Psalms 80:5

KJV

Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou feedest {H398}{H8689)} them with the bread {H3899} of tears {H1832}; and givest them tears {H1832} to drink {H8248}{H8686)} in great measure {H7991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You have fed them tears as their bread and made them drink tears in abundance.

Berean Standard Bible

You fed them with the bread of tears and made them drink the full measure of their tears.

American Standard Version

Thou hast fed them with the bread of tears, And given them tears to drink in large measure.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 80:5 profoundly articulates the deep, pervasive anguish and sustained suffering experienced by the people of Israel. Through vivid metaphorical language, the verse portrays their daily existence as utterly saturated with grief, where tears have become their very sustenance, highlighting a period of intense national distress and a desperate longing for divine intervention and restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 80 is a communal lament, an urgent plea to God for restoration, likely composed during a period of national calamity such as invasion, defeat, or exile. The psalm opens with an appeal to God as the Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock, imploring Him to "shine forth" ([Psalm 80:1-2](/psalms/80-1 "Psalm 80:1-2 - Plea for God's Presence")). The recurring refrain, "Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved" ([Psalm 80:3](/psalms/80-3 "Psalm 80:3 - The First Refrain for Restoration"), [7](/psalms/80-7 "Psalm 80:7 - The Second Refrain for Restoration"), [19](/psalms/80-19 "Psalm 80:19 - The Final Refrain for Restoration")), underscores the people's desperate longing for divine intervention and the reversal of their fortunes. The psalm then transitions into the powerful metaphor of Israel as God's vine, which He brought out of Egypt but is now ravaged by enemies ([Psalm 80:8-13](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8-13 - Israel as God's Vine")). Within this narrative of decline and fervent appeal, verse 5 encapsulates the severity of their plight, where sorrow has become their very sustenance, a poignant depiction of their daily reality.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 80 is debated, scholars often associate it with periods of significant national distress, such as the Assyrian invasions of the Northern Kingdom (Israel/Ephraim/Joseph) in the 8th century BCE, or the Babylonian exile of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) in the 6th century BCE. The mention of "Joseph," "Ephraim," "Benjamin," and "Manasseh" in [Psalm 80:2](/psalms/80-2 "Psalm 80:2 - God's Shepherd Leadership") suggests a particular concern for the northern tribes, possibly indicating a pre-exilic date or a lament that encompasses the suffering of all Israel. Culturally, lament psalms were a recognized and vital part of Israelite worship, providing a structured way for the community to express grief, confusion, and anger to God, while simultaneously reaffirming faith in His ultimate power and covenant faithfulness. The imagery of "bread" and "drink" as daily necessities underscores the pervasive and inescapable nature of their suffering, a common experience in ancient Near Eastern societies facing famine, siege, or oppression.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 80:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Profound and Constant Sorrow** of the people, vividly portraying a life consumed by grief, where tears are not just an occasional outpouring but a daily, inescapable reality. This imagery emphasizes the depth of their national suffering and despair. Secondly, the phrase "Thou feedest them" introduces the theme of **Divine Discipline or Chastisement**. The suffering is not random but is perceived as being administered by God Himself, a common theological understanding in Israel where national calamity was often seen as a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness, intended to bring the people to repentance and restoration, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves"). Despite the intense suffering, the very act of lamenting in this psalm is an expression of **Faith and Longing for Restoration**, demonstrating a persistent hope in God's ability and willingness to remember His covenant and turn His favor upon them once more.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bread of Tears (Hebrew, _lekhem dim'ah'_):** This powerful idiom literally translates to "bread of weeping" or "food of tears." It is a profound **metaphor** that conveys the idea that tears, or the sorrow that produces them, have become the daily sustenance of the people. Just as bread is essential for life, so tears have become the inescapable and constant companion of their existence. It signifies not just occasional sadness, but a pervasive, consuming grief that defines their every waking moment, a bitter and unpalatable diet.
* **Thou feedest (Hebrew, _ta'akilem'_):** The verb "feedest" (from the root אכל, _'akal_, "to eat" or "to feed") is in the Hiphil stem, indicating a causative action. This means God is depicted as the one actively providing or causing them to consume this "bread of tears." This direct divine agency is crucial. It suggests that their suffering is not accidental or merely the result of human enemies, but is understood as part of God's sovereign plan or discipline, a bitter meal served by the divine hand. This raises theological questions about theodicy but also underscores God's ultimate control.
* **Great Measure (Hebrew, _shalish'_):** The Hebrew word _shalish_ (שליש) literally means "a third part," but in this context, it is often understood as a large, abundant measure or a full draught. It can refer to a large liquid measure, perhaps a third of an ephah or bath, signifying an overflowing quantity. The phrase "tears to drink in great measure" intensifies the imagery of "bread of tears," emphasizing the overwhelming and ceaseless nature of their sorrow. It's not just a few drops, but an abundant, perhaps even suffocating, deluge of grief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou feedest them with the bread of tears;":** This clause establishes God as the active agent (the "Thou") in the suffering of "them" (the people of Israel). The phrase "bread of tears" is a vivid **metaphor** indicating that sorrow has become their daily, fundamental nourishment. It implies a constant, unavoidable, and bitter experience of grief that is as essential and pervasive to their lives as food itself. The divine agency suggests this suffering is not random but purposeful, perhaps disciplinary.
* **"and givest them tears to drink in great measure.":** This second clause functions in **synonymous parallelism** with the first, reiterating and intensifying the message. "Givest them tears to drink" reinforces the idea of sorrow as sustenance, now as a beverage. The addition of "in great measure" (or "in full measure") amplifies the quantity and intensity of their grief, suggesting an overwhelming, abundant, and inescapable deluge of sorrow. It paints a picture of a life utterly submerged in weeping, where tears are not merely shed but consumed in vast quantities.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 80:5 is rich in **Metaphor**, most notably "bread of tears" and "tears to drink." These powerful images transform abstract grief into tangible, daily sustenance, emphasizing the constant and consuming nature of the people's sorrow. The verse also employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and givest them tears to drink in great measure") echoes and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Thou feedest them with the bread of tears;"). This repetition with variation enhances the emotional impact and underscores the pervasive nature of their suffering. Furthermore, the phrase "in great measure" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used not to deceive but to convey the overwhelming and unbearable extent of their distress. Finally, the verse attributes the giving of these tears directly to God ("Thou feedest them," "givest them"), which is a form of **Anthropomorphism** (attributing human actions to God) that raises questions of **Theodicy**, as it portrays God as the one administering this bitter experience, prompting reflection on divine sovereignty in suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 80:5 powerfully articulates a core biblical theme: the profound reality of human suffering, often understood within the context of divine sovereignty and discipline. The imagery of tears as daily sustenance underscores the depth of national distress, a common experience for Israel when they strayed from God's covenant. This suffering, though painful, is often presented as a means by which God seeks to draw His people back to Himself, refining their character and restoring their relationship. The lament itself, while expressing raw anguish, is an act of faith, acknowledging God's ultimate control and appealing to His mercy for restoration.

* [Psalm 42:3](/psalms/42-3 "Psalm 42:3 - Tears as Food Day and Night")
* [Lamentations 3:19](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19 - Remembering Affliction and Misery")
* [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Weeping for His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 80:5 offers a profound validation for those experiencing prolonged periods of grief, hardship, or overwhelming distress. It acknowledges that sometimes, sorrow can feel like a constant, inescapable companion, a bitter meal consumed daily. This verse assures us that the depths of human anguish are recognized and voiced within the sacred text, providing a scriptural framework for articulating our most profound laments. For believers, it invites a deeper consideration of suffering not merely as random misfortune, but potentially as part of God's sovereign plan, even His loving discipline, designed to draw us closer to Him, refine our character, or lead us to repentance. Like the Psalmist Asaph, we are encouraged to bring our deepest laments and pleas for restoration directly to God, trusting in His ultimate compassion and power to deliver, even when tears are our food and drink. It reminds us that our hope is anchored in the God who hears the cries of His people and promises a future where He will ultimately wipe away every tear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "bread of tears" and "tears to drink" resonate with periods of deep sorrow or prolonged difficulty in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be "feeding" or "giving" us experiences that, though painful, are ultimately intended for our spiritual growth or refinement?**
* **How can we, like the Psalmist, express profound lament and grief while simultaneously maintaining faith and hope in God's ultimate restoration?**
* **What practical steps can you take to bring your "tears" and suffering before God in prayer, trusting in His sovereign care?**

### FAQ

**Does Psalm 80:5 imply that God actively causes suffering, or merely allows it?**

Answer: The phrasing "Thou feedest them" and "givest them tears to drink" strongly suggests divine agency, meaning God is depicted as actively administering or orchestrating this period of intense suffering. In the biblical worldview, especially within the Old Testament, national calamities and individual hardships were often understood not as random occurrences but as part of God's sovereign plan, sometimes as discipline for disobedience, other times for testing or refining His people. This perspective doesn't necessarily mean God delights in suffering, but that He uses even painful experiences to achieve His righteous purposes, such as leading His people to repentance or strengthening their faith. This concept is echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good"), which speak of God's discipline as a sign of His fatherly love.

**What is the significance of using "bread" and "drink" to describe tears?**

Answer: The use of "bread" and "drink" is highly significant because these are fundamental necessities for daily life and survival. By portraying tears as their "bread" and "drink," the psalmist employs a powerful **metaphor** to convey that sorrow is not an occasional visitor but has become the pervasive, inescapable, and constant reality of their existence. It signifies that grief has permeated every aspect of their lives, becoming their very sustenance. This imagery emphasizes the overwhelming and continuous nature of their distress, suggesting that they are consumed by sorrow from morning till night, as essential to their being as food and water. This is similar to the lament in [Psalm 42:3](/psalms/42-3 "Psalm 42:3 - Tears as Food Day and Night"), where the psalmist says, "My tears have been my meat day and night."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 80:5 vividly portrays the deep national anguish of Israel, its imagery of profound sorrow finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the true Israel, the faithful Son, who perfectly identified with the suffering of humanity and bore the full weight of sin and its consequences. Jesus, the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), willingly consumed the bitter "bread of tears" and drank the "cup of suffering" in its greatest measure, not for His own sin, but for ours. His agony in Gethsemane, where He prayed with "loud cries and tears" ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Tears")), and His cry of dereliction on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")) demonstrate His profound experience of sorrow, separation, and divine discipline on our behalf. Through His voluntary consumption of this "bread of tears," Jesus has tasted the full bitterness of our fallen human condition, ultimately conquering sin and death. Because He drank the cup of God's wrath and experienced the depths of human sorrow, believers can now partake of the true [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water") and the [bread of life](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread"), finding spiritual nourishment and eternal hope. His ultimate victory means that for those who trust in Him, the "bread of tears" will one day be replaced by the feast of joy, and every tear will be wiped away by God Himself ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")).

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

Isaiah 30:20

And [though] the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:

Psalms 42:3

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?

Psalms 102:9

For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,

Ezekiel 4:16

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

Ezekiel 4:17

That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.

Job 6:7

The things [that] my soul refused to touch [are] as my sorrowful meat.