Dreaming about deceased loved ones can be comforting or unsettling. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly address these dreams, it does offer hope and assurance about life after death. Scripture reminds us of the peace and rest found in God, and how we can trust Him with our grief and memories.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About dealing with difficult people
What Does The Bible Say About dreams of dead loved ones
Genesis 37:5-8
“Joseph had a dream and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.’ His brothers said to him, ‘Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?’ And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.”
In this verse, it is evident that dreams can have significant implications, even leading to jealousy and animosity among family members. Dreams can serve as a means for divine revelation or to communicate important messages. However, it is crucial to discern the true meaning and purpose behind dreams, seeking guidance and understanding from God to interpret their significance.
Genesis 41:14
“So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.”
This verse illustrates how dreams can unlock doors of opportunity and change the course of one’s life. Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream led to his release from prison and ultimately positioned him as a significant ruler in Egypt. Dreams have the potential to reveal God’s plans and purposes, paving the way for transformation and elevation in our lives.
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 often chooses dreams as a medium to communicate with prophets and those who are receptive to His messages. This verse emphasizes the significance of visions and dreams as a divine channel of revelation and guidance. When we open our hearts and minds to God, dreams can be a conduit through which He imparts sacred knowledge and instructions.
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.’’”
This verse demonstrates how dreams can provide an avenue for seeking wisdom and divine intervention. God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him the opportunity to ask for anything. Dreams can serve as a platform for prayer and supplication, where we can seek God’s guidance and make requests aligned with His will.
Job 33:14-16
“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, he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings.”
This verse highlights the diverse methods through which God communicates with us, including dreams. Dreams can be a medium through which God imparts warnings, guidance, and revelations. It is essential to be attentive to these messages and discern their significance, as they can provide insights and cautionary guidance for our lives.
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.’’”
Joseph received divine instruction and reassurance through a dream in this verse. Dreams can serve as a means for God to deliver specific instructions and bring clarity to confusing or challenging situations. By paying attention to dreams and seeking God’s guidance, we can receive the necessary wisdom to navigate complex circumstances in our lives.
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 Magi in this verse were divinely guided through a dream that warned them to avoid Herod. Dreams can serve as a protective and guiding force, leading us away from harm and towards the path of safety and righteousness. By seeking God’s direction through dreams, we can avoid detrimental situations and find the right way forward.
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.’’”
This verse emphasizes the inclusive nature of God’s communication through dreams. It states that dreams are not limited to a specific age or gender but are accessible to all. God’s Spirit can inspire dreams that serve as channels for divine messages, prophecies, and visions. Therefore, we should be open to receiving such dreams and discern their significance in our lives.
Job 7:14
“If I say, ‘My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint,’ then you frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions, so that I prefer strangling and death, rather than my bones.”
This verse demonstrates that dreams can have an overwhelming impact on individuals. Here, Job expresses how nightmares and distressing dreams added to his sufferings, leading him to desire death rather than experiencing such turmoil. While dreams can bring encouragement and guidance, they can also evoke negative emotions and serve as a reminder of our human fragility.
Daniel 2:1-4
“In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, ‘I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means.’’”
This verse portrays the power of dreams to cause deep concern and to seek interpretation and understanding. Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dreams led him to seek answers from various wise men in his kingdom. Dreams can stir curiosity and provoke an intense desire for interpretation, guiding us to seek wisdom and guidance from trusted sources.
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 experienced a vision in this verse, demonstrating that dreams are not limited to the realm of sleep. Visions can provide direct communication with God, revealing His plans and direction for our lives. By being receptive to God’s messages in dreams and visions, we can discern His specific calling and respond obediently in fulfilling His purposes.
Genesis 20:3
“But God came to Abimelek in a dream one night and said to him, ‘You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman.’’”
God used a dream to communicate with Abimelek in order to correct an error. Dreams can serve as a means for God to discipline or instruct us, revealing areas in our lives that require correction or repentance. It is essential to be open to God’s correction and guidance in dreams, as they can lead us towards a life of righteousness and obedience.
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.’’”
This verse depicts how dreams can affect not only the dreamer but also those connected to them. Pilate’s wife experienced a distressing dream that led her to send a warning to her husband regarding Jesus’ innocence. Dreams can have a ripple effect, influencing the decisions and actions of others connected to the dreamer.
Matthew 27:24
“When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’”
In this verse, Pilate’s decision to wash his hands and declare his innocence was influenced by disturbing dreams and external circumstances. Dreams can significantly impact our thoughts, actions, and decision-making processes, even in situations where our desires may conflict with divine direction. It is crucial to seek God’s guidance to align our actions with His will, even when influenced by dreams.
Matthew 14:25-27
“Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’’”
In this verse, the disciples mistook Jesus for a ghost due to their fear and confusion. Dreams can evoke intense emotions and distort our perception of reality. It is important to seek clarity and understanding from God when dreams or circumstances create confusion or fear, relying on His voice to bring calmness and assurance.
Matthew 21:23
“Jesus entered the temple courts, and while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’ they asked. ‘And who gave you this authority?’”
The religious authorities questioned Jesus concerning His authority in this verse, seeking to understand the source of His power. Dreams can provide insight and revelation into our God-given authority and purpose. By discerning and embracing the messages within our dreams, we can better understand the authority and assignments God has entrusted to us.
Matthew 27:17-19
“So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. 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.’’”
In this verse, Pilate’s wife’s dream played a significant role in influencing Pilate’s decision to release Jesus. Dreams can alter our perspectives and bring conviction, leading us to reevaluate our choices and align them with righteousness. It is important to pay attention to the messages conveyed through our dreams and allow them to guide us towards decisions that honor God.
Acts 27:23-25
“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.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”’
In this verse, Paul receives encouragement and assurance through an angelic visitation in a dream. Dreams can provide divine guidance and fortitude during challenging times, assuring us that God is in control and will fulfill His promises. By trusting in His faithfulness, we can navigate trials with courage, knowing that He has equipped us for the journey.
Numbers 22:9-12
“God came to Balaam and asked, ‘Who are these men with you?’ Balaam said to God, ‘Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: ‘A people that has come out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps then I will be able to fight them and drive them away.’’ But God said to Balaam, ‘Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.’’”
In this verse, Balaam receives instructions from God in a dream, cautioning him against cooperating with those seeking harm. Dreams can serve as a means through which God protects and guides us, altering our course to align with His purposes and blessings. By paying attention to the messages within our dreams, we can avoid detrimental paths and embrace God’s divine guidance.
Job 33:14-18
“For God does speak—now one way, now another through dreams—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, he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride, to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword.”’
Another verse that emphasizes God’s utilization of dreams as a means to guide and correct us. Dreams can serve as divine interventions to redirect our paths, preventing us from engaging in sin or becoming entangled in pride. By embracing the messages of warning and guidance conveyed through dreams, we can walk in righteousness and live lives protected by God’s loving care.
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 reinforces the idea that dreams are not limited by age or gender. God can communicate through dreams to people of all backgrounds and demographics, enabling them to receive divine insight and revelation. Dreams have the potential to usher us into a deeper relationship with God and to awaken dormant giftings, allowing us to play our unique roles in His kingdom.
Genesis 41:25-32
“Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream. The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine. ‘It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. The abundance in the land will not be remembered because the famine that follows it will be so severe. The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.’’”
This verse showcases Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, illustrating how dreams can provide insight into future events and divine purposes. Dreams can be a conduit through which God reveals His plans and invites us to participate in His unfolding story. By seeking His wisdom and guidance, we can discern the meaning of our dreams and align our lives with His greater purposes.
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 the 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.’’”
In this verse, Ananias receives instructions from the Lord in a vision, compelling him to go to Saul. Dreams and visions can serve as a means for God to connect individuals and orchestrate divine encounters. By obeying and following the messages received through dreams, we can participate in God’s redemptive work and serve as instruments of healing and transformation in others’ lives.