Dreams have fascinated people for centuries. From ancient civilizations to modern psychology, humans have sought to understand the significance of the images and stories that play out in their sleep.
But for Christians, dreams are more than just subconscious processing of daily issues —they can be divine messages. The Bible is filled with accounts of God speaking through dreams!
One of the most remarkable examples is Joseph, the ‘technicolour dreamcoat’ dreamer and interpreter. His story provides a roadmap for believers today who want to get started not only with understanding their own dreams – but helping others do the same.
Joseph: A Life Shaped by Dreams
1. Joseph’s Own Dreams (Genesis 37)
As a young man, Joseph had two prophetic dreams that hinted at his future:
- In the first, his brothers’ sheaves of grain bowed down to his.
- In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed to him, symbolising his whole family’s future.
The symbols were clear: Joseph would one day have power and influence over his family but though he had revelation he lacked the maturity to handle the interpretation and application properly, leading his jealous brothers to sell him into slavery. This highlights an important principle—receiving a dream from God is just the beginning; understanding and applying it wisely is key.
2. Interpreting Dreams in Prison (Genesis 40)
Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams became evident while he was imprisoned in Egypt. When two of Pharaoh’s servants, the cupbearer and the baker, had troubling dreams, Joseph correctly interpreted them:
- Good dream – The cupbearer’s dream of pressing grapes into Pharaoh’s cup meant he would be restored to his position in three days.
- Bad dream – The baker’s dream of birds eating bread from baskets on his head meant he would be executed in three days.
His accuracy confirmed that dream interpretation was a God-given gift, setting the stage for his greatest test yet.
3. Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dreams (Genesis 41)
Pharaoh’s dreams—seven fat cows devoured by seven thin ones, and seven full ears of grain consumed by seven withered ones—confounded Egypt’s wisest men. But Joseph, by now humbly depending on God, interpreted them correctly: Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.
Because Joseph acknowledged that interpretation belongs to God, Pharaoh elevated him to second-in-command over Egypt. His own dreams were fulfilled when his brothers later bowed before him, the revelations came to pass in His timing.
Does God Still Speak Through Dreams Today?
The Bible teaches that God communicates in many ways, including dreams:
“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… He may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride.” (Job 33:14-17)
In a world where people seek meaning for life through astrology, psychics, and new-age philosophies, dreams remain a direct line from heaven—if we learn to interpret them biblically.
How to Biblically Interpret Dreams
- Learn to Listen – Pay close attention to your own dreams and those of others. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight.
- Identify the Main Subject – Is the dream about you, someone else, or a larger situation?
- Recognise Symbolic Themes – Some symbols recur in the Bible (e.g., trees often represent leadership, water can symbolise the Holy Spirit) but context is key and God speaks in quite individual ways.
- Find the Core Meaning – Rather than getting lost in details, focus on the main message God is revealing.
- Seek Application – Interpretation is important, but how does God want you to respond?
Common Dreams and Their Biblical Meaning
Many people experience recurring dreams, such as:
- Flying – Often symbolises spiritual freedom or empowerment.
- Falling – Can indicate loss of control or a need for trust in God.
- Teeth Falling Out – May relate to wisdom, speech, or personal fears.
- Running But Getting Nowhere – Could signify spiritual frustration or obstacles.
Instead of relying on secular dream dictionaries, Christians should seek God’s wisdom. Many dream interpretations from psychology (Freud, Jung) or the New Age movement contradict biblical meanings.
Dreams: An Invitation to Spiritual Growth
The Bible contains over 200 references to dreams and visions. As Acts 2:17 promises, “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.”
Joseph’s journey teaches us that dreams can shape destinies. By practicing discernment, studying biblical symbolism, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can better understand what God is speaking through dreams—not just for ourselves, but for others.
What’s Next?
Start by keeping a dream journal. Write down your dreams and pray over them. Ask God for clarity and wisdom. As you grow in interpreting dreams biblically, you may find yourself helping others unlock their own divine messages—just as Joseph did.
Are you ready to listen to what God might be saying through your dreams?
NOTES:
This is a condensed version of teaching I have delivered for Mission 24 – Jonathan Conrathe’s School of Mission which has a hub here in Manchester at ivychurch.org
Jonathan will once again be joining us to bring input at LAUNCH in June. Don’t miss out!