Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7700 Leadership and the people of God  »  7730 explanation

The provision of the understanding of a dream, vision, parable, teaching or other matter, the meaning of which is less than obvious.

Examples of the explanation of dreams

By Joseph

Genesis 40:6-19; Genesis 41:10-32

By Daniel

Daniel 2:16,24,27-45; Daniel 5:12,17

By angels

Daniel 7:15-18,23-27

Examples of the explanation of visions

By Gabriel

Daniel 8:15-16

By an angel

See also Zechariah 1:8-10,18-21; Revelation 17:3-7,18

By Peter

Acts 11:4-17

Jesus Christ gave his disciples explanations

Of his parables

Mark 4:34 See also Matthew 15:15-20 pp Mark 7:17-23; Matthew 13:36-43

Of the Scriptures referring to himself and his relationship to his Father

Luke 24:27 See also John 16:25,29-30

Of his suffering, death and resurrection

Matthew 16:21 pp Mark 8:31 pp Luke 9:22 See also John 4:25-26

The gospel was explained

By Peter, at Pentecost:

Acts 2:14,16

By Philip:

Acts 8:30-31,34-35

By Paul:

Acts 17:2-3; Acts 28:23 Acts 18:24-26 by Aquila and Priscilla

Examples of other explanations

Judges 14:12-17 The Philistines desperately wanted the answer to Samson's riddle.

Samuel forewarned Israel of the consequences of having a king:

1 Samuel 8:9; Samuel 10:25

Solomon's great wisdom enabled him to answer many questions and explain many things:

1 Kings 4:29-34; Kings 10:1-3 pp 2 Chronicles 9:1-2; Nehemiah 8:7-8

See also

1403  God, revelation
1409  dream
1469  visions
1610  Scripture
4110  angels
5438  parables
5441  philosophy
7703  apologetics
7754  preaching
7797  teaching
8355  understanding
8361  wisdom