The term "dreameth" is an archaic form of the verb "dream," often found in older translations of the Bible. Dreams in the biblical context are significant as they are frequently used by God to communicate with His people, reveal His will, and provide guidance or warnings. The concept of dreaming is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both divine intervention and human experience.

Biblical Instances of Dreams

1. Joseph, Son of Jacob: One of the most notable dreamers in the Bible is Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph's dreams, which he dreameth, foretold his future rise to power and the eventual bowing of his brothers before him. These dreams, recorded in Genesis 37:5-10, were pivotal in the narrative of Joseph's life and the preservation of the Israelites during a time of famine.

2. Pharaoh's Dreams: In Genesis 41, Pharaoh dreameth dreams that troubled his spirit. These dreams, which none of his magicians or wise men could interpret, were eventually explained by Joseph. The dreams predicted seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, leading to Joseph's appointment as a ruler in Egypt to manage the crisis.

3. Nebuchadnezzar's Dreams: The Book of Daniel recounts how King Nebuchadnezzar dreameth dreams that revealed future events concerning his kingdom and the world. Daniel, gifted by God with the ability to interpret dreams, explained these visions, as seen in Daniel 2 and Daniel 4, which included the famous dream of the statue representing successive empires.

4. Jacob's Ladder: In Genesis 28:12, Jacob dreameth of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. This dream was a divine revelation of God's promise to bless Jacob and his descendants, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham.

5. Solomon's Dream: In 1 Kings 3:5-15, Solomon dreameth a dream in which God appeared to him, offering to grant whatever he desired. Solomon's request for wisdom pleased God, who granted him unparalleled wisdom along with wealth and honor.

Theological Significance

Dreams in the Bible often serve as a medium for divine revelation. They are not merely subconscious reflections but are used by God to communicate His purposes. The dreams that individuals dreameth in the Scriptures often require interpretation, which is sometimes provided by those with God-given insight, such as Joseph and Daniel.

Warnings Against False Dreams

The Bible also warns against false dreams and dreamers who claim divine revelation without God's endorsement. In Jeremiah 23:25-32, God condemns the prophets who falsely claim to have dreams from Him, leading His people astray. This underscores the importance of discernment and the need to test the spirits, as advised in 1 John 4:1.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, dreams continue to play a role in God's communication with His people. For example, Joseph, the husband of Mary, dreameth dreams in which an angel instructs him regarding the birth and protection of Jesus (Matthew 1:20-24; 2:13, 19-22). These dreams were crucial in the early life of Jesus, ensuring His safety and fulfilling prophecy.

Conclusion

The concept of dreaming in the Bible, as illustrated by the term "dreameth," highlights the multifaceted ways in which God interacts with humanity. Dreams serve as a conduit for divine messages, guidance, and prophecy, reflecting God's sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people.

A Paradox of Selling and Buying
... It is 'as when a hungry man dreameth and behold he eateth, but he awaketh and his
soul is empty.' Sin buys men with fairy money, which looks like gold, but in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a paradox of selling and.htm

The Secret Burden
... It is with you as when a hungry man dreameth and; behold, he eateth ; but he awaketh
and his soul is empty. Till you get home, and the house is asleep. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xxii the secret burden.htm

The Two Awakings
... What an awaking to a worldly man that awaking of God will be! 'As when a hungry
man dreameth, and behold he eateth, but he awaketh and his soul is empty.' He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the two awakings.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... Paul another way. I am sure they never knew another; and he that dreameth
of another way must be content to go beside. There is ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

Dreameth (6 Occurrences)
...Dreameth (6 Occurrences). ... Genesis 37:5 And Joseph dreameth a dream, and declareth
to his brethren, and they add still more to hate him. (YLT). ...
/d/dreameth.htm - 8k

Waked (13 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 And it hath been, as when the hungry dreameth, And lo, he is eating,
And he hath waked, and empty 'is' his soul, And as when the thirsty dreameth...
/w/waked.htm - 10k

Warring (13 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 And it hath been, as when the hungry dreameth, And lo, he is eating,
And he hath waked, and empty 'is' his soul, And as when the thirsty dreameth...
/w/warring.htm - 11k

Craveth (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when the hungry dreameth, and, behold, he eateth;
and he awaketh, and his soul is empty; or as when the thirsty dreameth, and ...
/c/craveth.htm - 7k

Awakens (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 And it shall be as when a hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth,
but he awaketh, and his soul is empty; or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and ...
/a/awakens.htm - 7k

Awaketh (11 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth;
but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth...
/a/awaketh.htm - 9k

Appetite (22 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth;
but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth...
/a/appetite.htm - 15k

Drinketh (33 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth;
but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth...
/d/drinketh.htm - 16k

Longing (40 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 And it hath been, as when the hungry dreameth, And lo, he is eating,
And he hath waked, and empty 'is' his soul, And as when the thirsty dreameth...
/l/longing.htm - 18k

Empty (84 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth;
but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth...
/e/empty.htm - 35k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus