Bethabara

/ˌbɛθəˈbɑːrə/ noun

Definition

A place name of biblical significance, mentioned in the Gospel of John as a location where John the Baptist baptized people.

Etymology

From Aramaic meaning 'house of crossing' or 'house of the ford,' reflecting the geographical significance of a crossing point on the Jordan River. The exact location remains archaeologically debated.

Kelly Says

Bethabara's identification has been one of biblical archaeology's persistent mysteries—scholars still debate whether it's the same as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, showing how ancient place names can get confused across centuries of texts.

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