Exodus 15:23
ESV
When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah.
NIV
When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. )
NASB
When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, because they were bitter; for that reason it was named Marah.
CSB
They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter—that is why it was named Marah.
NLT
When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means 'bitter').
KJV
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.
NKJV
Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.
What does Exodus 15:23 mean?
Bible scholars have not determined an exact location for this event. The Hebrew word mārāh literally refers to a vinegary, unpleasant taste (Proverbs 27:7). This description suggests water which would normally have been good, but something had spoiled it. Scripture is not specific as to the cause. Marah may have been the location of a spring or pool which had been fouled by recent flooding, mineral collapse, algae, or any number of reasons. Or, it might have been a source which was always "bitter." What matters is that the water was undrinkable, and Israel was becoming desperate (Exodus 15:22).The Israelites will respond poorly to this discovery (Exodus 15:24). Despite being rescued with miracles (Exodus 12:29–31; 13:21–22; 14:21–29) they seem to forget God's guidance. Their complaints are against Moses—probably blaming him for leading them in the wrong direction. Similar protests will be offered about food (Exodus 16:2–3) and again over water (Exodus 17:3). There are also criticisms and disagreements over leadership (Numbers 14:2–4; 16:1–50; 17:5).
