King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:25 Mean?

Exodus 15:25 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Exodus 15:25 · KJV

Context

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,

26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

27

And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Read Exodus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' response to complaint: 'he cried unto the LORD.' Rather than defending himself or solving the problem independently, Moses intercedes. God's answer—'the LORD shewed him a tree'—provides solution through creation. Casting the tree 'into the waters, the waters were made sweet' accomplishes miracle through natural means. The tree's identity isn't specified because the focus is on God's provision, not the method. The subsequent 'there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them' indicates Marah becomes testing ground.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The sweetening tree's identity (possibly acacia or certain desert shrubs with water-purifying properties) is unknown. The focus is on God revealing the solution to Moses through prayer. The 'statute and ordinance' likely refer to testing obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses crying to the LORD rather than solving problems independently model leadership?
  2. What bitter situation in your life needs God to show you the 'tree' that sweetens the waters?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּצְעַ֣ק1 of 18

“And he cried”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

אֶל2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙3 of 18

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיּוֹרֵ֤הוּ4 of 18

“shewed”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

יְהוָה֙5 of 18

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֵ֔ץ6 of 18

“him a tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וַיַּשְׁלֵךְ֙7 of 18

“which when he had cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֶל8 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּ֑יִם9 of 18

“into the waters”

H4325

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

וַֽיִּמְתְּק֖וּ10 of 18

“were made sweet”

H4985

to suck, by implication, to relish, or (intransitively) be sweet

הַמָּ֑יִם11 of 18

“into the waters”

H4325

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

שָׁ֣ם12 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שָׂ֥ם13 of 18

“there he made”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

ל֛וֹ14 of 18
H0
חֹ֥ק15 of 18

“for them a statute”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט16 of 18

“and an ordinance”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְשָׁ֥ם17 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

נִסָּֽהוּ׃18 of 18

“and there he proved”

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

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 15:25 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 15:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 8:2Psalms 66:10Judges 3:1Judges 2:22Exodus 16:4Judges 3:4

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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