Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Excavations have located this pool in the northwest corner of old Jerusalem. It was surrounded by a colonnade on all four sides and down the middle of the pool. People gathered at the water’s edge, hoping to be cured of their ailments, when the water was agitated. The explanation of the moving of the water (v.4; see NIV note) was probably added to the text of John later.