valley of the shadow of death

English

Etymology

From Psalm 23 of the Book of Psalms. "Shadow of death" is from the Hebrew צלמות (tzal "shadow" + mavet "death").

Noun

valley of the shadow of death

1. (idiomatic) A symbolic description of the world, meaning darkness and death are (symbolic) valleys on earth one must walk through, that is, part of the human experience.

   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me... - Psalm 23.

2. (idiomatic) A very dangerous place.

Derived terms

• valley of death