Bible Dictionary
SHADOW OF DEATH
“The shadow of death” is poetic language for deep darkness, danger, distress, or the realm of death. It pictures the darkness through which God guides and preserves His people.
Biblical Usage
Biblical writers use the phrase for Sheol, deep distress, danger, and the darkness surrounding death. In the psalm describing the shepherd’s care, it represents the dark valley through which God’s people may be led without fear.