Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)
Yochanan's baptizing place on the east bank of the Jordan
Found 1996 — Mohammad Waheeb, Jordanian Department of Antiquities, after the 1994 peace treaty allowed access to the minefield zone
Where Al-Maghtas, Wadi al-Kharrar, east bank of the Jordan River, 9 km north of the Dead Sea (Jordan)
Dates from 1st century BCE – 7th century CE · Early Roman to Byzantine · Ministry of Yochanan the Immerser (John the Baptist) and the baptism of Yeshua
Now at In situ; Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany Beyond the Jordan) archaeological park, Jordan
How Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) was found
Survey and excavation at Tell al-Kharrar (Elijah's Hill) and along the Wadi al-Kharrar down to the river uncovered Roman-period pools, a prayer hall, and a string of Byzantine churches, baptismal pools and monasteries. The site was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2015.
What it is
Two zones: Tell al-Kharrar, a low hill with a 1st-century plastered pool system, a rock-cut cave and later a Byzantine monastery and three pools; and the river zone 2 km west with the Church of John the Baptist (5th–6th century), a cross-shaped baptismal pool, marble steps down to the old river channel, and remains of chapels rebuilt several times after floods. Pilgrim accounts from Egeria (c. 384) onward, Theodosius (c. 530) and the 6th-century Madaba mosaic map all place Yochanan's baptizing here, opposite Jericho.
Why it matters for the Bible
John 1:28 says Yochanan was baptizing 'in Bethany beyond the Jordan', a place distinct from the Bethany near Yerushalayim. Al-Maghtas is the only site with continuous evidence: 1st-century pools where immersion could be done, followed by every generation of pilgrim building from the 4th century on. The Byzantine churches show where early Christians believed Yeshua was baptized and where Eliyahu (Elijah) was taken up (2 Kings 2), a link Yochanan's ministry deliberately echoed. The exact riverbank cannot be pinned down because the Jordan has shifted its course.
The Hebrew word: te-vee-LAH
טְבִילָה
טְבִילָה is pronounced te-vee-LAH and means immersion — the Jewish rite Yochanan practiced in the Jordan (Strong's H2881 (root taval); Greek G908 baptisma).
People this discovery connects to
- John the Baptist — יוֹחָנָן הַמַּטְבִּיל (Yo-chah-NAHN ha-mat-BEEL) — YHVH is gracious, the immerser
- Elijah — אֵלִיָּהוּ (E-lee-YAH-hoo) — my God is YHVH
Places
- Jordan River — יַרְדֵּן (Yar-DEN) — the descender
- Bethany beyond the Jordan — בֵּית עַנְיָה (Beit An-YAH) — house of the poor / house of the boat (uncertain)
Events
Baptism of Yeshua · Elijah taken up near the Jordan opposite Jericho · Israel crosses the Jordan under Joshua
Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) in Scripture
2 Kings 2:7-11 Elijah crosses the Jordan opposite Jericho and is taken up; Tell al-Kharrar is 'Elijah's Hill' in local tradition.
Matthew 3:13-17 Yeshua comes from Galilee to the Jordan to be immersed by Yochanan.
John 1:28 Names 'Bethany beyond the Jordan' as Yochanan's baptizing place; Al-Maghtas is the site matching the earliest pilgrim tradition.
Questions people ask
What is Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)?
Two zones: Tell al-Kharrar, a low hill with a 1st-century plastered pool system, a rock-cut cave and later a Byzantine monastery and three pools; and the river zone 2 km west with the Church of John the Baptist (5th–6th century), a cross-shaped baptismal pool, marble steps down to the old river channel, and remains of chapels rebuilt several times after floods. Pilgrim accounts from Egeria (c. 384) onward, Theodosius (c. 530) and the 6th-century Madaba mosaic map all place Yochanan's baptizing here, opposite Jericho.
When was Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) discovered?
It was found in 1996 by Mohammad Waheeb, Jordanian Department of Antiquities, after the 1994 peace treaty allowed access to the minefield zone, at Al-Maghtas, Wadi al-Kharrar, east bank of the Jordan River, 9 km north of the Dead Sea.
Where is Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) today?
In situ; Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany Beyond the Jordan) archaeological park, Jordan.
Which Bible verses does Bethany beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) relate to?
2 Kings 2:7-11, Matthew 3:13-17, John 1:28.
Related discoveries
- טֶטְרַרְךְLysanias Tetrarch Inscription (Abila)Temple dedication naming 'Lysanias the tetrarch' in the reign of Tiberius
- טָבַלMachaerusHerod Antipas' fortress east of the Dead Sea where John the Baptist was beheaded
- הַר תָּבוֹרMount TaborDeborah's mustering place and the traditional Mount of Transfiguration
- מְעָרָהThe 'Cave of Elijah' at Jabal al-LawzA rock-cut chamber claimed as the cave of 1 Kings 19
- בְּאֵר שֶׁבַעTel Beersheba Planned CityA royal administrative town laid out on a single plan in the Negev
- בֵּית לֶחֶםBethlehem: Church of the NativityConstantine's basilica over the cave of Yeshua's birth, its 4th-century mosaics and the 2013–2020 restoration
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage List, 'Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" (Al-Maghtas)'
- M. Waheeb, 'The Discovery of Bethany Beyond the Jordan River (Wadi al-Kharrar)', Dirasat 35 (2008)
- Wikipedia, 'Al-Maghtas'
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