God uses dreams and visions in amazing ways throughout the Bible. Today, we’ll learn how they reveal His will and guide His people.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Dreaming
What Does The Bible Say About Dreams And Visions
Genesis 37:5
“Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.”
Joseph’s dream caused jealousy and hatred among his brothers because they interpreted it as him claiming superiority over them. This verse highlights the potential consequences of sharing dreams and visions without discernment and sensitivity.
It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the impact our dreams and visions might have on others and to seek wisdom in how and when we communicate them.
Genesis 40:8
“We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”
Joseph, known for his ability to interpret dreams, acknowledged that the interpretation of dreams is a divine gift. He recognized that God is the ultimate source of understanding dreams and visions.
This verse teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and interpretation when faced with dreams and visions, recognizing that He alone holds the key to their meaning.
Genesis 41:15
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.'”
The reputation of Joseph as an interpreter of dreams reached Pharaoh, who sought him out for understanding. This verse highlights the value of developing and honing spiritual gifts, which can open doors for serving others and glorifying God.
It reminds us that God can use our unique abilities and talents to impact those around us, even in unexpected ways.
Numbers 12:6
“He said, ‘Listen to my words: ‘When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams.'”
God declares His chosen method of communication with prophets. He often reveals Himself and His messages through visions and dreams, emphasizing the divine origin and significance of these experiences.
This verse encourages us to be open and receptive to the various ways in which God communicates with us, understanding that dreams and visions can serve as channels of divine revelation.
Job 33:14-15
“For God does speak–now one way, now another–though no one perceives it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds.”
These verses emphasize that God communicates with humanity through various means, including dreams and visions. They highlight the subtle nature of divine communication, with God speaking in ways that might go unnoticed or unrecognized by individuals.
They remind us to be attentive and discerning, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom even in the quiet and hidden moments of our lives.
Joel 2:28
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
This verse prophesies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the subsequent manifestation of prophetic dreams and visions. It foretells a time when people from all walks of life will experience divine communication through dreams and visions.
It serves as a reminder of the inclusive nature of God’s redemptive work, offering His Spirit and communication to all who believe in Him.
Matthew 1:20
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'”
God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to reassure him and provide guidance concerning the unusual circumstances surrounding Mary’s pregnancy. This verse illustrates how dreams can be used by God to convey important messages and bring comfort during times of confusion or uncertainty.
It encourages us to trust in God’s divine guidance, even when His directions might defy human logic or understanding.
Matthew 2:12
“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
The wise men from the East received a warning in a dream, cautioning them against returning to Herod after visiting baby Jesus. This verse demonstrates how dreams can provide specific guidance and protect us from potential harm or danger.
It reminds us to be attentive to the messages God might be conveying to us through our dreams and to follow His leading, even if it leads us on a different path.
Acts 2:17
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”
Peter quotes the prophecy from Joel regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people. This verse underscores the continued relevance and significance of dreams and visions as a means of divine communication in the present age.
It encourages believers to eagerly embrace the spiritual gifts that God bestows upon them, including the ability to receive and interpret dreams and visions.
Acts 9:10-12
“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered. The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision, he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.'”
Both Ananias and Saul (later known as Paul) received visions from the Lord, leading to their encounter and the restoration of Saul’s sight. This verse highlights how God can use dreams and visions to orchestrate divine appointments and bring about miraculous interventions.
It encourages us to be open to the supernatural guidance of God in our lives and obedient to His instructions, as they can lead us to participate in His redemptive work.
Acts 16:9
“During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.'”
Paul received a vision that compelled him to travel to Macedonia, where he played a significant role in spreading the gospel. This verse demonstrates how dreams and visions can act as catalysts for obedience and mission.
It challenges us to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and willing to step out in faith when God speaks to us through dreams and visions, knowing that our obedience can have far-reaching impact.
2 Corinthians 12:1
“I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.”
Paul acknowledges the reality of visions and revelations he has received from the Lord, highlighting their importance in his spiritual journey. This verse affirms the value of personal encounters with God through dreams and visions, contributing to one’s faith and relationship with Him.
It reminds us to seek intimacy with God and to be open to the ways in which He might choose to reveal Himself and His truths to us.
Revelation 1:1
“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.”
The book of Revelation starts with John receiving a revelation from Jesus Christ, delivered through an angel. This verse exemplifies how dreams and visions can be used to communicate divine revelations that pertain to specific events and prophetic future.
It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over time and the extent to which He desires to share His plans and purposes with His faithful servants.
Acts 10:9-13
“About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'”
Peter’s vision on the rooftop challenged him to redefine his understanding of dietary laws and embrace the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan. This verse illustrates how dreams and visions can be transformative, inviting believers to reconsider deeply ingrained beliefs or prejudices.
It calls us to be open to the new insights and revelations God might bring through dreams and visions, even if they defy our preconceived notions.
Acts 18:9-10
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you because I have many people in this city.'”
Paul received a vision that reassured him of God’s protection and the presence of a receptive audience in Corinth. This verse demonstrates how dreams and visions can provide encouragement and fortitude in the face of opposition or fear.
It reminds us to trust in God’s faithfulness and promises, even in challenging circumstances, and to continue boldly sharing His truth.
Acts 27:23-24
“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'”
In the midst of a storm and shipwreck, Paul received assurance through a vision that he and his fellow travelers would be saved. This verse highlights how dreams and visions can offer divine guidance and comfort in times of crisis and uncertainty.
It encourages us to lean on God’s promises and trust that He is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives, even when circumstances seem dire.
Acts 9:10-11
“In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
Ananias was instructed in a vision to lay hands on Saul and restore his sight after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. This verse demonstrates how dreams and visions can facilitate supernatural healing and restoration.
It reminds us to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and obedient to His promptings, even when they might appear unconventional or challenging.
1 Kings 3:5
“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.'”
Solomon received a dream in which God invited him to ask for whatever he desired. This verse exemplifies how dreams and visions can provide opportunities for divine encounters and the granting of requests.
It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will and wisdom when presented with such occasions, aligning our desires with His purposes.
Matthew 27:19
“While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.'”
Pilate’s wife had a dream warning her of the innocence of Jesus, urging her husband not to condemn Him. This verse highlights how dreams can offer insights and glimpses into spiritual realities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
It serves as a reminder to be attentive to the messages God might convey to us through dreams, as they could provide critical guidance and understanding.
Daniel 7:1-2
“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream. Daniel said: ‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea.'”
Daniel received a dream and visions that revealed divine insights into the future and the rise and fall of kingdoms. This verse demonstrates how dreams and visions can provide prophetic knowledge and greater understanding of God’s overarching plan.
It encourages us to seek deeper spiritual discernment and to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in times of uncertainty and upheaval.
1 Samuel 3:3-4
“The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, ‘Here I am.'”
Samuel, as a young boy, received a divine call from God during the night through a dream or vision. This verse illustrates how dreams and visions can serve as means of divine communication and commissioning.
It reminds us that God can speak to us at any age or stage of life, and we should be attentive and responsive to His call, however it may come.