Psalm 23 is often recited at funerals. Why? In part because it speaks of walking through “the valley of the shadow of death.” But what does this phrase mean? This poetic phrase addresses in part our times of life in which we endure hardship. The “valley” was known as a low point in Israel, the area between two hills or higher elevations.
Full Answer
Is the valley of the shadow of death in Psalm 23 accurate?
However, “valley of the shadow of death” is possibly not the most accurate translation of the original Hebrew text. The NIV, NLT, and HCBS translate the phrase as “darkest valley,” resulting in Psalm 23:4 reading as, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley . . . .”
What is the valley of the shadow of death?
In translating the ancient Hebrew, the “valley of the shadow of death” as we know it isn’t quite accurate. The Hebrew word is sal-ma-wet, which means “darkness.” Some translate it as “dark shadow.”
What does the Bible say about the valley of the Shadow?
It is commonly used during funerals or by those approaching death. The message of Psalm 23:4 is one of comfort. We do not need to fear. God is with us, and His presence gives us strength and hope. However, “valley of the shadow of death” is possibly not the most accurate translation of the original Hebrew text.
What does Psalm 23 mean in the Bible?
The gift of Psalm 23 is that rather than deny this reality, it reminds us that the best way to prepare for the inevitability of life’s challenges is ready and waiting: strengthening our relationships with others, and walking hand-in-hand with the Divine.
What does Psalm 23:4 mean?
Psalm 23:4 reminds us that we have nothing to fear even though we may feel overwhelmed by it. The Lord is our shepherd, He knows what He’s doing, and He promises He will guide us through the valleys until we reach the sunny, open field on the other side. He is with us and won’t ever leave us.
What does God promise if we stray away in the valley?
And if we happen to stray away in the valley, He promises to leave the other 99 just to find you, wherever you may be. This is a great, precious promise we should all cling to. God is constantly with us, gently leading us, and forever faithful through every valley and over every mountain.
What does the priest stand in the death chamber?
In other films, as a prison guard leads a prisoner to the death chamber, the priest stands there praying. You’ve probably seen this too. In these movies and others, the characters are reciting one of the best-known verses in the entire Old Testament. I’m talking about Psalm 23:4, the one about walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
Is the Valley of Death accurate?
Another Mistranslation. In translating the ancient Hebrew, the “ valley of the shadow of death” as we know it isn’t quite accurate. The Hebrew word is sal-ma-wet, which means “darkness.”. Some translate it as “dark shadow.”. Either way, the root word for both versions is the same as it is for death, which is probably why many Bible translations say ...
Do sheep have a concept of death?
Sheep aren’t that smart. They’re cute and all, but like other animals, they have no concept of death. They can, however, understand the difference between light and dark. They behave differently on sunny days than they do on days when the skies are full of thick, dark storm clouds.
What does the word "shadow of death" mean in the Bible?
The Hebrew word for “shadow of death” is sal-ma-wet, which means “darkness” or “dark shadows.”. It contains the same root as the Hebrew word for “death” ( ma-wet ), so it is easy to see why some Bible translators include the mention of death in Psalm 23:4.
Do sheep understand death?
Sheep do not understand the concept of death. They do understand, though, that entering a dark valley can be dangerous. The point of Psalm 23:4 is that, even when we might have reason to be afraid, we do not need to fear, because God is with us, and He will take care of us. He, like a shepherd, knows what He is doing and has our best interests in ...
Does Psalm 23:4 apply to death?
However, the main point of Psalm 23:4 still definitely applies to death. Many people fear death, and those facing death certainly feel as if they are in a “dark valley.”. But even in death we do not need to fear, for God is with us, and He will protect and comfort us through it all. What does it mean to walk through the valley of the shadow ...
Is the Valley of the Shadow of Death accurate?
However, “valley of the shadow of death” is possibly not the most accurate translation of the original Hebrew text. The NIV, NLT, and HCBS translate the phrase as “darkest valley,” resulting in Psalm 23:4 reading as, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley .
What does Psalm 23 mean?
These words are commonly understood as reassurance that God accompanies us in our darkest moments, but some ancient rabbis understood them differently. Among the best-known of any biblical chapter, the six verses of Psalm 23 are commonly recited at funerals and chanted as a meditation.
What is the gift of Psalm 23?
The gift of Psalm 23 is that rather than deny this reality, it reminds us that the best way to prepare for the inevitability of life’s challenges is ready and waiting: strengthening our relationships with others, and walking hand-in-hand with the Divine.
Where is the valley of sin?
This represents a low valley in our spiritual lives, the VALLEY of SIN. (2) The Valley of ESCHOL – This is located just inside the Promised Land.
What is the denomination of Psalms 23:1-6?
Scripture: Psalms 23:1-6, Luke 16, Revelation 20. Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Summary: As we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd, He will lead us beside the still waters in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.
What is the valley of Chastening?
This is the VALLEY OF CHASTENING. (5) The Valley of JEZREEL. This is the valley that is so important to believers because it is where the Bible says that Armageddon, the great end-times battle, will be fought and Jesus will conquer Satan and all evil as the great armies of the world gather together for battle.
Where did David meet Goliath?
Young David, the courageous Shepherd Boy, met Goliath and defeated him with only a slingshot in the valley of Elah. It is the VALLEY of COURAGE. (4) The Valley of ACHOR. This is the valley where Achan lost his life for stealing what God declared was unholy and then lying to God to cover his sin.
Why do we face the shadow of death?
Enduring Word’s commentary explains that we merely face the “shadow of death” because Jesus came and bore the full weight of sin and death on his shoulders. David’s words point us to the great rescue that would come and die in our place so that our death would merely be a passing from this life to an eternity in Heaven.
What are the Psalms about?
The Psalms are a series of heart songs, poems and prayers written to God. Some of them plead for His help, some offer praise and worship, others tell of who God is, and all of them give insight into the nature of humanity's relationship with the Lord.
What does the shepherd do in verse 4?
The picture in verse 4 is of a shepherd who is unable to get his flock back before nighttime . In the dark, the shepherd would move from the back of the flock to the middle so the sheep could gather around him. This beautiful illustration paints a picture of a caring God that never leaves us alone in the dark!
What does Psalm 66:10 mean?
Psalm 66:10 says, “For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.”. In the “testing moments” God works to refine us. We can trust in God’s divine course-correction in our lives as something not to fear but as the loving act of a good Shepherd.
What did David understand about sheep?
Sheep are defenseless creatures, in need of constant care, and guidance. David understood humanity's great need for God and his gracious salvation. He realized how much we need God’s protection, provision, and leadership. Without God guiding our path, the danger ...
What is David's role in the Bible?
David is described in the Bible as a “man after God’s own heart.”. He shared an intimate relationship with the Lord, through a life that included many ups and downs.
What does it mean when you invite Jesus to be your shepherd?
By his wounds you are healed.”. When you invite Jesus to be your Shepherd or leader, you no longer have to fear death. We just have to pass through its shadowy valley to reach an eternal home in Heaven.
