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.
Original Language Analysis
וְיַ֤יִן׀
And wine
H3196
וְיַ֤יִן׀
And wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
1 of 11
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
יְשַׂמַּ֬ח
that maketh glad
H8055
יְשַׂמַּ֬ח
that maketh glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
2 of 11
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
אֱנ֥וֹשׁ
man's
H582
אֱנ֥וֹשׁ
man's
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
פָּנִ֣ים
to make his face
H6440
פָּנִ֣ים
to make his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מִשָּׁ֑מֶן
and oil
H8081
מִשָּׁ֑מֶן
and oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
7 of 11
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
וְ֝לֶ֗חֶם
and bread
H3899
וְ֝לֶ֗חֶם
and bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
8 of 11
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
Cross References
Psalms 23:5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Ecclesiastes 10:19A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.Ecclesiastes 9:7Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.Judges 9:13And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?Hebrews 1:9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.Psalms 92:10But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.1 John 2:20But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Ezekiel 4:16Moreover 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:
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance grateful enjoyment of God's good gifts with guarding against excess and idolatry?
- What common daily provisions do you overlook that deserve thanksgiving to God?
Analysis & 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.