What are dreams and visions according to the Bible?

Definition and Terminology

Dreams and visions in Scripture are typically supernatural forms of communication that convey messages, warnings, or revelations. In dreams, individuals receive insight during sleep, while visions often occur when the individual is awake and fully conscious. Throughout the Bible, God uses both dreams and visions as instruments of divine purpose, guidance, and revelation.

Biblical Examples of Dreams

One of the early examples is Joseph in Genesis, who dreamed of sheaves of grain bowing to his own (see Gen. 37:5–7). Although brief, these dreams foreshadowed Joseph’s future authority over his brothers and, ultimately, his role in God’s plan to preserve Israel.

Another notable instance is Solomon’s request for wisdom: “At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night…” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon’s petition in this dream was honored by God, highlighting how dreams can address both personal and communal needs.

Similarly, the New Testament records how Joseph (the earthly guardian of Jesus) was repeatedly warned in dreams—first to take Mary as his wife (see Matt. 1:20) and then to flee to Egypt for safety (see Matt. 2:13). These examples portray dreams as a means for providing crucial direction at pivotal moments.

Biblical Examples of Visions

Visions, distinct from dreams by virtue of occurring while a person is awake, also fill the biblical narrative with prophetic significance. Daniel’s visions (Daniel 7–8) illustrate detailed previews of future kingdoms and end-time events. This same prophet states, “I kept looking until thrones were set in place…” (Dan. 7:9), demonstrating the vividness and gravity of visions as God’s revelation.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter’s vision of a sheet filled with various animals (see Acts 10:10–16) led to a groundbreaking understanding that the gospel was for both Jews and Gentiles. It was a life-changing insight conveyed through a divinely granted vision.

Prophetic Significance

Dreams and visions often hold a prophetic role, revealing events before they happen or granting wisdom about present circumstances. The prophet Joel declared, “your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28). This prophecy, partially fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:17), indicates that dreams and visions continue to function as signs of divine activity.

These experiences also reinforce God’s sovereignty. By unveiling future happenings or warning individuals of imminent danger, dreams and visions emphasize that time and history are ultimately under God’s control.

Distinction Between Dreams and Visions

1. Timing: Dreams typically occur during sleep. Visions usually happen during a conscious state.

2. Clarity: Visions are often more direct and vivid; dreams can be symbolic or require interpretation (e.g., Joseph’s or Daniel’s interpretations in Genesis 40–41 and Daniel 2).

3. Immediate Impact: Visions may prompt immediate clarity (as with Paul’s Macedonian call in Acts 16:9). Dreams, in contrast, may necessitate prayer, discernment, or the gifting of interpretation.

Purpose and Function

1. Guidance: Dreams and visions guide individuals toward specific tasks (e.g., Joseph’s dream-based decisions in Matthew 1–2).

2. Prophecy: They predict significant events before they occur (e.g., Daniel’s visions of future empires in Daniel 7–8).

3. Encouragement and Correction: Biblical accounts show God offering reassurance (like in Acts 18:9, where the Lord tells Paul not to be afraid).

Contemporary studies on the human psyche also affirm that people can experience life-changing clarity after vivid incidences in their subconscious. While science proposes neurological explanations for dreams, Scripture details a sovereign God who can intervene beyond natural processes whenever He wills.

Testing Dreams and Visions

Scripture cautions believers to test messages that purport to be from God. As stated in Deuteronomy 13:1–3, if a dream or a sign encourages idolatry or contradicts established revelation, it is disqualified as genuine.

Likewise, the Apostle John counsels, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” (1 John 4:1). The principle is consistent: All revelations must align with God’s character and His Word.

Biblical Warnings and Guidelines

1. False Dreams: Jeremiah denounces those who claim false dreams to lead people away from God (Jer. 23:25–28).

2. Discernment: Believers are urged to remain discerning, as not every supernatural experience or claim is of divine origin (Col. 2:18).

3. Edification and Alignment: Proper dreams and visions should glorify God and reflect sound doctrine.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Archaeological findings such as ancient Near Eastern dream records (e.g., Egyptian and Mesopotamian inscriptions) highlight the shared cultural significance of dreams. These parallels also confirm that the biblical writers used historically recognizable contexts. Multiple manuscripts containing books like Genesis, Daniel, and Acts were uncovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls, affirming consensus on the texts that describe pivotal dreams and visions. This consistency supports the reliability of the scriptural witness.

Practical Considerations Today

Many wonder if God still uses dreams and visions in modern times. Historically, mission fields and anecdotal records have documented individuals who claim encounters leading them to a deeper faith or radical change of life direction. While each claim must be weighed carefully, these reports underscore Scripture’s teaching that God remains capable of revealing Himself in ways consistent with His Word and nature.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, dreams and visions emerge as powerful vehicles of divine communication, used to guide, warn, correct, and foretell. They serve to highlight God’s sovereignty over human affairs and to bolster faith in His continued involvement in the world. Always subject to Scripture’s authority, these revelatory experiences invite reverent discernment.