Psalms 104:15

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיַ֤יִן׀
And wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#2
יְשַׂמַּ֬ח
that maketh glad
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#3
לְֽבַב
heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#4
אֱנ֥וֹשׁ
man's
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#5
לְהַצְהִ֣יל
to shine
to gleam, i.e., (figuratively) be cheerful
#6
פָּנִ֣ים
to make his face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
מִשָּׁ֑מֶן
and oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#8
וְ֝לֶ֗חֶם
and bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#9
לְֽבַב
heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#10
אֱנ֥וֹשׁ
man's
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#11
יִסְעָֽד׃
which strengtheneth
to support (mostly figurative)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection