What Does the Bible Say About Dreams?
What Does the Bible Say About Dreams? God used dreams throughout Scripture to communicate with people, including Joseph, Daniel, and the wise men, though not all dreams carry divine meaning.
Key verse: Joel 2:28 (KJV)
God used dreams throughout Scripture to communicate with people, including Joseph, Daniel, and the wise men, though not all dreams carry divine meaning.
God used dreams throughout Scripture to communicate with people, including Joseph, Daniel, and the wise men, though not all dreams carry divine meaning.
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." — Joel 2:28 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Dreams play a significant role in biblical narrative. God spoke to Jacob in a dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:12), gave Joseph prophetic dreams about his future (Genesis 37), and enabled Daniel to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. In the New Testament, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream regarding Mary's pregnancy (Matthew 1:20), and the wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod (Matthew 2:12). Joel 2:28 prophesied that in the last days, 'your old men shall dream dreams' — fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:17). However, Scripture also warns against false prophets who claim divine dreams (Jeremiah 23:25-28) and notes that not all dreams carry spiritual significance (Ecclesiastes 5:3). Believers should test any claimed revelation against Scripture.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Racism?
What the Bible teaches about racial equality, prejudice, and the unity of all people in Christ.
Key Scripture References
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."
"The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Biblical Prophecy?
Biblical prophecy is God revealing future events and spiritual truths through chosen messengers, with hundreds of prophecies already fulfilled with remarkable accuracy.
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Yes — the Bible presents miracles as actual historical events performed by God to reveal His power, authenticate His messengers, and accomplish His purposes.
What Does the Bible Say About Angels?
Angels are powerful spiritual beings created by God to serve Him, deliver messages, protect believers, and carry out His will.
Who Is Satan (the Devil)?
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil, seeking to oppose God's purposes and destroy humanity.
What Does the Bible Say About Demons?
Demons are fallen angels who rebelled with Satan against God, who seek to deceive, oppress, and destroy humanity but are subject to God's authority and Christ's power.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Does God Speak Through Dreams?
Miracles & Supernatural
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Miracles & Supernatural
Does God Still Perform Miracles Today?
Miracles & Supernatural
Bible Verses About Miracles
10 curated KJV verses
1 Kings 17:14 Commentary
In-depth study • Supernatural Provision
Jesus Calms the Storm
Mark 4:35-41 • Miracles of Jesus
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Joel. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Joel on day 210 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Dreams?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.