What Are Dreams?

Dreams are mental images, thoughts, or emotions that occur during sleep. The Bible acknowledges different types of dreams—those that arise naturally from the mind, those that God used to communicate in the past, and those associated with false divination practices. Job 20:8 describes dreams as fleeting, saying, “He flies away like a dream, and they do not find him; he is chased away like a vision of the night.” This indicates that dreams are generally insubstantial and temporary.

Scientific studies confirm that dreams are a universal human experience. The World Book Encyclopedia states, “Everyone dreams. Most adults dream for about 100 minutes during eight hours of sleep.” While dreams are a normal biological function, they do not necessarily have inherent meaning. Dr. Allan Hobson of Harvard Medical School noted, “They are ambiguous stimuli which can be interpreted in any way a therapist is predisposed to. But their meaning is in the eye of the beholder—not in the dream itself.” This confirms that many interpretations of dreams are purely subjective.

Did God Use Dreams to Communicate in the Past?

The Bible records instances where Jehovah used dreams to convey messages, warn individuals, and reveal prophetic information. However, these occurrences were rare and served specific purposes in advancing God’s plan.

Genesis 40:8 describes a time when Joseph interpreted dreams in Egypt: “They said to him, ‘We each had a dream, but there is no one to interpret it.’ Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.’” Joseph’s role as an interpreter was not due to any innate ability but rather Jehovah’s guidance in revealing the meaning.

In another instance, Jehovah warned Pharaoh through a dream, which Joseph interpreted in Genesis 41:25: “Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same. The true God has told Pharaoh what he is about to do.’” Here, the dream served as a divine revelation of future events.

Daniel 2:19 records a similar situation where God revealed King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to Daniel: “Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision, and Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” In both cases, dreams were a medium of divine revelation, but the interpretation always came from Jehovah, not human speculation.

The New Testament also records instances of God using dreams, particularly in connection with Jesus’ birth. Matthew 2:13 states, “Now when they had departed, look! Jehovah’s angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child to destroy him.’” This was a direct divine intervention through a dream to protect Jesus.

Does God Use Dreams to Communicate Today?

Although Jehovah used dreams in the past to reveal His will, the Bible indicates that this method of communication has ceased. Hebrews 1:1-2 states, “Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in many ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the world.” This passage confirms that God’s primary means of communication is now through Jesus Christ, whose teachings are recorded in Scripture.

Paul reinforced this in 1 Corinthians 13:8, stating, “Love never fails. But if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with.” The prophetic gifts, including revelatory dreams, served their purpose but were no longer necessary once the full revelation of God was given through Christ and the inspired Scriptures.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 confirms that the Bible is now the complete source of divine instruction: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully competent, equipped for every good work.” Since the Scriptures provide everything needed for faith and guidance, there is no reason to seek spiritual messages in dreams.

Can Dreams Come from a Source Other Than God?

While Jehovah did use dreams in the past, the Bible also warns against false dreams that originate from deceptive sources. Jeremiah 29:8-9 states, “For this is what Jehovah of armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not let your prophets who are among you and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to their dreams that they dream. For they are prophesying falsely to you in my name. I have not sent them,’ declares Jehovah.” This passage warns that not all dreams claiming divine revelation are truly from God.

False religious systems have historically placed great importance on dreams. The Babylonians, for instance, believed that dreams could reveal divine messages. Harper’s Bible Dictionary states, “Babylonians had such trust in dreams that on the eve of important decisions they slept in temples, hoping for counsel.” Similarly, the Greeks sought medical guidance in the temples of Aesculapius, and the Romans in the temples of Serapis. These practices demonstrate that many cultures associated dreams with supernatural guidance, but such beliefs were rooted in paganism rather than biblical truth.

1 Timothy 4:1 issues a warning regarding false spiritual experiences, stating, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” This verse suggests that deceptive spiritual experiences, including dreams, could lead people astray.

Zechariah 10:2 exposes the futility of relying on dreams for guidance: “For the teraphim have spoken deception, and the diviners have envisioned a lie; and they tell false dreams. They comfort in vain. Therefore, the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted because there is no shepherd.” The verse associates false dreams with idolatrous practices, confirming that they cannot be trusted for divine instruction.

What Should a Christian Do If They Have a Strange or Vivid Dream?

Since dreams are a natural function of the brain, believers should not place spiritual significance on them. Dreams do not provide divine messages, nor do they predict the future. If a person has a dream that disturbs them, they should pray to Jehovah for peace of mind and trust in His Word for guidance. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If someone claims that a dream has given them a revelation from God, they should be tested against the Scriptures. 1 John 4:1 warns, “Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired statement, but test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Since Jehovah now speaks through His written Word, any claim of divine revelation outside of Scripture must be rejected.

Colossians 2:18 also warns against placing undue emphasis on mystical experiences: “Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic practices and the worship of angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, puffed up without reason by his fleshly mind.” This verse demonstrates that spiritual pride and deception often accompany those who claim special revelation through dreams.

Conclusion

Dreams are a natural part of human sleep, but they do not carry divine meaning in modern times. While Jehovah used dreams in the past for specific purposes, He has now provided His complete revelation through Jesus Christ and the Scriptures. Any claim of divine revelation through dreams should be tested against the Bible, which is the only reliable source of spiritual truth. Christians should rely on prayer, biblical study, and faith in Jehovah rather than seeking supernatural messages through dreams.

The Bible warns that false dreams can be a source of deception and should not be trusted. Jehovah’s inspired Word is sufficient for guiding believers in all aspects of life. Those who trust in Him do not need dreams to understand His will but should instead seek wisdom through the Scriptures.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).