Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, dreams hold significant spiritual and prophetic importance. Throughout the Scriptures, dreams are often depicted as a medium through which God communicates with individuals, revealing His will, providing guidance, or foretelling future events. The Bible presents numerous instances where dreams play a pivotal role in the unfolding of God's divine plan.Old Testament 1. Joseph, Son of Jacob: One of the most notable dreamers in the Bible is Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph's dreams, which he shared with his brothers, foretold his future rise to power and the eventual bowing of his family before him. These dreams, found in Genesis 37:5-11, were instrumental in the narrative of Joseph's life, leading to his eventual position as a ruler in Egypt. "Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more" (Genesis 37:5). 2. Pharaoh's Dreams: In Genesis 41, Pharaoh's dreams of seven fat cows and seven lean cows, as well as seven healthy ears of grain and seven thin ears, were interpreted by Joseph. These dreams were prophetic, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph's interpretation and subsequent actions saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation. 3. Nebuchadnezzar's Dreams: The Book of Daniel records King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams, which Daniel interprets. In Daniel 2, the king dreams of a great statue made of various materials, symbolizing successive kingdoms. Daniel's interpretation reveals God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. Another dream in Daniel 4 involves a great tree, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar's reign and his eventual humbling by God. New Testament 1. Joseph, Husband of Mary: In the New Testament, dreams continue to serve as divine messages. Joseph, the husband of Mary, receives guidance through dreams on several occasions. In Matthew 1:20, an angel appears to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife despite her miraculous pregnancy: "But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit'" (Matthew 1:20). 2. The Magi: The wise men, or Magi, are warned in a dream not to return to Herod after visiting the infant Jesus. This divine warning, found in Matthew 2:12, ensures the safety of the Christ child: "And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route" (Matthew 2:12). 3. Pilate's Wife: In Matthew 27:19, Pilate's wife experiences a troubling dream about Jesus, leading her to warn her husband against condemning Him: "While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: 'Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him'" (Matthew 27:19). Theological Significance Dreams in the Bible are often seen as a means of divine revelation, a way for God to communicate His plans and purposes to humanity. They serve as a reminder of God's active involvement in the world and His ability to guide and direct the lives of individuals according to His will. Dreams can be both literal and symbolic, requiring discernment and, at times, interpretation by those gifted with understanding, as seen in the lives of Joseph and Daniel. Warnings and Cautions While dreams can be a source of divine revelation, the Bible also warns against false dreams and false prophets. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3, the Israelites are cautioned to test the authenticity of dreams and the messages they convey, ensuring they align with God's revealed truth. This underscores the importance of discernment and adherence to Scripture as the ultimate authority. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Dream.Strong's Hebrew 5161. Nechelami -- descriptive title for a false prophet... Apparently a patronymic from an unused name (apparently passive participle of chalam); dreamed; a Nechelamite, or descendant of Nechlam -- Nehelamite. ... /hebrew/5161.htm - 6k 2492b. chalam -- to dream Library You Allude to vigilantius. What Dream this is that You have ... The Trials and visions of Devout Youth As to Your Charge of Perjury, Since You Refer Me to Your Book; and ... Joseph and his Brethren. The Fourth vision "In Heaven" The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors Joseph and his Brethren Andromeda Chapter xl Chapter xxxvii Thesaurus Dreamed (20 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Dream. Multi-Version Concordance Dreamed (20 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Genesis 28:12 He dreamed. ... /d/dreamed.htm - 12k Related (45 Occurrences) Meaning (41 Occurrences) Dreams (34 Occurrences) Obeisance (45 Occurrences) Interpreter (7 Occurrences) Interpret (27 Occurrences) Eleven (25 Occurrences) Dream (82 Occurrences) Barley (35 Occurrences) Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible mention Alexander the Great? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Dreamed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dreamed (20 Occurrences)Genesis 11:6 Genesis 28:12 Genesis 37:5 Genesis 37:6 Genesis 37:9 Genesis 37:10 Genesis 40:5 Genesis 40:8 Genesis 41:1 Genesis 41:5 Genesis 41:11 Genesis 41:15 Genesis 42:9 Judges 7:13 Psalms 126:1 Jeremiah 23:25 Jeremiah 29:8 Daniel 2:1 Daniel 2:2 Daniel 2:3 Subtopics Related Terms |