Basic Principles of Biblical Dreaming

The Hebraic method of dream and vision interpretation is the oldest and most valid method of dream interpretation and differs greatly from any other method as it is primarily spiritual in its approach rather than psychological.

There are basic principles involved in interpreting dreams and visions

1. Dream events that seem obvious are usually NOT

Getting in and out of cars doesn’t mean that you are going to be purchasing a new car but probably changing jobs or places of ministry

2. Dreams are usually symbolic, metaphoric

For example, a dove may not mean a bird but gentleness and joy

3. Most dreams have some personal applications

Two-thirds of our dreams are self-awareness dreams that reveal a truth about our lives

4. Your dream vocabulary is personal
   1. Taken from the experiences of your life, no fixed-symbol system will be able to give you a perfect meaning. It may help or other people may be able to shed some light on what the symbol may mean, they may not be able to precisely translate what God intended.  Sometimes symbols can even have different meanings depending on the context of the dream.
   2. For example, a German Shepard may be a symbol of fear or aggressiveness to one person while to another who grew up with Shephards as a pet, it may mean friendship.
5. Occasionally dreams have dual applications

This is a prophetic principle of the Bible – many prophetic words were fulfilled partially in the past, partially in the present and will be fulfilled completely in the future

6. Dream interpretation combines revelatory ability and a learned skill

Our hearts are deceitful and we tend to want to hear what we want to hear.  Sharing your dream with a trained interpreter or person of prayer will help you to avoid deceptive emotions.  Wise counsel of a skilled and seasoned interpreter can offer credible input that may help in interpreting nighttime messages.

7. Dreams are spiritual revelations that occur while asleep

“but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.  The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” 1 Cor 2:10

 o Do you have a dream that has been puzzling you? Did you write it down?

Would you like help in figuring out its message?

#5 in Dream Speak Series.  To learn more about dreams, go to #6 in Dream Speak, “Dream Reflection.”