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(צלמות, calmaÌ„weth): The Hebrew word translated “shadow of death†is used poetically for thick darkness (), as descriptive of Sheol ( f; ; ); figuratively of deep distress (; ; twice; ; (in the last three passages the American Standard Revised Version has “thick darkness†and “thick gloomâ€); , the Revised Version margin “deep darkness (and so elsewhere)â€; ; , ; ; ; ; ; ; , skiaÌ thanaÌtou). The Hebrew word is perhaps composed of ceÌ„l, “shadow,†and maÌ„weth, “death,†and the idea of “the valley of the shadow of death†was most probably derived from the deep ravines, darkened by over-hanging briars, etc., through which the shepherd had sometimes to lead or drive his sheep to new and better pastures.