Psalms 80:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 80:5 mean?

Psalms 80:5 describes God as giving His people so much sorrow that their food and drink seem to be nothing but tears. The verse uses the image of eating bread and drinking water, but both are replaced with tears to show the depth of their grief.

The psalm is a prayer from the community of Israel, likely during a time of national trouble or disaster. The speaker is addressing God, expressing how overwhelming their suffering feels—so much so that sorrow is as constant and necessary as daily bread and water. This vivid language helps the reader feel the intensity of the people’s distress and their longing for God’s help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 80:5

• feedest (אָכַל, ’akal): This word means "to eat" or "to feed." Here, it highlights that sorrow is not just present but is being given by God as if it were food, making grief unavoidable and constant.
• bread (לֶחֶם, lechem): "Bread" in the ancient world was a basic, daily food. By calling their bread "the bread of tears," the verse shows that sadness is woven into their everyday life.
• tears (דִּמְעָה, dim‘ah): The same word is used twice, for both eating and drinking, emphasizing that tears are their main experience—both their food and drink.
• drink (שָׁקָה, shaqah): This word means "to give to drink." The verse says God gives them tears to drink "in great measure," stressing that their suffering is not small or occasional but abundant.
• measure (שְׁלִישׁ, shelish): This word often means "a third part," but here it likely means a large portion or full measure, underlining just how much sorrow they have received.

Why Psalms 80:5 matters

• The verse clears up any idea that the people’s suffering is minor or hidden; it is public, overwhelming, and affects every part of daily life.
• By using the images of food and drink, Psalms 80:5 connects sorrow to basic survival, showing that grief is not just emotional but shapes the whole existence of the community.
• This verse sets the stage for the psalm’s urgent plea for God’s restoration and help, making the later requests for mercy and rescue feel even more desperate and heartfelt.