Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 5:2

"Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep [gate] a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches." — John 5:2 (ASV)

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

This pool of Bethesda was rightly called "the house of mercy"; but it might have just as truly been named "the house of misery": for its "five porches" were the dwelling place of many who were in misery and who needed mercy.