But the voice in this psalm talks about the darkest shadow that we must experience in an entirely different way: “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (23:4).19 The concessive clause “even though I walk” already undercuts the threat of death without denying its reality. It hints at hope against the greatest fear. “Even though” raises my expectations that beyond the horror of death there lies a firmer truth. The syntax suggests that a way out is ahead. I do not have to wait