Βηθαβαρά
Bēthabará
G962
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper noun; the name of a location, likely denoting a site characterized by crossing or passage—traditionally associated with a ford, crossing-place, or ferry site at the Jordan River. In New Testament usage, refers specifically to the place mentioned in John 1:28 where John the Baptist was active. The term carries distinctive geographic connotation as a place of crossing, and does not constitute a common noun for a general ferry or crossing point.
Semantic Range
Bethabara (specific place-name near the Jordan River), place of crossing or ford (as a descriptive toponym)
Root / Etymology
The name is of Semitic origin, presumably from Hebrew בֵּית עֲבָרָה (bēt ʿăvārāh), meaning 'house of crossing' or 'place of passage.' The first element, βηθ- (from בֵּית, bēt), means 'house' or 'place'; the second element appears to derive from עבר ('to cross,' 'to pass over'). The Greek spelling reflects a transliteration from the Hebrew. Some uncertainty remains about the precise Hebrew source and form.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Βηθαβαρά occurs only in John 1:28 in the extant Greek New Testament manuscripts, where it designates the locale associated with John the Baptist’s baptizing activity. Early textual witnesses vary between 'Bethabara' and 'Bethany,' suggesting either uncertainty or fluidity in local place names or traditions (see textual variants: some manuscripts read Βηθανία, Bethany, instead). In LXX or other Jewish literature, the term does not appear; the location and identification remain subjects of historical-geographical debate. English Bible translations often use 'Bethabara' based on the Textus Receptus, but many modern editions prefer 'Bethany' following other manuscript traditions. The Greek rendering conveys only a transliterated place-name, not a term of broader meaning or developed theological significance in Greek-speaking contexts. The Hebrew roots relate to a practical geographic feature—a crossing or ford—rather than a religious or sociopolitical identity. 'Bethabara' as 'house of crossing' reflects a descriptive toponym relevant to its setting by the river Jordan.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (בַּיִת and עֲבָרָה); ferry-house; Bethabara (i.e. Bethabarah), a place on the Jordan:--Bethabara.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 total occurrences
No occurrences found.