Psalm 104 15

Psalm 104:15 kjv

And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

Psalm 104:15 nkjv

And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man's heart.

Psalm 104:15 niv

wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.

Psalm 104:15 esv

and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.

Psalm 104:15 nlt

wine to make them glad,
olive oil to soothe their skin,
and bread to give them strength.

Psalm 104 verses

Psalm 104 15 Meaning

Psalm 104:15 celebrates God's bountiful provision for humanity, not just for survival, but for joy, well-being, and strength. It speaks of specific gifts from creation: wine to gladden the spirit, oil to bring forth freshness and delight, and bread to sustain and invigorate the body. This verse highlights the divine generosity that extends beyond mere necessity, supplying humanity with means for a full and joyful existence, reflecting God's benevolence towards His creation.

Psalm 104 15 Context

Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of creation, celebrating Yahweh as the sovereign and benevolent Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos and all life within it. It closely parallels the Genesis 1 creation account, portraying God's wisdom, power, and meticulous design in bringing forth order, light, waters, earth, and various forms of life, from celestial bodies to specific creatures and natural phenomena. This specific verse, Psalm 104:15, falls within the section describing God's provision for all living things, especially for humanity, who live within this divinely ordered world. The Psalm indirectly presents a polemic against pagan beliefs by asserting that all provision comes from the one true God, Yahweh, not from a pantheon of gods or capricious natural forces. Humanity is depicted as being provided with sustenance not just for basic needs (like bread) but also for pleasure and adornment (wine and oil), indicating God's generosity and desire for His creation's flourishing.

Psalm 104 15 Word analysis

• Wine (יַיִן, yayin): This term broadly refers to fermented grape juice. In biblical contexts, yayin is often associated with joy, celebration, feasting, and blessing. It signifies a drink of abundance and merriment. It is distinct from other alcoholic beverages like "strong drink" (shekar) and is frequently used in festivals and offerings. Its purpose here is specifically to "make glad the heart."
• that makes glad (יְשַׂמַּח, yesamach, from the root שָׂמַח, samach): This verb means to make joyful, cause to rejoice, or gladden. It implies an internal state of delight, contentment, and cheerfulness. This is a profound, intrinsic happiness, not merely superficial amusement, originating from the enjoyment of God's good gifts.
• the heart of man (לְבַב אֱנוֹשׁ, levav enosh): The "heart" (levav) in Hebrew thought is not merely the organ but the seat of intellect, emotions, will, conscience, and memory – the very core of a person's being. Enosh (man) here refers to humanity in its frailty and mortality, highlighting God's grace in providing for such a creature. The wine directly impacts this central part of human existence.
• oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen): Typically olive oil. Oil in the ancient Near East had multiple uses: food (cooking, condiment), fuel for lamps, cosmetic (for skin and hair), medicinal, and ritual anointing. Here, its use for adornment and well-being is highlighted.
• to make his face shine (לְהַצְהִיל פָּנִים, lehatz'hil panim, from צהל, tzahal): The verb tzahal means to make bright, to gleam, to beam. "Face" (panim) here represents the outer manifestation of inner condition. When one's face "shines," it signifies health, vitality, happiness, prosperity, and a general sense of well-being, contrasting with a gaunt or sad countenance. Oil contributes to a healthy glow and a pleasant appearance.
• and bread (וְלֶחֶם, velechem): The staple food. Lechem broadly refers to food in general, but specifically grain or baked bread. It is the fundamental sustenance for life, symbolizing provision of basic necessities and physical energy.
• that strengthens (יִסְעַד, yis'ad, from סָעַד, sa'ad): This verb means to support, sustain, uphold, or brace. It denotes physical strength and resilience. Bread is portrayed as the essential element that provides the energy needed to sustain life and activity.
• man's heart (לְבַב אֱנוֹשׁ, levav enosh): Repeated from the initial phrase, emphasizing that bread also invigorates the very core of human existence, sustaining not just the physical body but giving courage and energy that comes from being properly nourished.

Psalm 104 15 Bonus section

The listing of wine, oil, and bread in Psalm 104:15 is highly significant as these were not just common foodstuffs but held deep cultural and often ritualistic importance in ancient Israel. They represented core agricultural produce of the Promised Land, signifying its fertility and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The order – wine first, then oil, then bread – is noteworthy, as bread is typically the most basic. This arrangement might emphasize that God provides not just the foundational necessities but also elements that elevate human experience, adding joy and honor before the staple of bread for strength, perhaps highlighting His abundant generosity. Furthermore, these elements have spiritual associations in broader biblical theology, such as wine relating to the New Covenant (Lk 22:20), oil to the Holy Spirit's anointing (1 Jn 2:20, 27) and healing, and bread to Christ Himself as the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35, 51). This verse, therefore, implicitly sets a theological foundation for understanding God's holistic provision, which embraces both the physical and points towards the spiritual.

Psalm 104 15 Commentary

Psalm 104:15 profoundly articulates God's lavish care for humanity, extending beyond mere existence to joyful flourishing. It dismantles the misconception that divine provision is purely for subsistence, showing that God delights in blessing His creation with elements that enhance life: wine for inner gladness, oil for outward vitality and a sense of dignity, and bread for fundamental physical strength. This tripartite provision encompasses the emotional, aesthetic, and physiological aspects of human life. It speaks to a Creator who is not austere but benevolent, bestowing gifts for human enjoyment and prosperity within the boundaries of His wisdom. The verse underlines that genuine joy and robust health are divinely purposed outcomes, all stemming from God's gracious hand. This generosity finds echoes in the New Testament with Christ's provision of abundance (e.g., wedding at Cana) and spiritual nourishment (Bread of Life). It serves as a reminder to appreciate and partake in God's physical blessings with gratitude and stewardship.