valley of the shadow of death
Death's dark passage
A phrase from Psalm 23 in the Bible, describing passage through mortal danger or extreme hardship while trusting in divine protection.
The original context is a shepherd's journey through dangerous terrain.
Extended to any dire circumstance—grave illness, war, profound grief: Even as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
Often shortened to the valley of death in secular use.
psalm
Sacred scriptural song
comfort · fear · evil · anoint · cup · goodness · mercy · dwell · house · lord
darkness
Total absence of light
trial · tribulation · hardship · adversity · crisis · suffering · mortality · grief · illness · terminal
valley of the shadow of deathgreen pastures
Fertile grassy land
still waters · paradise · promised land · heaven · kingdom of heaven
valley of the shadow of deathhigh ground
Elevated terrain offering advantage
mountaintop · green pastures · solid rock · shelter · sanctuary
valley of the shadow of deathprime of life
Period of peak vigor
salad days · golden age · halcyon days · smooth sailing · easy street
valley, valleys, shadow, shadows, shadowy, shadowed, shadowing, deaths, deathly