Exodus 15:23
Exodus 15:23 in Multiple Translations
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)
¶ And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
And when they came to Marah, the water was no good for drinking, for the waters of Marah were bitter, which is why it was named Marah.
When they arrived at Marah, the water there was too bitter to drink. (That's why the place is called Marah.)
And whe they came to Marah, they could not drinke of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of the place was called Marah.
and they come in to Marah, and have not been able to drink the waters of Marah, for they [are] bitter; therefore hath [one] called its name Marah.
When they came to Marah, they couldn’t drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was called Marah.
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah; for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
And they came into Mara, and they could not drink the waters of Mara, because they were bitter: whereupon he gave a name also agreeable to the place, calling it Mara, that is, bitterness.
So they/we went on and came to a place named Marah. There was water there, but they/we could not drink it, because it was bitter. That is why they named the place Marah, which is the Hebrew word that means ‘bitter’.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 15:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 15:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
מָרָ֔תָ/ה
וְ/לֹ֣א
יָֽכְל֗וּ
לִ/שְׁתֹּ֥ת
מַ֨יִם֙
מִ/מָּרָ֔ה
כִּ֥י
מָרִ֖ים
הֵ֑ם
עַל
כֵּ֥ן
קָרָֽא
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
מָרָֽה
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מָרָ֔תָ/ה
Mârâh
H4785
Marah
N-proper | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָֽכְל֗וּ
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ/שְׁתֹּ֥ת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
מִ/מָּרָ֔ה
Mârâh
H4785
Marah
Prep | N-proper
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מָרִ֖ים
mar
H4751
bitter
Adj
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
קָרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
מָרָֽה
Mârâh
H4785
Marah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 15:23
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מָרָ֔תָ/ה
Mârâh
H4785
"Marah"
N-proper | Suff
Marah was a place in the Desert where the Israelites encountered bitter water, three days after crossing the Red Sea. The name Marah means 'bitter' in Hebrew, reflecting the water's unpleasant taste.
Definition: § Marah = "bitter" the spring with bitter water which was 3 days travel from the crossing place of the Red Sea in the peninsula of Sinai
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Marah. See also: Exodus 15:23; Numbers 33:8; Numbers 33:9.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָֽכְל֗וּ
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לִ/שְׁתֹּ֥ת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
מַ֨יִם֙
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מִ/מָּרָ֔ה
Mârâh
H4785
"Marah"
Prep | N-proper
Marah was a place in the Desert where the Israelites encountered bitter water, three days after crossing the Red Sea. The name Marah means 'bitter' in Hebrew, reflecting the water's unpleasant taste.
Definition: § Marah = "bitter" the spring with bitter water which was 3 days travel from the crossing place of the Red Sea in the peninsula of Sinai
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Marah. See also: Exodus 15:23; Numbers 33:8; Numbers 33:9.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מָרִ֖ים
mar
H4751
"bitter"
Adj
Mar means bitter, describing something that tastes bad or is unpleasant. It can also describe emotional pain or discontent, like being angry or chafed.
Definition: adj 1) bitter, bitterness 1a) of water or food 1b) of harlot's end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.) 1c) of pain (subst) adv 2) bitterly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. See also: Genesis 27:34; Psalms 64:4; Proverbs 5:4.
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֥ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
קָרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שְׁמָ֖/הּ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
מָרָֽה
Mârâh
H4785
"Marah"
N-proper
Marah was a place in the Desert where the Israelites encountered bitter water, three days after crossing the Red Sea. The name Marah means 'bitter' in Hebrew, reflecting the water's unpleasant taste.
Definition: § Marah = "bitter" the spring with bitter water which was 3 days travel from the crossing place of the Red Sea in the peninsula of Sinai
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Marah. See also: Exodus 15:23; Numbers 33:8; Numbers 33:9.
Study Notes — Exodus 15:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 15:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 15:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 15:23
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:23
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 15:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:23
- Sermons on Exodus 15:23
Context — The Waters of Marah
21And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”
22Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water.
23And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)
24So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” 25And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 1:20 | “Do not call me Naomi, ” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me. |
| 2 | Numbers 33:8 | They set out from Pi-hahiroth and crossed through the sea, into the wilderness, and they journeyed three days into the Wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah. |
Exodus 15:23 Summary
The Israelites came to a place called Marah, but the water there was too bitter to drink, which is why it was named Marah, meaning 'bitter'. This situation can be seen as a test of their faith, as God often uses difficult circumstances to teach us to trust in Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-3 and Psalm 119:71. Just as God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, He promises to provide for us, even in the toughest times, as encouraged in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:19. We can learn to trust God, even when things seem 'bitter', and seek His help and provision, as seen in Psalm 121:1-2 and Isaiah 40:28-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the water at Marah bitter?
The Bible does not specifically state why the water at Marah was bitter, but it may have been due to natural mineral content or other environmental factors, as seen in other places like the waters of Jericho in 2 Kings 2:19-22.
What does the name Marah mean?
The name Marah means 'bitter' in Hebrew, which is why the place was named as such, as stated in Exodus 15:23, and it serves as a reminder of the Israelites' experience there.
How does this event relate to the broader story of the Israelites' journey?
This event is part of the Israelites' journey after being freed from slavery in Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus, and it shows how God provided for them in the wilderness, as promised in Exodus 13:5 and Deuteronomy 8:2-3.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience at Marah?
We can learn about God's provision and faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Exodus 15:25-26, and the importance of trusting in Him, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when faced with 'bitter' circumstances, and what can you learn from the Israelites' experience at Marah?
- In what ways can you trust God to provide for you, even when things seem impossible or difficult, as seen in Exodus 15:25-26?
- How can you apply the lesson of God's faithfulness in the wilderness to your own life, as described in Deuteronomy 8:2-3 and Psalm 107:33-35?
- What are some 'bitter' things in your life right now, and how can you seek God's help and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 34:17-20 and Isaiah 41:17-20?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:23
And when they came to Marah,.... A place in the wilderness, afterwards so called from the quality of the waters found here; wherefore this name is by anticipation: they could not drink of the waters
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:23
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:23
Exodus 15:23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they [were] bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.Ver. 23. They could not drink.] Water they now had, but what the better? God can give us blessings, but with such a tang, that we shall have no great joy of them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 15:23
(23) The waters of Marah . . . were bitter.—The extreme bitterness of the springs at the southern extremity of the wilderness of Shur is witnessed to by all travellers. (Burckhardt: Travels in Syria, p. 777; Robinson: Palestine, vol. i., p. 106; Wellsted, Arabia, vol. ii., p. 38, &c.) There are several such springs, that called Ain Howarah being the most copious, but scarcely so bitter as some others. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.—“Marah” means “bitterness” both in Hebrew and in Arabic. It appears to be a form of the root which we find also in mare and amarus.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 15:23
Verse 23. Marah] So called from the bitter waters found there. Dr. Shaw conjectures that this place is the same as that now called Corondel, where there is still a small rill which, if not diluted with dews or rain, continues brackish. See his account at the end of Exodus. See Clarke on Exodus 40:38.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:23
23. Marah] Burckhardt, Travels [1810–11] in Syria, &c., 1822, p. 472, suggested that this might be the well of Howarah (or [Palmer] Hawwαrah), about 47 miles SE. of ‘Ayϋn Mϋsβ, and 7 miles from the coast, on the usual route to Mt. Sinai, with water so bitter as to be undrinkable,—though at times (Palmer, Des. Exodus 40) it is palatable. It is ‘a solitary spring of bitter water with a stunted palm-tree growing near it, and affording a delicious shade.’ The identification has been accepted by many since Burckhardt: but it is far from certain (it need hardly be said that there is no etym. connexion between Hawwαrah [said by Palmer to mean a small pool of undrinkable water] and Marah), In itself the site would be suitable, supposing that the Israelites crossed the sea at or near Suez: but it agrees badly with Numbers 33:8 (P), if Marah is here correctly placed in the ‘wilderness of Etham’ (see on Exodus 13:20), and it would be much too far, if the Israelites made their crossing at or near the Bitter Lakes: by those who adopt the latter view, ‘Ain Nβba (also called el-Ghŭ ?rkŭ ?deh), a fountain with a considerable supply of brackish water (Rob. i. 61 f.), about 10 miles SE. of Suez, and 50 miles from Lake Timsβḥ ?, has been suggested for Marah, and ‘Ayϋn Mϋsβ (though this is only 6 miles SW. of ‘Ain Nβba) for Elim (v. 27). Under the circumstances, as Di. says, it is impossible to speak with an certainty respecting the site of Marah.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 15:23
Marah - Now identified with the fount of Huwara. The fountain rises from a large mound, a whitish petrifaction, deposited by the water, and is considered by the Arabians to be the worst in the whole district.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:23
23. Marah — Bitterness, a place of bitter or brackish water. This does not enable us to locate the station, since all the springs of the region are saltish.
Sermons on Exodus 15:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 1- the Success of the First Century Church by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal witness for Christ. They highlight that while television, radio, and printed materials are valuable tools for spre |
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Cranbrook 1993 10-4-93 Am by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the direction and orders of the captain of the hosts of the Lord. He uses the example of Joshua receiving the blu |
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When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible |
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Elijah and Elisha 10 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences as a missionary in South America and expresses gratitude to the Lord. He discusses twelve subjects that he wishes he had lea |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Exodus, highlighting the journey of the Israelites from slavery to freedom, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and God's provision. |
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Breaking Barrenness by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye preaches on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, highlighting how she turned her barrenness into fruitfulness through faith, sacrifice, and aligning her motives with God |
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Christian Healing by Bob Phillips | Pastor Bob Phillips delves into the practice of Christian healing, emphasizing the redemptive aspect of physical healing in the Bible, particularly tied to the covenant relationshi |