You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights God's provision not just for our basic needs, but also for the work we do. The "herb for the service of man" points to how God blesses our cultivation and labor, not just the final food product, showing His care extends to the effort involved in bringing forth sustenance.
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm celebrates God's provision for all of creation, and this verse shifts from discussing water sources to the sustenance provided by the earth itself. Following the imagery of springs feeding valleys and hills, the text now focuses on how God causes grass to grow for livestock and plants for human use, ensuring food is produced from the ground. This immediately sets the stage for the following verses which detail specific provisions like bread, wine, and oil, highlighting God's abundant care for both humanity and the creatures that serve us.
Does God only care about people, or does His provision extend to every living thing? This verse shows us a God who is deeply aware of the needs of His entire creation.
The Psalmist highlights God's intentional design for both animals and humans.
Caring for the Livestock:
'He causes the grass to grow for the livestock.' This isn't just a random occurrence; it's a deliberate act of God. He makes sure there's food for the animals that serve us and are part of the natural world. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s mercy and care aren't limited to humanity.
Sustaining Human Life:
'And plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth.' God doesn't just provide passively; He sets up systems for us to actively participate. He gives us the plants and the earth's capacity to yield food, enabling us to work and eat. This is a partnership where God provides the potential, and we engage with it.
What does it mean for plants to be 'for the service of man'? It’s more than just food – it touches on human purpose and our relationship with the earth.
The Hebrew word translated here as 'service' can carry a rich meaning, encompassing not just our direct use but also our role in cultivating and caring for what God has provided.
More Than Just Food:
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While the primary thought is food, 'herb for the service of man' can also include plants for medicine, comfort, and even materials. God provides a bounty that serves multiple aspects of human life and well-being.
Human Cultivation and Purpose:
Some scholars suggest this phrase points to our God-given task to till the soil and bring forth produce. God enables the growth, and through our 'labor' or 'cultivation' (as some translations render it), we participate in the process of bringing forth food. This highlights a purposeful relationship between humanity and the earth, where we are stewards called to work with God's provision.
Understand the original words
behemah · Hebrew Noun
Often synonymous with domesticated cattle or grazing animals, representing those creatures dependent upon the ground's bounty which God provides.
This passage echoes the creation mandate where God provides plants for food for both humans and animals, highlighting the consistent provision for living creatures from the beginning.
Deuteronomy 8:8This verse lists grain, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey as 'a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey.' This connects directly to the 'food from the earth' mentioned in Psalms 104:14, emphasizing God's provision of staple crops.
Matthew 6:26Jesus reminds us to consider the birds of the air, which God feeds, drawing a parallel to how God provides for the livestock and even the seemingly insignificant creatures, reinforcing His abundant care for all He has made.
1 Timothy 6:17This verse speaks of God who 'richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment,' which aligns with the Psalmist's theme of God's generous provision not just for sustenance but also for cheer and well-being (like wine and oil mentioned later in Psalm 104).
clarkePsalms 104:14: "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;"
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle - Doth God care for oxen? Yes, and there is not a beast of the field that does not share his merciful regards. And herb for the serviee of man - Plants, esculent herbs, and nutritive grain in general; and thus he brings forth food (לחם lechem, bread) out of the earth. In the germination and growth of a grain of…
calvinPsalms 104:10-15: "He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills."
- Sending out springs by the valleys, which shall run between [182] the hills. 11. All the beasts of the field shall drink thereof: the wild asses [183] shall quench [184] their thirst. 12. Nigh them the fowls of the air shall dwell, from the midst of the branches they shall send out their voice. [185] 13. Watering the mountains from his chambers: the earth shall be satisfied from the fruit of thy [186] wo…
The verse highlights God's provision not just for our basic needs, but also for the work we do. The "herb for the service of man" points to how God blesses our cultivation and labor, not just the final food product, showing His care extends to the effort involved in bringing forth sustenance.
This psalm celebrates God's provision for all of creation, and this verse shifts from discussing water sources to the sustenance provided by the earth itself. Following the imagery of springs feeding valleys and hills, the text now focuses on how God causes grass to grow for livestock and plants for human use, ensuring food is produced from the ground. This immediately sets the stage for the following verses which detail specific provisions like bread, wine, and oil, highlighting God's abundant care for both humanity and the creatures that serve us.
This psalm celebrates God's provision for all of creation, and this verse shifts from discussing water sources to the sustenance provided by the earth itself. Following the imagery of springs feeding valleys and hills, the text now focuses on how God causes grass to grow for livestock and plants for human use, ensuring food is produced from the ground. This immediately sets the stage for the following verses which detail specific provisions like bread, wine, and oil, highlighting God's abundant care for both humanity and the creatures that serve us.
"You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth" — The verse highlights God's provision not just for our basic needs, but also for the work we do. The "herb for the service of man" points to how God blesses our cultivation and labor, not just the fin…
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Last reviewed October 2026