King James Version

What Does Psalms 104:15 Mean?

Psalms 104:15 in the King James Version says “And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 104 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart. oil: Heb. to make his face shine with oil, or, more than oil”

Psalms 104:15 · KJV

Context

13

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

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. oil: Heb. to make his face shine with oil, or, more than oil

16

The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

17

Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wine gladdens human hearts, oil makes faces shine, and bread strengthens hearts. This verse celebrates God's provision beyond mere survival—wine brings joy, oil brings beauty (health), and bread brings strength. These three staples of Mediterranean diet represent comprehensive provision for joy, wellbeing, and vitality. This isn't asceticism but appreciation for God's good gifts. Christ's first miracle was providing wine (John 2:1-11), and He instituted communion using bread and wine. The Reformed tradition affirms creation's goodness while warning against excess.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wine, oil, and bread were essential to ancient Israelite life, representing God's covenant blessings (Deut 7:13). These weren't luxuries but common provisions, showing God's care through ordinary means.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance grateful enjoyment of God's good gifts with guarding against excess and idolatry?
  2. What common daily provisions do you overlook that deserve thanksgiving to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְיַ֤יִן׀1 of 11

“And wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

יְשַׂמַּ֬ח2 of 11

“that maketh glad”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

לְֽבַב3 of 11

“heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

אֱנ֥וֹשׁ4 of 11

“man's”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

לְהַצְהִ֣יל5 of 11

“to shine”

H6670

to gleam, i.e., (figuratively) be cheerful

פָּנִ֣ים6 of 11

“to make his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִשָּׁ֑מֶן7 of 11

“and oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְ֝לֶ֗חֶם8 of 11

“and bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לְֽבַב9 of 11

“heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

אֱנ֥וֹשׁ10 of 11

“man's”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

יִסְעָֽד׃11 of 11

“which strengtheneth”

H5582

to support (mostly figurative)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 104:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 104:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 23:5Ecclesiastes 10:19Ecclesiastes 9:7Judges 9:13Ephesians 5:18Hebrews 1:9

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