Psalms 80:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people are experiencing profound suffering and sorrow as their only sustenance.
The Context of Psalms 80:5
Description of the people's current condition of overwhelming grief.
What Does Psalms 80:5 Mean?
This vivid image of eating and drinking tears describes a life saturated with grief. Rather than bread (basic provision) and water (life-giving), the people receive only tears. The doubling—bread of tears and tears to drink—emphasizes the totality of their misery.
The phrase 'in great measure' suggests abundance, but it is abundance of suffering, not blessing. The paradox is sharp: God provides, but what he provides is sorrow. This implies either divine punishment or abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 80:5
What does Psalms 80:5 mean?
The people are experiencing profound suffering and sorrow as their only sustenance.
What is the context of Psalms 80:5?
Description of the people's current condition of overwhelming grief.