📖 Biblical Definition
The "shadow of His wings" is one of the most tender recurring images of YHWH’s protection in the Psalter — chicks gathered safely under the hen, the saint hidden under the wing of the Almighty. Boaz uses the image of Ruth the Moabitess: "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust" (Ruth 2:12). David repeats it: "keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings" (Psalm 17:8; cf. 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7). Christ Himself takes up the image lamenting Jerusalem: "how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Refuge under YHWH's protective wings; recurring Psalmic image.
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The recurring Psalmic image of refuge taken under the protective wings of YHWH — the chick under the hen, the saint hidden under the Almighty. Used of Ruth ("under whose wings thou art come to trust"), throughout the Psalms ("in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge," Ps 57:1), and by Christ Himself lamenting Jerusalem ("as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings"). The cherubim's wings over the mercy seat may underlie the imagery.
📖 Key Scripture
Psalm 91:4 — "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Ruth 2:12 — "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Matthew 23:37 — "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem... how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Sentimentalized to greeting-card warmth; the actual image (chick hiding under mother in storm) is muscular protection.
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Pop usage of "under His wings" sounds soft. The actual image is sharp: predator approaches, chicks dive under hen's spread wings, hen sustains the blow if any. The hen dies before the chicks do. The picture is muscular protection, not cozy comfort.
Recover the protection: the wings absorb the blow. Christ on the cross is the Hen who covered the chicks at her own cost.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew tsel kenaphayim.
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['Hebrew', 'H6738', 'tsel', 'shadow']
['Hebrew', 'H3671', 'kanaph', 'wing']
Usage
"Under His wings shalt thou trust."
"Boaz to Ruth: under YHWH's wings."
"The Hen covers chicks at her own cost."