John 5:3

"Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, “Bethesda”, having five porches."

Key Reflection

In John 5:3, Jesus encounters a place near the sheep gate in Jerusalem, known as Bethesda, which means "house of mercy" in Hebrew. This pool, surrounded by five porticoes, served as a gathering spot for the sick and infirm, who waited there for the waters to be stirred, believing that such movements might heal them—a practice steeped in superstition and hope.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 3. Impotent folk. Sick people; or people who were weak and feeble by long disease. The word means those who were feeble rather than those who were afflicted with acute disease. Halt. Lame. Withered. Those who were afflicted with one form of the palsy that withered or dried up the part affected. See Barnes "Mt 4:24". Moving of the water. It appears that this pool had medicinal properties only when it was agitated or stirred. It is probable that at regular times or intervals the fountain put forth an unusual quantity of water, or water of peculiar properties, and that about these times the people assembled in multitudes who were to be healed.

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