BETHESDA

a pool in Jerusalem, the name of which signifies house of mercy. In the five haUs or porticos near it many patients lay waiting, according to the accoimt of John (ch. v.), for the moving of the waters, to bathe in. According to the opinion of the Jews, an angel descended, at a certain time, into the pool and troubled the water, and whoever first entered the water after this agitation was cured. — To lie at the pool of Be the i cUif is used proverbially, in Germany, in speaking of the theological can cUd ates who are waiting for a benefice.