool and its porches show that John is describing an actual place, which supports the historical reliability of the account.
  • By mentioning the Hebrew name and the connection to the sheep market, the verse links the story to Jewish culture and practices, setting the stage for the significance of what Jesus will do there.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G1951 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 15:40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

“porches” Greek G4745 · used in 4 verses

  • John 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
  • Acts 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;(and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

“pool” Greek G2861 · used in 5 verses

  • John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • John 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,(which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

“tongue” Greek G1447 · used in 6 verses

  • John 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
  • John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
  • Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.