Exodus 15:23 web — When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was cal…

World English Bible

"When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was called Marah."

— Exodus 15:23, World English Bible

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Exodus 15:23 in Other Translations

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Exodus 15 — Context

20

Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.

21

Miriam answered them, "Sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."

22

Moses led Israel onward 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

When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was called Marah.

24

The people murmured against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"

25

Then he cried to Yahweh. Yahweh showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them;

26

and he said, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you."

Exodus 15:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Exodus 15:23 say?
Exodus 15:23 in the World English Bible reads: “When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was called Marah.”
Where is Exodus 15:23 in the Bible?
Exodus 15:23 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus, chapter 15, verse 23.
Who wrote Exodus?
Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Exodus about?
Exodus tells of Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Through the plagues, the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the covenant at Sinai, God reveals himself as Redeemer and comes to dwell among his people in the tabernacle.
What are the major themes of Exodus?
Exodus explores themes including Deliverance, Covenant, Law, God's Presence, Worship, Redemption. These themes shape the meaning and context of Exodus 15:23.
What translation should I read Exodus 15:23 in?
Exodus 15:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Exodus 15:23?
Exodus 15:23 reads (WEB): “When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was called Marah.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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