King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:23 Mean?

Exodus 15:23 in the King James Version says “And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. Marah: that is Bitterness”

Exodus 15:23 · KJV

Context

21

And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

22

So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

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. Marah: that is Bitterness

24

And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

25

And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

Read Exodus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Finding water at Marah should bring relief, but 'they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter.' The name 'Marah' means bitterness. Undrinkable water is worse torment than no water—mockery of hope. The explanation 'therefore the name of it was called Marah' makes this a memorial of disappointment. Yet God orchestrates this to teach dependence and test faith. Bitter providences serve divine purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Marah's location is uncertain but likely somewhere in northwestern Sinai. Bitter (possibly alkaline or saline) water sources exist throughout the region. The naming reflects Israel's experience there.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when God's provision seems to mock your need (water present but undrinkable)?
  2. What 'Marah' experiences has God used to teach you dependence rather than self-sufficiency?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ1 of 15

“And when they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מָרָֽה׃2 of 15

“Marah”

H4785

marah, a place in the desert

וְלֹ֣א3 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָֽכְל֗וּ4 of 15

“they could”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִשְׁתֹּ֥ת5 of 15

“not drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מַ֙יִם֙6 of 15

“of the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

מָרָֽה׃7 of 15

“Marah”

H4785

marah, a place in the desert

כִּ֥י8 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָרִ֖ים9 of 15

“for they were bitter”

H4751

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

הֵ֑ם10 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עַל11 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֥ן12 of 15
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָרָֽא13 of 15

“of it was called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמָ֖הּ14 of 15

“therefore the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מָרָֽה׃15 of 15

“Marah”

H4785

marah, a place in the desert

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 15:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 1:20Numbers 33:8

Places in This Verse

MarahSpring · Modern: Ain Hawarah · 29.35°N, 32.94°E5 verses across 2 books
View all places in Exodus 15 →

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