Psalms 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 104:15 serves as a profound declaration of God's bountiful and holistic provision for humanity, celebrating the divine gifts of wine, oil, and bread. Situated within a magnificent hymn of creation, this verse illuminates how the Creator meticulously sustains life not merely at a subsistence level, but also with elements that bring joy, well-being, and vitality, enriching the human experience in body, mind, and spirit as a testament to His generous design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 is a majestic hymn of praise dedicated to God as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe, frequently noted for its thematic parallels with the creation account found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). The psalm systematically surveys God's wisdom and power as displayed in the natural world, from the celestial heavens and the foundational earth to the diverse forms of life that inhabit it. Specifically, verses 10-18 detail God's intricate provision for all living creatures through the provision of water, vegetation, and the produce of the earth. Within this broader context of divine care for all creation, verse 15 focuses on three particular provisions—wine, oil, and bread—that uniquely contribute to human flourishing, thereby underscoring God's benevolent attention to the specific needs and joys of humanity. This verse directly follows the description of God causing grass to grow for livestock and plants for human cultivation in [Psalms 104:14](/psalms/104-14 "Psalms 104:14 - God Provides Vegetation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine, oil, and bread were far more than simple commodities; they were foundational elements of daily life, economy, and religious practice. Bread (`lechem`) was the absolute staple, representing basic sustenance and the very staff of life. Oil (`shemen`), typically olive oil, was remarkably multifaceted: it was essential for cooking, served as fuel for lamps, functioned as a cosmetic for moisturizing skin and hair, had medicinal applications, and was crucially used for anointing priests, kings, and prophets, symbolizing blessing, honor, and health. Wine (`yayin`) was a common beverage, often diluted, consumed with meals, and central to celebrations and religious festivals, symbolizing joy, blessing, and abundance. The inclusion of these three items in the psalmist's praise highlights their essential role in providing not just survival, but also comfort, social cohesion, and a profound sense of well-being in the ancient Near East. Their consistent presence signified prosperity and God's tangible blessing upon His people and their land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to Psalm 104 and indeed, to broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Provision and Generosity**, portraying God as the ultimate, inexhaustible source of all good things, who gives abundantly and beyond mere necessity, ensuring that His creation thrives. Secondly, it highlights **Holistic Well-being**, demonstrating that God's meticulous care extends to every dimension of human existence—from physical sustenance (bread) to emotional joy (wine) and outward appearance or health (oil). This holistic approach reflects God's profound desire for humanity's complete flourishing, a theme echoed in the New Testament, such as in [3 John 1:2](/3_john/1-2 "3 John 1:2 - John's Prayer for Gaius's Prosperity and Health"), where John prays for Gaius's prosperity and health. Thirdly, the verse celebrates the **Blessings of Creation**, showing how the natural world, meticulously designed and maintained by God, yields resources that directly benefit humanity in profound and diverse ways. It underscores the inherent goodness of creation as a gift from the Creator, echoing the repeated divine pronouncements of "good" throughout [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maketh glad (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This primitive root means "to brighten up," and figuratively, "to be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome." It signifies to "cheer up," "be (make) glad," or "have (make) joy(-ful)." In the context of wine, it refers to its capacity to bring about a legitimate and temperate sense of cheerfulness, contributing to joy and merriment.
* **Shine (Hebrew, _tsâhal'_):** This primitive root means "to gleam," and figuratively, "to be cheerful." It can also refer to sounding clear, as in various animal or human expressions, including to "rejoice" or "make to shine." When applied to the face, it suggests a healthy, vibrant, and radiant appearance, indicative of well-being and contentment.
* **Strengtheneth (Hebrew, _çâʻad'_):** This primitive root means "to support," primarily in a figurative sense. It conveys the idea of providing comfort, establishing, holding up, refreshing oneself, or being upheld. In the context of bread, it emphasizes its foundational role in providing sustenance that supports and invigorates the human "heart," which here refers to the core of one's being, encompassing physical vitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man":** This clause highlights wine's God-given capacity to bring joy and cheer to the human spirit. In ancient cultures, wine was an integral part of feasts, celebrations, and social gatherings, fostering communal joy and often serving as a comfort in times of sorrow. The psalmist acknowledges this divine gift as a means of uplifting the human spirit, demonstrating that God's provision extends beyond mere physical survival to include elements that enrich life with happiness, festivity, and emotional well-being.
* **"[and] oil to make [his] face to shine":** This phrase speaks to the restorative, beautifying, and symbolic properties of oil. Olive oil was commonly used cosmetically to moisturize and protect the skin, imparting a healthy sheen. Symbolically, a shining or radiant face indicated prosperity, good health, and a state of favor or blessing, standing in stark contrast to the dull, unkempt appearance often associated with mourning or hardship (e.g., [2 Samuel 14:2](/2_samuel/14-2 "2 Samuel 14:2 - Joab's Counsel to the Woman of Tekoa")). This provision signifies God's care for human dignity, comfort, and overall well-being.
* **"and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart":** This final clause underscores the most fundamental aspect of God's provision: essential sustenance. Bread was the staple food in the ancient world, providing the necessary energy and physical strength for daily labor and life. The "heart" here, in Hebrew thought, refers to the inner core of a person, encompassing not only emotions but also physical vitality, intellect, and resolve. This emphasizes that God provides the essential nourishment required for human existence and activity, forming the bedrock upon which all other provisions and aspects of flourishing are built.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 104:15 masterfully employs several effective **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message of divine provision and generosity. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a triadic structure, where three distinct but related provisions—wine, oil, and bread—are presented in a balanced and rhythmic fashion, each with its specific beneficial effect on humanity: bringing gladness, making the face shine, and strengthening the heart. This enumerative pattern emphasizes the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of God's care. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play, with each item transcending its literal form: wine symbolizes joy, celebration, and spiritual comfort; oil signifies health, honor, blessing, and well-being; and bread represents fundamental sustenance, strength, and life itself. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is present in the phrases "heart of man" and "man's heart," where "heart" serves as a stand-in for the entire inner being, encompassing emotional, physical, and even spiritual vitality, rather than merely the physical organ. Similarly, the "face" represents one's outward appearance and overall state of being. These devices collectively paint a vivid and rich picture of God's purposeful and abundant provision for His creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the biblical truth of God's benevolent sovereignty over creation, revealing Him not as a distant, detached deity but as a loving Father who meticulously provides for His children. It underscores the inherent goodness of creation and the gifts within it, which are intended for human enjoyment and flourishing. The provision of wine, oil, and bread speaks to a God who cares for our physical needs, our emotional well-being, and even our outward presentation, demonstrating a holistic concern for humanity. This generosity is not just about survival, but about enabling a life of joy, health, and strength, reflecting God's abundant nature and His desire for His people to thrive. It reminds us to receive these daily blessings with profound gratitude and to recognize the Creator's hand in every aspect of our lives, acknowledging that all good things flow from Him.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man lives by every word of God")
* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - Anointing with Oil and Overflowing Cup")
* [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - God richly provides all things for our enjoyment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 104:15 calls us to cultivate a profound posture of gratitude for the everyday provisions that God so graciously bestows upon us. It challenges us to look beyond the mundane and recognize the divine hand in the simple yet profound blessings of our lives—the food on our tables, the moments of genuine joy and laughter, and the pervasive sense of physical and emotional well-being. This verse reminds us that God's care extends far beyond mere survival, encompassing elements that bring delight, comfort, and vitality, enriching our existence. It encourages us to appreciate the gifts of creation responsibly, understanding that they are given for our good and ultimately for His glory. In a world often preoccupied with scarcity or consumed by excess, this passage invites a balanced and grateful perspective: to thankfully receive essential sustenance, to enjoy moments of gladness with temperance, and to care for our bodies as sacred temples of the Holy Spirit, all as tangible expressions of God's abundant and holistic love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of "wine, oil, and bread" deepen your daily gratitude?**
* **In what specific ways do you observe God providing for your holistic well-being—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—beyond just your basic needs?**
* **Considering the gifts mentioned in the verse, how can we enjoy God's good provisions in a way that truly honors Him and avoids the pitfalls of excess or misuse?**
* **What does the "shining face" brought by oil and the "strengthened heart" from bread reveal about God's desire for our complete flourishing and vitality?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of wine, oil, and bread in this verse?**

Answer: In [Psalms 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalms 104:15 - God's Provision of Wine, Oil, and Bread"), wine, oil, and bread collectively represent God's comprehensive and benevolent provision for humanity. Bread is the fundamental staple, symbolizing essential physical sustenance and strength, the very staff of life. Oil, particularly olive oil, signifies health, well-being, honor, and a refreshed appearance, used for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes, and often for anointing. Wine symbolizes joy, celebration, and the gladness of heart, often consumed in social and festive contexts. Together, these three elements illustrate that God's care extends beyond mere basic needs to include provisions that bring joy, comfort, and vitality to human life, demonstrating His desire for our holistic flourishing. These were also the primary agricultural products and economic mainstays of ancient Israel, making them powerful symbols of God's blessing on the land and its people.

**Does this verse endorse excessive consumption of wine?**

Answer: No, this verse does not endorse excessive consumption of wine. The phrase "maketh glad the heart of man" refers to the legitimate, temperate, and appropriate use of wine, which in biblical times was often diluted and consumed as part of meals and celebrations. The Bible consistently warns against drunkenness and its negative consequences, highlighting the dangers of excess (e.g., [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging") and [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk with wine")). Here, wine is presented as a gift from God intended to bring joy and cheer in a responsible manner, contributing to a sense of well-being and festivity, not to intoxication or debauchery. It underscores God's provision for our emotional and social enjoyment within proper, God-honoring bounds.

**How does this verse relate to God's provision in the New Testament?**

Answer: [Psalms 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalms 104:15 - God's Provision of Wine, Oil, and Bread"), with its focus on God's provision of physical sustenance, joy, and well-being through creation, beautifully foreshadows and finds deeper fulfillment in the New Testament's revelation of God's ultimate provision through Jesus Christ. While God continues to provide physical bread, oil, and wine in the natural world, the New Testament emphasizes the infinitely richer spiritual dimensions of these gifts. Jesus declares Himself the "[Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" who gives eternal strength and sustenance to those who believe in Him. The "wine" of the New Covenant, symbolized by Christ's shed blood, brings ultimate spiritual joy, forgiveness of sins, and new life ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The Cup of the New Covenant")). The "oil" of anointing finds its ultimate expression in the Holy Spirit, whom Christ pours out upon believers, bringing spiritual health, comfort, empowerment for service, and a radiant inner witness ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit")). Thus, the physical provisions of the Old Testament serve as tangible pointers to the infinitely richer and eternal spiritual provisions made available in and through Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rich provisions of wine, oil, and bread celebrated in [Psalms 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalms 104:15 - God's Provision of Wine, Oil, and Bread"), while acknowledging God's natural sustenance for humanity, find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as wine gladdens the heart, Christ offers a joy that surpasses all earthly pleasures, a spiritual gladness rooted in His abiding presence and the promise of eternal life, powerfully demonstrated by His first miracle at Cana where He provided abundant and superior [wine](/john/2-1-11 "John 2:1-11 - Jesus Turns Water into Wine"). The oil that makes the face shine and signifies health, honor, and blessing points directly to the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which Christ pours out upon His followers, bringing spiritual vitality, inner healing, and empowering them to bear a radiant witness to the world ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit"); [2 Corinthians 1:21-22](/2_corinthians/1-21 "2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - God's Anointing and Seal")). Most significantly, the bread that strengthens man's heart is supremely fulfilled in Christ Himself, who declared, "I am the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" and "I am the [living bread that came down from heaven](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Living Bread from Heaven")". He provides ultimate spiritual nourishment, satisfying the deepest hunger of the soul and strengthening believers for eternal life and obedient service. Thus, the physical blessings of creation in Psalm 104:15 serve as tangible pointers to the spiritual abundance and holistic, eternal provision found perfectly and completely in Christ, our Creator and Redeemer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.