John 5:1-5

5:1

5:2

a pool <2861> [market. or, gate.]

a pool <2861> [pool.]

Bethzatha <964> [Bethesda.]

The supposed remains of the pool of Bethesda are situated on the east of Jerusalem, contiguous on one side to St. Stephen's gate, and on the other to the area of the temple. Maundrell states that, "it is 120 paces long, and forty broad, and at least eight deep, but void of water. At its west end it discovers some old arches, now damned up. These some will have to be porches, in which sat that multitude of lame, halt, and blind. But it is not likely, for instead of five, there are but three."

5:3

blind <5185> [of blind.]

paralyzed <3584> [withered.]

<1551> [waiting.]

5:4

<3767> [whosoever.]

The sanative property of this pool has been supposed by some to have been communicated by the blood of the sacrifices, and others have referred it to the mineral properties of the waters. But, 1. The beasts for sacrifice were not washed here, but in a laver in the temple. 2. No natural property could cure all manner of diseases. 3. The cure only extended to the first who entered. 4. It took place only at one particular time. 5. As the healing was effected by immersion, it must have been instantaneous; and it was never failing in it effects. All which, not being observed in medicinal waters, determine the cures to have been miraculous, as expressly stated in the text.

<4413> [first.]

<1096> [was made.]

5:5

thirty-eight <5144> [thirty.]