what is the valley of the shadow of death?

Question

ive heard the extract,,"though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death i will fear no evil"
at many funerals and other things but what is it from
at one point i thought it was an extract from dracula lol but seriously wot s it from and wot exactly is it

if its from ther bible could someone please give me direction on where to find it, its pretty big

Answer 1

yes, it's from the Bible, the 23rd Psalm: http://www.rwf2000.com/2000/23pslm.htm

Answer 2

I don't believe it necessarily has anything to do with death. It may! I interpret it to mean that even when you are in the face of danger or trouble, God will always be there to protect you so there is no need to fear because he will guide you hence the first line 'The Lord is my Shepherd'...something along those lines.

And yes it's psalm 23 as everyone has said.

Answer 3

I suppose it is just a way of people in the old days to describe a dark scary place where they thought one would pass as one encountered death. A valley is often dark and dangerous and scary in those days where forest are still untouched and not fully explore. Valley is often sinister without one knowing what actually is there as no one have actually explore it. This 'feeling' of dark damp and scary is further emphasize by the shadow of death. Not only it is so dark sinister and scary, it is definitely not safe and very dangerous. .........A metaphor

Answer 4

I always understood the valley to be the crossing overpoint from life to death- you fear no evil because you are going to a better place.

Answer 5

It is a verse in the book of Psalm chapter 23 vs 4. It is a metaphor used to reassure God's children of his presence and companionship even in their scariest, most depressed and most seemingly hopeless situations.
Valley here represents the deepest/lowest we think we can get to in life and Shadow of death tells us that even when death eclipses us, it is still not the conclusion to our matter as long as we remain faithful to him.

The importance of its use during funerals is twofold:

1. it reassures the living that the dead relative is not lost but lives under the promise of God
2. it reminds the living to remain steadfast in their faith and belief in the word of God

Answer 6

Look here:

http://www.rwf2000.com/2000/23pslm.htm
http://lurasbookcase.com/valv4.shtml

"The Lord Is My Shepherd"
Psalms 23

1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4. 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.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

Answer 7

"The Lord Is My Shepherd"
Psalms 23

1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4. 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.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever


What this means is that God will lead you in the path of righteous like a shepherd who leads his flock away from danger. God won't let anything harm you. Even though you might be afraid, the Lord tells us to fear not for He will walk with us. Thy rod and thy staff is God's word and you should find comfort in it. The spriture also tells us that you will be blessed and merciful when you trust in Jesus. In return He is preparing a place for us in heaven to live with Him forever.

Answer 8

Also the charge of the light brigade, riding into the valley surrounded by Russian guns, tally ho chaps.

Answer 9

You must also take into account the famous poem 'Charge of the Light brigade.'

It uses this phrase in it and the phrase has become associated with this poem in its own right.

Answer 10

23rd psalm passing over life to death and at peace within yourself and in belief of of your GOD and Heaven