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 verse doesn't just list gifts; it highlights their effects on us. Wine doesn't just exist, it "gladdens the heart," oil doesn't just appear, it makes faces "shine," and bread doesn't just fill us, it "strengthens the heart." This shows how God's provisions are designed to impact our inner joy, outward appearance of well-being, and core strength.
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 passage celebrates God's abundant provision for humanity, moving beyond the sustenance of animals. Following the description of water for the earth and grass for cattle, it highlights the specific gifts of wine, oil, and bread that directly benefit human life and well-being, emphasizing their roles in bringing joy, vitality, and strength. This specific detail sets the stage for the psalmist to marvel at God's generous care for His people, who are meant to enjoy these gifts with gratitude and moderation.
We often think of basic necessities like food and drink as just that—basic. But what if God intended them to be sources of joy and even beauty?
This verse highlights that God's provision goes beyond mere survival. He gives us:
Have you ever considered that the very ground beneath us is participating in God's grand provision for His creation?
Psalm 104 is a magnificent song of creation, and verse 15 is nestled within a larger section (verses 10-15) that describes God's active role in watering the earth. The wine, oil, and bread don't just appear; they are the of God's careful orchestration:
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Understand the original words
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 speaks of hospitality and refreshment, offering bread to visitors, highlighting bread's role in sustaining and comforting guests.
Deuteronomy 8:8This verse describes the promised land as a place 'rich in wheat and barley, in vines and figs, in pomegranates, in olive oil and honey,' directly linking these provisions to God's blessing and sustenance for His people.
Judges 9:13Here, wine is explicitly described as making people 'glad,' showing its long-standing cultural association with joy and celebration in biblical times.
Romans 13:14While not about sustenance, this verse warns against indulging the flesh, indirectly underscoring the need for moderation in enjoying God's good provisions like wine and food.
1 Timothy 5:23Paul advises Timothy to 'use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments,' indicating a practical, healthful use of wine beyond mere gladness, aligning with the sustaining aspect of Psalm 104:15.
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…
wesleyPsalms 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."
104:15 Oil - He alludes to the custom of those times and places, which was upon festival occasions to anoint their faces with oil. Bread - Which preserves or renews our strength and vigour.
This verse doesn't just list gifts; it highlights their effects on us. Wine doesn't just exist, it "gladdens the heart," oil doesn't just appear, it makes faces "shine," and bread doesn't just fill us, it "strengthens the heart." This shows how God's provisions are designed to impact our inner joy, outward appearance of well-being, and core strength.
This passage celebrates God's abundant provision for humanity, moving beyond the sustenance of animals. Following the description of water for the earth and grass for cattle, it highlights the specific gifts of wine, oil, and bread that directly benefit human life and well-being, emphasizing their roles in bringing joy, vitality, and strength. This specific detail sets the stage for the psalmist to marvel at God's generous care for His people, who are meant to enjoy these gifts with gratitude and moderation.
This passage celebrates God's abundant provision for humanity, moving beyond the sustenance of animals. Following the description of water for the earth and grass for cattle, it highlights the specific gifts of wine, oil, and bread that directly benefit human life and well-being, emphasizing their roles in bringing joy, vitality, and strength. This specific detail sets the stage for the psalmist to marvel at God's generous care for His people, who are meant to enjoy these gifts with gratitude and moderation.
"and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart." — This verse doesn't just list gifts; it highlights their effects on us. Wine doesn't just exist, it "gladdens the heart," oil doesn't just appear, it makes faces "shine," and bread doesn't just fill…
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Last reviewed October 2026