Bethabara (Qaser al-Yahud) (Israel)
City:
State, Province, Region, or District:
West Bank
Country:
Israel
Overview
Qaser al-Yahud is the location where John the Baptist baptized many people, including Jesus. This location goes by many names: Bethany Beyond the Jordan (John 1:28; John 10:40), Bethabara (Hebrew) (John 1:28), Wadi Al-Kharrar (a brook flowing into the Jordan River), Al-Maghtas (Arabic), Qaser al-Yahud, Kasser al-Yahud, and the Baptismal Site of Jesus. In addition to His baptism, Jesus also withdrew to this area after being threatened with stoning in Jerusalem (John 10:31-40).
Bethabara (Qaser al-Yahud) means “house of the ford” and signifies “the place of the passage.” It was at Bethabara where Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River to the Promised Land after the waters miraculously stopped flowing (Joshua 3:14-16). It was also in this area where Elijah crossed the Jordan River on dry ground and was then taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:8-11). Shortly thereafter, Elisha also parted the Jordan River in the same place by striking the water with Elijah's mantle signifying his succession as a prophet (2 Kings 2:14).
Alternate Names
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (John 1:28; John 10:40), Beit Abarah, Bethabara (Hebrew) (John 1:28), Wadi Al-Kharrar (a brook flowing into the Jordan River), Al-Maghtas (Arabic), Qaser (Qasr) al-Yahud, Kasser al-Yahud, The Baptismal Site of Jesus
Geography & Location
It’s located about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) east of Highway 90, across from Jericho.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Timeline Highlights
Biblical & Historical References
Qaser al-Yahud is the location where John the Baptist baptized many people, including Jesus and goes by many names: Bethany Beyond the Jordan (John 1:28; John 10:40), Bethabara (Beit Arbarah) (Hebrew) (John 1:28), Wadi Al-Kharrar (a brook flowing into the Jordan River), Al-Maghtas (Arabic), Qaser al-Yahud, Kasser al-Yahud, and the Baptismal Site of Jesus.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
The concept of baptism is rooted in the Old Testament. As far back as Genesis, eight people were saved from the great flood of God’s judgment. The Apostle Peter indicated that the water of the flood “symbolizes baptism that now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21).
Etymology
Kaser (Qaser) El Yahud – Arabic: “The Jews’ palace”. This refers to the St. John’s Monastery, and also is the name of the entire baptismal area. Why Jews? According to tradition, this was the crossing place of the Israelites after returning from the Egyptian exile.
Site Visit
General view:
Places of Interest
Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site
For Further Reading
Internal Links