# shadow, overshadow, shade

## Definition:

The word “shadow” literally refers to the darkness that is caused by an object blocking the light. It also has several figurative meanings.

* The “shadow of death” means that death is present or near, just as a shadow indicates the presence of its object.
* Many times in the Bible, the life of a human being is compared to a shadow, which does not last very long and has no substance.
* Sometimes “shadow” is used as another word for “darkness.”
* The Bible talks about being hidden or protected in the shadow of God’s wings or hands. This is a picture of being protected and hidden from danger. Other ways to translate “shadow” in these contexts could include “shade” or “safety” or “protection.”
* It is best to translate “shadow” literally using the local term that is used to refer to an actual shadow.

(See also: [darkness](../other/darkness.md), [light](../other/light.md))

## Bible References:

* [2 Kings 20:9](rc://en/tn/help/2ki/20/09)
* [Genesis 19:8](rc://en/tn/help/gen/19/08)
* [Isaiah 30:2](rc://en/tn/help/isa/30/02)
* [Jeremiah 6:4](rc://en/tn/help/jer/06/04)
* [Psalms 17:8](rc://en/tn/help/psa/017/08)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H2927, H6738, H6751, H6752, H6754, H6757, G644, G1982, G2683, G4639