A shadow is an allegorical meaning. I hate to use the word because it is nothing like common allegory. It certainly does not permit free-for-all interpretation.

The term is taken from Heb 10:1 ^[1] where there is something described which is not the law but which is something that the law has. This is a perfect way to explain sensus plenior. It is not the literal, but it is firmly attached to the literal the same way a shadow is attached to the object projecting it.

Shadows must be established by two or thee witnesses ^[2] and must always be the same thing where ever it is used ^[3]. Sometimes the witness is a sensus plenior definition such as "Life is in the blood" therefor blood represents life. Sometimes they are determined by solving one or more riddles, such as leaven

Disclaimer Our rules say that a shadow must be the same everywhere it is found. If you find a place where the image is different, please bring it to our attention so we can resolve the apparent conflict. Sometimes an apparent contradiction is a mystery. For instance, look at bread. Bread is obviously the body of Christ, yet it also represents the church in the sacrifices. The mystery is that we will be 'like' him. So he is the star and we are stars. He is the pearl and we are the treasure (many things in the box). He is the light and we are lights. People have many roles. Describing Israel as the first son and the first wife may sound like a contradiction, but it is not. Jesus is the only begotten son and the unbegotten only son. Also, our rules say that every word is established by two or three "witnesses". So although I may have two or three witnesses in mind, they should be considered tentative until well documented. You may wish to add documentation where it is required. According to the rules, all of these must be considered tentative until every word is understood. The puzzle isn't complete until the last piece is in place^[4].

References

1. ↑ Heb 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2. ↑ Rule:Testimony
3. ↑ Rule:Consistency
4. ↑ Rule:Totality