Bethso

Bethso (Βηθσώ), a place mentioned by Josephus (War, 5:4, 2) as "so named" (καλούμενος), through which the old or first wall of Jerusalem ran southward from the Gate Gennath around Mount Zion, and before reaching the Gate of the Essenes. It is apparently for the Hebrews בֵּית צוֹאָה, Beyth-Tsoah', house of dung, q. d. dunghill; probably from the adjoining Dung-gate (q.v.), through which ordure seems to have been carried to the valley of Hinnom. Schwarz (Palest. p. 254) incorrectly locates it on the north-east part of the city. SEE JERUSALEM.