John 5:2

“Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep [market], etc.] The word “market” is not in the text, and of such a market, no account is given in the Scripture, nor in the Jewish writings; and besides, in our Lord’s time, sheep and oxen were sold in the temple; rather therefore this signifies, the sheep gate, of which mention is made, in (<160301>Nehemiah 3:1,32 12:39), through which the sheep were brought into the city, to the temple. A pool. The Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, “there is at Jerusalem a sheep pool”; and so it is interpreted in the Arabic version, and Jerom calls it the “cattle pool” f220. The Targumist on (<243139>Jeremiah 31:39) speaks of a pool called hlg[ hkyrb, “the…”

“sheep market--The supplement should be (as in Margin) "sheep [gate]," mentioned in Neh 3:1, Neh 3:32. Bethesda--that is, "house (place) of mercy," from the cures wrought there. five porches--for shelter to the patients.”

“The sheep-market - This might have been rendered the “sheep-gate,” or the gate through which the sheep were taken into the city for sacrifice. The marginal rendering is “gate,” and the word “market” is not in the original, nor is a “sheep-market” mentioned in the Scriptures or in any of the Jewish writings. A “sheep-gate” is repeatedly mentioned by Nehemiah Nehemiah 3:1, Nehemiah 3:32; Nehemiah 12:39, being that by which sheep and oxen were brought into the city. As these were brought mainly for sacrifice, the gate was doubtless near the temple, and near the present place which is shown as the pool of Bethesda. A pool - This word may either mean a small lake or pond in which one can swim, or…”

“There is in Jerusalem - Hence it appears, that St. John wrote his Gospel before Jerusalem was destroyed: it is supposed about thirty years after the ascension. Having five porticos - Built for the use of the sick. Probably the basin had five sides! Bethesda signifies the house of mercy. John 5:4”

“5:2 Greek copyists who had never been to Jerusalem had difficulty interpreting and spelling the name Bethesda, so there are several variants of this name in the manuscripts. The best choice is Beth-esda (“house of flowing”).”

“market: or, gate, Neh 3:1, Neh 12:39 pool: Isa 22:9, Isa 22:11 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. John 5:3”