There is in Jerusalem — Hence it appears, that St. John wrote his Gospel before Jerusalem was destroyed: it is supposed about thirty years after the ascension. Having five porticos — Built for the use of the sick. Probably the basin had five sides! Bethesda signifies the house of mercy.
Related Commentaries of John 5:2
John 5:2
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.