“Bethabara”

According to Reynolds and Sjodahl, the place where John baptized is called "Bethabara" (1 Nephi 10:9) The meaning of that word is "house" or "place of passing over," supposed to refer to the place where the Israelites passed over Jordan: "Beth-Abarah." It is also called "Bethany" from a word which is said to mean, "place of ships" (boats). It was a place "beyond Jordan," and is not the Bethany on the Mount of Olives, the name of which comes from a word meaning "place of dates." [George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1, p. 73]

1 Nephi 10:9 He [John the Baptist] shall baptize the Messiah with water ([Illustration]): John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus. [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Art, #208]

“Bethabara”

According to Adam Clarke, the term "Bethabara" (1 Nephi 10:9) signifies literally the house of passage, and is thought to be the place where the Israelites passed the river Jordan under Joshua (Clark's Commentary, p. 518). According to another source, by the time of Origen (A.D. 250) the place where John baptized "beyond Jordan" was unknown. Origen preferred the reading "Bethabara," since this place was known in his day and, moreover, this choice might in his opinion be corroborated by allegory. . . . Origen preferred this reading while admitting that the majority of contemporary manuscripts were against him. He gives its etymology as "house of preparation," which he associated with the Baptist's "preparation." In his day he says, this place was shown as the place of John's baptism. (The Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship, The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Vol. 1, p. 186)