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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
And when they came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
And when they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָֽכְל֗וּ
they could
H3201
יָֽכְל֗וּ
they could
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
4 of 15
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
מַ֙יִם֙
of the waters
H4325
מַ֙יִם֙
of the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
6 of 15
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָרִ֖ים
for they were bitter
H4751
מָרִ֖ים
for they were bitter
Strong's:
H4751
Word #:
9 of 15
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֥ן
H3651
כֵּ֥ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
קָרָֽא
of it was called
H7121
קָרָֽא
of it was called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
13 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Numbers 33:8And they departed from before Pi-hahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.Ruth 1:20And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when God's provision seems to mock your need (water present but undrinkable)?
- What 'Marah' experiences has God used to teach you dependence rather than self-sufficiency?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.