The
Bible and How to Interpret Dreams Dream interpretation has been a topic of interest throughout history, and the Bible is full of examples of individuals receiving messages from God through their dreams. In the book of Genesis, for instance, Joseph interprets the dreams of both his fellow prisoners and Pharaoh himself. And in the New Testament, an angel gives Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, instructions to flee to Egypt in a dream. So how can we use the Bible as a guide in interpreting our own dreams? First and foremost, we should remember that not all dreams are divinely inspired. Sometimes dreams simply reflect our own thoughts, worries, or desires. But when we have a dream that feels particularly significant or symbolic, it's worth considering whether it could be a message from God. To begin interpreting a dream, we should pray and ask God for guidance and wisdom. We can also look for patterns or themes within the dream, which may help us understand its meaning. The Bible itself is a rich source of symbols and images, and we can use it to cross-reference our own dreams. For instance, if we dream of a serpent, we might remember that the serpent was a symbol of temptation and evil in the Garden of Eden. Ultimately, however, dream interpretation is a personal and subjective process. Even Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream was rooted in his own understanding and experience of the world. And while we can find guidance and insight in the Bible, we should always approach dream interpretation with humility and discernment. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."