Skia denotes a cast shade, and in several passages an anticipatory representation contrasted with fuller realities.

The dominant attested use presents skia as an anticipatory representation: what is called a shadow is set beside things to come, heavenly things, or realities not fully shown. Elsewhere it denotes literal shade cast by a passing person or a large plant, and it occurs in the phrase “shadow of death” alongside darkness.

1. Anticipatory representation · dominant

   In Colossians 2:17 the nominative singular form occurs in the clause that contrasts it with “the things to come” and with the body belonging to Christ. In Hebrews 8:5 the dative singular form is joined with “a copy” of heavenly things, while Hebrews 10:1 contrasts the accusative singular form with “the true image of the realities.”

   Colossians 2:17Hebrews 8:5Hebrews 10:1
2. Cast shade from a person or plant · occasional

   In Acts 5:15 the nominative singular form appears in the request that Peter’s passing shadow might fall on the sick. In Mark 4:32 the accusative singular form occurs beneath the plant’s great branches, where the APB renders the setting as birds dwelling under its “shade.”

   Acts 5:15Mark 4:32
3. Shadow in the phrase “of death” · occasional

   In Luke 1:79 and Matthew 4:16, the dative singular form occurs with death and darkness in descriptions of people sitting in that condition before light appears or dawns.

   Luke 1:79Matthew 4:16

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “shadow” in Acts 5:15, Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1, Hebrews 8:5, Luke 1:79, and Matthew 4:16, while Mark 4:32 uses “shade.” These renderings confirm the verse contexts rather than establish separate meanings by themselves.