Dreams and visions in the Bible were legitimate ways that God communicated His will, warned of future events, and revealed His plans to chosen individuals. These occurrences were always purposeful, specific, and aligned with God’s truth.
In the Old Testament, God used dreams to speak to both His people and even pagan rulers. For example, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams as a warning of coming famine (Genesis 41), and Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s visions about future kingdoms (Daniel 2).
Joel 2:28 prophesied:
“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”
Peter quoted this verse in Acts 2:17 to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. While this was a specific fulfillment during the apostolic age, it confirmed that dreams and visions were part of how God had revealed His word.
God also gave visions to prophets such as Isaiah (Isaiah 6), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1), and John in Revelation (Revelation 1). These were not vague impressions or mystical experiences. They were direct and prophetic revelations that came with authority and clarity.
However, not all dreams are from God. Ecclesiastes 5:3 says:
“For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is known by his many words.”
Jeremiah 23:25–32 strongly warns against false prophets who claim to have dreams from God when He has not spoken. Any dream or vision must be tested by the written Word of God. God’s final and complete revelation is found in the Scriptures, and no dream will ever contradict it.
Dreams and visions are not the ordinary means by which God speaks to His people today. Scripture is sufficient. The believer is called to walk by faith, not by dreams, impressions, or experiences.
