### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsalmâveth**, represented by `{{H6757}}`, is a compound term formed from words meaning "shade" and "death." It appears **18 times** across **17 unique verses**, and is defined as the **shade of death**, the grave, or figuratively, a state of deep calamity. This powerful expression is used to describe the most profound darkness, mortal danger, and overwhelming distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H6757}}` is used to illustrate several layers of meaning. It describes the physical destination of death, a "land of darkness and the **shadow of death**" from which one does not return [[Job 10:21]]. Famously, it portrays a place of extreme peril, "the valley of the **shadow of death**," where the believer fears no evil due to God's presence [[Psalms 23:4]]. It is frequently contrasted with light, as those who dwell in the land of the **shadow of death** are promised that a great light will shine upon them [[Isaiah 9:2]]. God is shown to deliver people from this state, bringing them out of darkness and the **shadow of death** and breaking their bonds [[Psalms 107:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of **tsalmâveth**:
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness): This word is frequently paired with `{{H6757}}` to emphasize a state of complete spiritual and physical gloom. God brings people out of both **darkness** and the **shadow of death** [[Psalms 107:14]].
* `{{H4194}}` **mâveth** (death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin): As a root of **tsalmâveth**, this word establishes a direct link to mortality. The Bible asks, "Have the gates of **death** been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the **shadow of death**?" [[Job 38:17]].
* `{{H216}}` **'ôwr** (illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.); bright, clear, day, light (-ning), morning, sun): This term is often used as the direct opposite of the despair signified by `{{H6757}}`. God brings out the **shadow of death** to **light** [[Job 12:22]], and upon those in that land, the **light** has shined [[Isaiah 9:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6757}}` is significant, highlighting God's sovereignty and care.
* **God's Absolute Sovereignty:** God's power extends over even the deepest darkness. He "turneth the **shadow of death** into the morning" [[Amos 5:8]] and "discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the **shadow of death**" [[Job 12:22]]. His authority is so complete that He can even turn a person's hope into the **shadow of death** as a judgment [[Jeremiah 13:16]].
* **A Symbol of Extreme Calamity:** The term is used to describe the harshest conditions, such as the wilderness, a "land of drought, and of the **shadow of death**" [[Jeremiah 2:6]]. It symbolizes being utterly broken and "covered... with the **shadow of death**" [[Psalms 44:19]].
* **Deliverance through God's Presence:** While the **shadow of death** represents a place of terror [[Job 24:17]], the key theological point is the promise of God's presence within it. For the believer, walking through this valley inspires no fear of evil, because God's rod and staff provide comfort [[Psalms 23:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **tsalmâveth** `{{H6757}}` is far more than a simple term for darkness. It is a profound biblical concept representing the depths of human suffering, calamity, and the grave itself. Its usage consistently points away from the hopelessness of the state and toward the supreme power of God, who alone can penetrate this darkness, bring forth light, and provide comfort and deliverance to His people.
TRV