The Valley of Death is a significant location referenced in the Bible, particularly in Psalm 23:4. Also known as the “shadow of death,” it symbolizes a treacherous or perilous situation that individuals may encounter throughout their lives. In the biblical context, the Valley of Death represents times of extreme danger, hardship, and despair.
The Valley of Death is characterized by its foreboding atmosphere, evoking a sense of darkness and fear. It is depicted as a deep and narrow gorge, enveloped in shadows and shrouded by the presence of death. The terrain is treacherous, making it difficult for individuals to
It is understandable that the majority of Christians interpret Psalm 23:4’s reference to “the valley of the shadow of death” as a metaphor without a specific place. “Yes, even though I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear evil because you are with me, and your staff and rod are comforting to me.”
The ancient valley known as the Valley of Hinnom, Gehinnom, or Gehenna, which surrounded Ancient Jerusalem from the west and southwest, has taken on theological significance in a number of ways, including the idea that it is a location of divine punishment in Jewish eschatology.
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Valley Of Death In The Bible
While seeing it as a representation of death or the dark underworld isn’t totally incorrect, it’s also not totally true. Perhaps a more relatable picture in Psalm 23 is that of a shepherd guiding the sheep across a pitch-black gully rather than the agony of death.
However, one may counter that death itself is the “darker ravine” of all. According to Derek Kidner (Psalms 1-72: An Introduction and Commentary), “although darkness is the leading thought in most of the Old Testament contexts, death is dominant in a few, including (in my view) the present verse.”
In agreement with Kidner, the Septuagint (LXX), the Old Testament translated from Greek, renders the term skias thanatou (the shadow of death).
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
The most famous reference to the Valley of Death in the Bible is found in Psalm 23:4, which says, “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.” This verse is a comforting reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is with us, providing us with strength and protection.
The Valley of Dry Bones
In Ezekiel 37:1-14, Ezekiel has a vision of a valley full of dry bones. God asks him if these bones can live again, and Ezekiel says only God knows. God then commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and they come back to life, representing the restoration of Israel. This story shows that even in the most desolate places, God can bring life and restoration.
The Valley of Achor
Joshua 7 tells the story of Achan, who disobeyed God by taking plunder from the city of Jericho. As a result, the Israelites suffered defeat in battle. God revealed Achan’s sin, and he and his family were stoned to death in the Valley of Achor. This story serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following God’s commands.
The Valley of Josaphat
In Joel 3:2, the Valley of Josaphat is mentioned as the place where God will judge the nations. This valley is associated with the final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked. It serves as a reminder that ultimately, everyone will be held accountable for their actions before God.
The Valley of Hinnom
The Valley of Hinnom, also known as Gehenna, is mentioned in several verses in the Bible as a place of judgment and punishment. In Jeremiah 7:31-32, it is described as a place where the Israelites sacrificed their children to false gods, leading to God’s wrath. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Gehenna as a place of eternal punishment for the wicked. This valley serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance. By exploring these various references to the Valley of Death in the Bible, we gain a deeper understanding of the themes of judgment, restoration, obedience, and repentance that are woven throughout Scripture. These stories serve as timeless lessons for believers and non-believers alike, reminding us of the power of God’s presence, the consequences of sin, and the promise of restoration and redemption.
Valley of Shadow of Death Meaning
One of the most well-known passages in the Bible is Psalm 23:4, which says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (ESV). It is frequently used by persons who are close to passing away or at funerals. Comfort is the message of Psalm 23:4. There’s nothing to fear. We have hope and strength because God is with us.
That being said, it’s possible that “valley of the shadow of death” is not the most accurate translation of the Hebrew original. The word is translated as “darkest valley” by the NIV, NLT, and HCBS, so Psalm 23:4 reads, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley…” “Darkness” or “dark shadows” is the Hebrew term sal-ma-wet, which translates to “shadow of death.” Given that its root is the same as the Hebrew word for “death” (ma-wet), it is understandable that Psalm 23:4 mentions death in various Bible translations.
Furthermore, the idea of gloom makes much more sense in Psalm 23. Psalm 23, particularly verses 1-4, compares our connection with God to that of a shepherd and his sheep: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” I lie down amid fields of green under his gaze. He guides me next to placid waters… I will not dread evil because you are with me; your rod and staff soothe me even though I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:1-4).
Sheep don’t comprehend what dying is. They are aware that it might be risky to venture into a dark valley, though. The message of Psalm 23:4 is that, even though there may be cause for concern, we need not be scared since God is with us and will provide for our needs. Like a shepherd, He is aware of what He is doing and acts in our best interests.
Therefore, it does not seem that Psalm 23:4’s translation of “valley of the shadow of death” is the most correct one. There’s something much more fitting for a “dark valley” than sheep sprawled out on verdant meadows and by peaceful streams. But Psalm 23:4’s primary message still holds true in regards to death. Death is something that many people fear, and individuals who are dying often feel as though they are in a “dark valley.” However, since God is with us and will always protect and console us, we do not need to fear death.
What Is The Valley of The Shadow of Death In The Bible
Psalm 23:4 ESV / 118 helpful votes
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 61 helpful votes
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. …
John 3:16 ESV / 25 helpful votes
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Philippians 3:20-21 ESV / 15 helpful votes
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Isaiah 25:8 ESV / 15 helpful votes
He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 26:19 ESV / 13 helpful votes
Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead.
Hosea 13:14 ESV / 12 helpful votes
I shall ransom them from the power of Sheol; I shall redeem them from Death. O Death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion is hidden from my eyes.
Matthew 6:33 ESV / 11 helpful votes
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV / 10 helpful votes
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Hebrews 6:12 ESV / 9 helpful votes
So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 ESV / 9 helpful votes
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 ESV / 9 helpful votes
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.
Revelation 21:8 ESV / 7 helpful votes
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Revelation 20:4-5 ESV / 6 helpful votes
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.
2 Timothy 1:12 ESV / 6 helpful votes
Which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
Mark 1:1-45 ESV / 6 helpful votes
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. …
Isaiah 43:2 ESV / 6 helpful votes
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Revelation 20:9 ESV / 5 helpful votes
And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them,
Revelation 6:1-17 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword. When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. …
2 Timothy 3:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes
And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22 ESV / 5 helpful votes
For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
Acts 17:11 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Acts 8:28 ESV / 5 helpful votes
And was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
John 17:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John 11:11-14 ESV / 5 helpful votes
After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died,
John 5:28-29 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
Luke 20:36 ESV / 5 helpful votes
For they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
Daniel 12:2 ESV / 5 helpful votes
And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Ezekiel 18:4 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
Song of Solomon 1:8 ESV / 5 helpful votes
If you do not know, O most beautiful among women, follow in the tracks of the flock, and pasture your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.
Ecclesiastes 9:6 ESV / 5 helpful votes
Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 3:20 ESV / 5 helpful votes
All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.
Genesis 2:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Revelation 19:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
Hebrews 11:1-40 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. …
Hebrews 2:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Philippians 1:21 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
1 Corinthians 15:55 ESV / 4 helpful votes
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
1 Corinthians 15:50 ESV / 4 helpful votes
I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 4 helpful votes
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; …
Romans 15:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 5:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
Romans 5:1-21 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. …
Romans 3:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
Acts 27:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
Acts 2:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes
God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
John 5:39 ESV / 4 helpful votes
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,
Luke 24:45 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
Luke 10:26 ESV / 4 helpful votes
He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
Luke 2:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 1:30 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Matthew 15:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes
He need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.
Matthew 1:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Daniel 12:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
Proverbs 10:1-32 ESV / 4 helpful votes
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother. Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. …
Proverbs 2:3-5 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Psalm 146:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes
When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.
Psalm 146:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
Psalm 119:97 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
Psalm 119:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
Psalm 1:2 ESV / 4 helpful votes
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Job 23:12 ESV / 4 helpful votes
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
2 Kings 22:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
2 Kings 6:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” So the Lord opened their eyes and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
1 Kings 17:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son.
1 Kings 4:33 ESV / 4 helpful votes
He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish.
Judges 20:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.
Joshua 1:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Deuteronomy 20:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes
For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’
Deuteronomy 1:21 ESV / 4 helpful votes
See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’
Exodus 20:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes
Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”
Genesis 26:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes
He had possessions of flocks and herds and many servants, so that the Philistines envied him.
Genesis 21:17 ESV / 4 helpful votes
And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.
Genesis 15:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
Genesis 3:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Revelation 7:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
2 Peter 1:21 ESV / 3 helpful votes
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ESV / 3 helpful votes
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Colossians 3:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Isaiah 41:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.
Conclusion
The phrase “valley of the shadow of death” appears in the 23rd Psalm of the Old Testament. It is a metaphorical description of the hardships and dangers that people face in life. The phrase is often used to describe the experience of people who are going through difficult times, such as illness, grief, or depression. The phrase is also used to describe the experience of people who are facing death. The phrase is a reminder that even in the darkest moments of life, God is with us and will guide us through our struggles. The phrase is a powerful reminder of the hope and comfort that we can find in God’s love and grace.