20 Bible Verses about Dreams
Dreams have intrigued humanity for centuries, including throughout the pages of the Bible. They can serve as prophetic messages, symbols, or reflections of our hopes and fears. Here are 20 Bible verses that touch on the theme of dreams, offering insights and encouragement.
1. Genesis 37:5-7
“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.’”
- This passage introduces the concept of dreams as divine communication.
2. 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.”
- A beautiful promise of God’s spirit inducing dreams and visions among His people.
3. Matthew 2:13
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”
- Dreams can serve as warnings and guidance, as seen in Joseph’s story.
4. 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.”
- Echoing the promise from Joel, this verse highlights the significance of dreams in God’s plan.
5. 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 passage illustrates how God communicates through dreams, even bringing warnings.
6. Proverbs 29:18
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.”
- A reminder of the importance of dreams and visions for guidance in life.
7. Daniel 2:28
“But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the days to come.”
- Daniel’s acknowledgment of God revealing future events through dreams.
8. Genesis 41:15-16
“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.’ ‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.’”
- Joseph emphasizes reliance on God for understanding dreams.
9. 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.’”
- Here, dreams deliver divine reassurance and instruction.
10. Psalm 126:1
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.”
- This verse captures the joy and hope that comes with fulfilled dreams.
11. Genesis 40:8
“We both had dreams, they answered, but there is no one to interpret them.”
- The importance of seeking interpretation for dreams is highlighted here.
12. Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
- A reminder that God’s ability to fulfill dreams is beyond our imagination.
13. Daniel 7:1
“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed.”
- Affirming the presence of dreams in moments of contemplation and reflection.
14. 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’s dream demonstrates how God can bestow wisdom and blessings.
15. Genesis 31:10
“In breeding season, I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled, or spotted.”
- This verse shows how dreams can provide insight into practical matters.
16. 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.’”
- While not a dream, visions at night can be similarly impactful and directive.
17. Ecclesiastes 5:3
“A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.”
- A reminder to reflect on the nature of our dreams and what they signify.
18. Revelation dreams serve as portal to divine revelations
“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands.”
- The visions in Revelation highlight the prophetic nature of dreams.
19. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
- Encouraging believers to pursue their dreams with faith in Christ’s empowerment.
20. Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
- A beautiful conclusion that when our hearts align with God, our dreams can become a reality.
These verses remind us of the significance of dreams in Scripture, offering comfort, direction, and a sense of hope. Whether they come as warnings, encouragement, or prophecies, they can guide us in our journey of faith.