Keraia
Exodus 15

Exodus 15:23

The Waters of Marah · Exodus 15:22–27
Read Exodus 15

Translations

Modern
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)
Traditional
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.
Literal
And they came to Marah, and they were not able to drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. (Upon thus its name was called Marah.)
Latin
Et venerunt in Mara, nec poterant bibere aquas de Mara, eo quod essent amaræ: unde et congruum loco nomen imposuit, vocans illum Mara, id est, amaritudinem.

Original

Hebrew
English
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)

Notes

Exodus 15:23

The water likely had a high level of natural minerals, which made it taste bitter. This is common in the Sinai Desert.

Exodus 15:22–27

  • First at Marah and then at Elim, God gave water to the people.

  • The exact location of the Desert of Shur is unknown (15:22).

Exodus 15:22–18:27

On the journey from the sea to Mount Sinai, God continued to care for the people's needs. During the events where he rescued them, he showed his power. Here, he showed that he cares about their basic needs.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Moses The Cross and Passover

Events

Places

Marah: A place with bitter water on the Exodus route

Glossary

Book of Exodus Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Deuteronomy, Book of Edom, Edomites Exodus, the God, Names of Heal, Healing Marah Moses Music Song of Moses

Topics

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Trying Our Faith and Obedience Bitter Water: At Marah Israel: Complained on Account of the Bitter Water Israel: Journey to Marah Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Marah Marah: The First Station of the Israelites, where Moses Made the Bitter Waters Sweet Murmuring: Israelites Trouble: About Water Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use