Psalm 104:14-15
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What's striking here is how "herb for the service of man" doesn't just mean food, but also includes things for his work and even for his well-being beyond mere survival. This reveals God's intricate care, not just for our basic needs, but for the entire tapestry of human life and activity. It’s a reminder that even the plants we cultivate are part of His provision for our endeavors and enjoyment.
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a beautiful hymn celebrating God's creative power and gracious provision for all of life. Following a description of how God brings forth water for streams and life, this verse highlights how He makes grass grow for livestock and plants for human cultivation, ensuring there's food from the earth for both creatures and people. The focus then shifts in the next verses to the specific gifts of bread, wine, and oil, further underscoring God's abundant care for humanity's sustenance and enjoyment.
Do you ever wonder if God notices the small things, like the food on your table or the grass in the field? This verse reveals a sweeping generosity that extends far beyond just humanity.
The Psalmist highlights God's provision not just for people, but for all living things. God causes grass to grow for the livestock. This isn't just about convenience for us; it's a deep care for the entire created order.
God's Generosity
This shows a God who is mindful of every aspect of His creation, ensuring that life can be sustained on Earth.
We often see farming or gardening as just hard work. But the Bible presents it as something more – a partnership where God enables our efforts.
The phrase 'herb for the service of man' points to a crucial dynamic: God provides the raw materials and the potential, and humans, through cultivation, bring forth the food.
Our Role in God's Plan
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This isn't a passive existence where food simply appears. It's a beautiful interplay between God's power and human responsibility. Our work in cultivating the earth is not separate from God's provision, but a vital part of it.
When we think about food, we usually focus on just staying alive. But Psalm 104 paints a picture of God's provision that goes beyond mere necessity.
While this specific verse focuses on grass and plants for food, the broader context of Psalm 104 (and the scholarly insights) reveals God's provision extends to making life enjoyable and even celebratory.
Beyond Basic Needs
God doesn't just want us to survive; He desires for us to flourish and experience joy in the good things He provides. This abundance is a testament to His loving character.
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.
yayin · Hebrew Noun
Fermented grape juice; in Scripture, it is often viewed as a sign of God's blessing and a gift that brings joy, provided it is used in moderation.
shemen · Hebrew Noun
Typically olive oil, used for cooking, medicine, and beauty; it symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and God’s favor.
lechem · Hebrew Noun
The essential staple food of the ancient Near East, symbolizing sustenance, provision, and life itself; it represents the totality of what is needed to maintain physical strength.
This passage describes God's initial creation of plants and vegetation, setting the stage for all subsequent growth and food production that Psalm 104 celebrates.
Deuteronomy 8:7-10This passage highlights the abundance God provides in the promised land, echoing Psalm 104's theme of God's provision of food and sustenance for His people.
Matthew 6:25-30Jesus teaches His followers not to worry about food, pointing to God's care for the birds and the lilies as evidence of His provision for human needs, a concept paralleled in the Psalmist's observation of God's care for livestock and crops.
1 Timothy 6:17This verse reminds believers that God richly provides all things for our enjoyment, aligning with the Psalmist's depiction of God as the source of both sustenance and the delights like wine and oil that cheer the heart.
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…
What's striking here is how "herb for the service of man" doesn't just mean food, but also includes things for his work and even for his well-being beyond mere survival. This reveals God's intricate care, not just for our basic needs, but for the entire tapestry of human life and activity. It’s a reminder that even the plants we cultivate are part of His provision for our endeavors and enjoyment.
This psalm is a beautiful hymn celebrating God's creative power and gracious provision for all of life. Following a description of how God brings forth water for streams and life, this verse highlights how He makes grass grow for livestock and plants for human cultivation, ensuring there's food from the earth for both creatures and people. The focus then shifts in the next verses to the specific gifts of bread, wine, and oil, further underscoring God's abundant care for humanity's sustenance and enjoyment.
This psalm is a beautiful hymn celebrating God's creative power and gracious provision for all of life. Following a description of how God brings forth water for streams and life, this verse highlights how He makes grass grow for livestock and plants for human cultivation, ensuring there's food from the earth for both creatures and people. The focus then shifts in the next verses to the specific gifts of bread, wine, and oil, further underscoring God's abundant care for humanity's sustenance and enjoyment.
"You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man…" — What's striking here is how "herb for the service of man" doesn't just mean food, but also includes things for his work and even for his well-being beyond mere survival. This reveals God's intricat…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
