Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, "shade" often symbolizes protection, refuge, and comfort. The concept of shade is frequently used metaphorically to describe God's protective presence over His people. The imagery of shade is drawn from the natural world, where shade provides relief from the harshness of the sun, offering a place of rest and safety.Old Testament References The Hebrew word for shade, "tsel," appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. One of the most prominent uses is in the Psalms, where shade is associated with God's protective care. Psalm 121:5 states, "The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand." Here, shade signifies God's constant presence and protection, akin to a shadow that never departs. In Isaiah 25:4, shade is used to describe God's protection against adversity: "For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a shelter from the storm, a shade from the heat." This verse highlights God's role as a protector and provider, offering relief and safety to those in need. The imagery of shade is also present in the Song of Solomon, where it conveys delight and intimacy. Song of Solomon 2:3 reads, "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste." Here, shade represents the comfort and pleasure found in the beloved's presence. New Testament References While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "shade," the concept of divine protection and refuge continues. The metaphorical use of shade can be seen in the broader theme of God's care and the rest found in Christ. For instance, Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him, as seen in Matthew 11:28-29: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Theological Significance Theologically, shade represents the divine protection and comfort that God provides to His people. It is a reminder of His faithfulness and the security found in His presence. The imagery of shade underscores the idea that God is a refuge and fortress, offering shelter from life's trials and tribulations. In a broader sense, shade can also symbolize the peace and rest that believers find in their relationship with God. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual refreshment and renewal that comes from abiding in Him. The concept of shade, therefore, is deeply intertwined with the themes of trust, reliance, and divine care throughout the biblical narrative. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Comparative obscurity owing to interception or interruption of the rays of light; partial darkness caused by the intervention of something between the space contemplated and the source of light.2. (n.) Darkness; obscurity; -- often in the plural. 3. (n.) An obscure place; a spot not exposed to light; hence, a secluded retreat. 4. (n.) That which intercepts, or shelters from, light or the direct rays of the sun; hence, also, that which protects from heat or currents of air; a screen; protection; shelter; cover; as, a lamp shade. 5. (n.) Shadow. 6. (n.) The soul after its separation from the body; -- so called because the ancients it to be perceptible to the sight, though not to the touch; a spirit; a ghost; as, the shades of departed heroes. 7. (n.) The darker portion of a picture; a less illuminated part. See Def. 1, above. 8. (n.) Degree or variation of color, as darker or lighter, stronger or paler; as, a delicate shade of pink. 9. (n.) A minute difference or variation, as of thought, belief, expression, etc.; also, the quality or degree of anything which is distinguished from others similar by slight differences; as, the shades of meaning in synonyms. 10. (v. t.) To shelter or screen by intercepting the rays of light; to keep off illumination from. 11. (v. t.) To shelter; to cover from injury; to protect; to screen; to hide; as, to shade one's eyes. 12. (v. t.) To obscure; to dim the brightness of. 13. (v. t.) To pain in obscure colors; to darken. 14. (v. t.) To mark with gradations of light or color. 15. (v. t.) To present a shadow or image of; to shadow forth; to represent. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHADE; SHADOW; SHADOWINGshad, shad'-o, shad'-o-ing (tsel; skia): A shadow is any obscuration of the light and heat with the form of the intervening object, obscurely projected, constantly changing and passing away. "Shadow" is used literally of a roof (Genesis 19:8), of mountains (Judges 9:36), of trees (Judges 9:15, etc.), of wings (Psalm 17:8, etc.), of a cloud (Isaiah 25:5), of a great rock (Isaiah 32:2), of a man (Peter, Acts 5:15), of the shadow on the dial (2 Kings 20:9, etc.), of Jonah's gourd (Jonah 4:5 f). It is used also figuratively Greek 4639. skia -- shadow ... Feminine Transliteration: skia Phonetic Spelling: (skee'-ah) Short Definition: a shadow, thick darkness, an outline Definition: a shadow, shade, thick darkness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4639.htm - 6k 1982. episkiazo -- to overshadow 644. aposkiasma -- a shadow 2683. kataskiazo -- to overshadow Strong's Hebrew 2927. telal -- to have shade... 2926, 2927. telal. 2928 . to have shade. Transliteration: telal Phonetic Spelling: (tel-al') Short Definition: shade. Word Origin ... /hebrew/2927.htm - 6k 6753. Tselelponi -- "give shade, you who turn to me!" an Israelite ... 6738. tsel -- a shadow 6751. tsalal -- to be or grow dark 7700. shed -- probably demon 6766. Tseltsach -- a place in Benjamin 4588. mauph -- gloom 6759. Tsalmunna -- a king of Midian 4699. metsullah -- a basin or hollow 6752. tselel -- shadow Library Within the Garden's Sombre Shade, Within the Garden's Sombre Shade, Light and Shade. Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary Bowed with Grief and Anguish Low, Under his Shadow. "Pan, Pan is Dead" Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... The Big Road A Heart-Breaking Verse. Thesaurus Shade (67 Occurrences)... from, light or the direct rays of the sun; hence, also, that which protects from heat or currents of air; a screen; protection; shelter; cover; as, a lamp shade... /s/shade.htm - 31k Death-shade (16 Occurrences) Shadow (72 Occurrences) Shady (3 Occurrences) Shelter (36 Occurrences) Ruthless (21 Occurrences) Shadowing (3 Occurrences) Plants (70 Occurrences) Storm (62 Occurrences) Lotus (2 Occurrences) Resources How can I know that my future sins are forgiven? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org What happened at the Pool of Bethesda? | GotQuestions.org Shade: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shade (67 Occurrences)Matthew 4:16 Mark 4:32 Luke 1:79 Luke 9:34 Acts 5:15 James 1:17 Genesis 19:8 Judges 9:15 Judges 9:36 2 Kings 20:9 2 Kings 20:10 2 Kings 20:11 1 Chronicles 29:15 Nehemiah 8:15 Job 7:2 Job 8:9 Job 12:22 Job 14:2 Job 17:7 Job 24:17 Job 40:21 Job 40:22 Psalms 17:8 Psalms 23:4 Psalms 36:7 Psalms 44:19 Psalms 63:7 Psalms 80:10 Psalms 91:1 Psalms 102:11 Psalms 109:23 Psalms 121:5 Psalms 144:4 Ecclesiastes 6:12 Ecclesiastes 8:13 Song of Songs 2:3 Isaiah 4:6 Isaiah 16:3 Isaiah 25:4 Isaiah 25:5 Isaiah 25:7 Isaiah 30:2 Isaiah 30:3 Isaiah 32:2 Isaiah 34:15 Isaiah 38:8 Isaiah 49:2 Isaiah 51:16 Jeremiah 2:6 Jeremiah 4:30 Jeremiah 48:45 Lamentations 4:20 Ezekiel 17:23 Ezekiel 27:7 Ezekiel 31:3 Ezekiel 31:6 Ezekiel 31:12 Ezekiel 31:17 Daniel 4:12 Daniel 4:21 Hosea 4:13 Hosea 14:7 Joel 2:2 Jonah 4:5 Jonah 4:6 Zephaniah 1:15 Zechariah 1:8 Subtopics Related Terms |