Psalms 104:15

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

And wine {H3196} that maketh glad {H8055} the heart {H3824} of man {H582}, and oil {H8081} to make his face {H6440} to shine {H6670}, and bread {H3899} which strengtheneth {H5582} man's {H582} heart {H3824}.

wine that gladdens the human heart, oil to make faces glow, and food to sustain their strength.

wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.

And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, Andoil to make his face to shine, And bread that strengtheneth manโ€™s heart.

Commentary

Psalm 104:15 is a beautiful declaration of God's abundant provision for humanity, highlighting three essential elements: wine, oil, and bread. This verse is part of a grand hymn of praise to the Creator, detailing His meticulous care for all creation.

Context

Psalm 104 is a magnificent psalm celebrating God as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe, echoing themes found in the book of Genesis. The psalmist marvels at God's wisdom and power displayed in the natural world, from the heavens and the earth to the diverse forms of life. Verses 13-18 specifically focus on God's provision of vegetation, rain, and the produce of the earth, which sustain both humans and animals. Within this context, verse 15 underscores the specific gifts that enrich human life, providing not just basic sustenance but also joy and well-being.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Generosity: The verse emphasizes God's role as the ultimate provider, giving gifts that meet fundamental needs and also enhance life with joy and comfort. It speaks to the Creator's benevolent nature.
  • Joy and Sustenance:
    • Wine: Described as that which "maketh glad the heart of man." Wine in biblical times was a common part of meals and celebrations, symbolizing joy, festivity, and blessing. It suggests God provides for our emotional and social well-being, not just our physical needs.
    • Oil: "to make his face to shine." Oil had various uses, including cosmetic, medicinal, and anointing purposes. It signified health, honor, prosperity, and a refreshed appearance. The shining face implies a sense of well-being and contentment.
    • Bread: "which strengtheneth man's heart." Bread was, and remains, a staple food, representing the most basic and essential form of physical sustenance. It provides the necessary energy and strength for daily life.
  • Blessings of Creation: The verse highlights how the natural world, designed and maintained by God, yields resources that directly benefit humanity in profound ways.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "maketh glad" is samach (ืฉึธื‚ืžึทื—), meaning to rejoice, be joyful, or be glad. It conveys a deep sense of inner happiness and celebration that wine can facilitate in a temperate and appropriate manner.
  • "To shine" for the face comes from the Hebrew tsachach (ืฆึธื—ึทื—), implying a radiant, healthy, and well-nourished appearance. This reflects a state of prosperity and favor. Oil was a symbol of blessing and anointing, as seen in Psalm 23:5 where God anoints one's head with oil.
  • "Strengtheneth" is from the Hebrew sa'ad (ืกึธืขึทื“), meaning to sustain, support, or uphold. It emphasizes the foundational role of bread in providing physical vitality and energy to the "heart," which in Hebrew thought often refers to the core of one's being, including physical strength and resolve.

Practical Application

This verse invites profound gratitude for the everyday provisions that God bestows upon us. It reminds us that God's care extends beyond mere survival, encompassing elements that bring joy, comfort, and vitality to our lives. We are encouraged to appreciate the simple yet profound blessings found in creation, recognizing them as gifts from a loving Creator. It also subtly teaches balance, acknowledging the good in things like wine and oil when used appropriately for their intended purposes of gladness and well-being, alongside essential sustenance like bread. Reflect on how God provides for your physical needs, your emotional well-being, and your spiritual strength, just as He promised to provide for His people, as seen in Philippians 4:19, that He will supply all our needs.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 23:5

    Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:19

    A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all [things].

  • Judges 9:13

    And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

  • Psalms 92:10

    But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

  • Ephesians 5:18

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

  • Hebrews 1:9

    Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
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