Psalms 104:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God makes grass grow for livestock and herbs for human use, enabling food production.
The Context of Psalms 104:14
The focus narrows to livestock and human agriculture, both dependent on God's provision of growing plants.
What Does Psalms 104:14 Mean?
God's creative activity directly results in grass for cattle, emphasizing that livestock are not incidental but intentionally provided for. The growth of grass is attributed directly to God's causing it to grow, not to natural processes alone. This establishes that even ordinary agricultural provision flows from divine creative power. Cattle are a primary resource in ancient economies, and their sustenance is God's concern.
Herbs for humanity's service indicate that God has arranged the plant kingdom for human benefit and use. This moves beyond animal care to human provision, recognizing both the importance of food production and humans' role in using creation's resources. The phrase 'that he may bring forth food out of the earth' indicates the purpose: food production is God's design, achieved through human work cooperating with God's provision of growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 104:14
What does Psalms 104:14 mean?
God makes grass grow for livestock and herbs for human use, enabling food production.
What is the context of Psalms 104:14?
The focus narrows to livestock and human agriculture, both dependent on God's provision of growing plants.