Figures of Speech in the Bible

Shadow, Shade, and Protective Covering Imagery in the Bible

Shadow and shade imagery can picture protection under God, transience, or a temporary outline of a coming reality.

Simple Definition Technical Definition Scripture Examples JSON Data

Simple definition

Shadow and shade imagery can picture protection under God, transience, or a temporary outline of a coming reality.

Technical nameShadow, shade, refuge-covering, and protective shelter imagery
Alternate namesshadow imagery; shade imagery; shadow of wings; protective covering; passing shadow
Reader categoryProtection, shelter, transience, typological shadow, refuge, and divine covering / Shadow-shade imagery
Bullinger classSupplemental biblical imagery form
Source hintWave 45 final gap-sweep draft; distinguish protective shade, passing shadow, and typological shadow according to context.
Examples on page10

Technical definition

An imagery cluster in which shadow, shade, wing-covering, sheltering coolness, or temporary outline language signifies divine protection, human brevity, or typological anticipation.

Publication note: Examples are curated from the final Wave 46 source state. Some examples carry review notes where final Bible-text stream verification may still be prudent before public release.

Scripture examples

These examples show how Shadow, Shade, and Protective Covering Imagery functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.

Ps. 17:8
certain

hide me in the shadow of your wings

Shadow-of-wings language pictures covenant protection.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Ps. 36:7
certain

take refuge in the shadow of your wings

Divine shade becomes refuge for those trusting God's steadfast love.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Ps. 57:1
certain

in the shadow of your wings

The shadow motif expresses shelter until destructive storms pass.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Ps. 63:7
certain

in the shadow of your wings I sing

Protection under God's shadow produces worshipful confidence.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Ps. 91:1
certain

abide in the shadow of the Almighty

Shadow imagery presents God as the secure dwelling of faith.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Ps. 121:5
certain

the LORD is your shade

The LORD's shade pictures guarding presence beside his people.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Eccl. 6:12
certain

days ... like a shadow

Shadow imagery can also signify the brevity and uncertainty of mortal life.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Isa. 4:6
certain

shade by day from the heat

Restored Zion includes protective shade and shelter.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Isa. 25:4
certain

shade from the heat

God is pictured as shade for the needy against oppressive heat.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.
Col. 2:17
certain

a shadow of the things to come

Ceremonial realities are described as shadow in relation to Christ's substance.

Source: draft_normalized_scripture_example — Wave 45 final gap sweep rare forms/idioms/missing motif categories expansion
Review status: draft_normalized | Source/context check before final publication.

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