Bethzatha

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek Βηθζαθά (Bēthzathá), a variation appearing in some manuscripts of the Gospel of John.

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Proper noun

Bethzatha

1. (biblical) Alternative form of Bethesda.
   • 2012, G. N. Uzukwu, “The Disabled in the Gospel of John”, in Sapientia Logos‎^[1], volume 5, number 1, Jos: Hokma House, →ISSN, page 39:

     This article undertakes a study of two Johannine stories – John 5:1-47 (of the healing of the man at the pool of Bethzatha) and John 9:1-41 (the healing of the man born blind) – to discover the meaning and purpose of the evangelist's use of these narratives, and their implications for understanding sickness and healing from faith perspective.

   • 2021, M. E. Sousa, Sin, the Human Predicament, and Salvation in the Gospel of John, London: T&T Clark, →ISBN, page 54:

     Bethzatha (v. 2) is where people with illnesses and/or disabilities lie and wait in hope of obtaining healing and relief, which is evidently thought to be obtained by the first person who enters the pool when its waters are mysteriously "troubled."