Bible Dictionaries
Valley

Holman Bible Dictionary

Depression between mountains, a broad plain or plateau, a narrow ravine, or a low terrain. “Valleys” of varying shapes and sizes mark Palestine's landscape.

Five Hebrew terms are designated “valley” in the Old Testament. Bikeah is a broad plain ( Genesis 11:2; Isaiah 41:8 ). Gaye is a deep ravine, gorge, or valley (Isaiah 40:4; Zechariah 14:4 ). Nahal is a wadi, that is the bed of a stream which is often dry ( Numbers 34:5; Psalm 124:4; Ezekiel 48:28 ). Emech is a long, broad sweep between parallel ranges of hills ( Numbers 14:25; Joshua 8:13; Jeremiah 21:13 ). Shephelah is the low land, plain, or slope sweeping gently down from mountains ( Deuteronomy 10:1; Joshua 9:1; Jeremiah 17:26 ). One Greek term, pharanx , is used in the New Testament for each of these.

Valley is often used symbolically to refer to the difficulties of life. The classic example of this is Psalm 23:4 . All people go through these trials, but God is present with His people, protecting them during these times. See Palestine .

Bradley S. Butler