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").

Pronunciation

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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 as 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 23:4.

2. (idiomatic) A very dangerous place.

Derived terms

• valley of death

Translations

biblical phrase

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 死蔭的幽谷 (sǐ yīn dí yōugǔ)

• Finnish: kuoleman varjon laakso
• German: das finstere Tal n

• Japanese: 死の陰の谷 (shi no kage no tani)
• Latin: in medio umbrae mortis (in the valley of the shadow of death)
• Spanish: valle de sombra de muerte