In the biblical narrative, the role of the interpreter of dreams is significant, serving as a conduit for divine revelation and guidance. Dreams in the Bible are often seen as a means through which God communicates with individuals, providing insight, warnings, or prophecies. The interpreter of dreams, therefore, holds a crucial position in discerning and conveying the messages embedded within these dreams.

Joseph as an Interpreter of Dreams

One of the most prominent figures in the Bible known for interpreting dreams is Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph's ability to interpret dreams is first demonstrated in Genesis 37, where he shares his own dreams with his brothers, foretelling his future rise to prominence. However, it is in Egypt where Joseph's gift becomes most evident. While imprisoned, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, accurately predicting their respective fates (Genesis 40:5-22).

Joseph's most significant act of dream interpretation occurs when Pharaoh himself is troubled by dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can explain. Joseph, brought from prison to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, attributes his ability to God, saying, "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires" (Genesis 41:16). Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams as a divine warning of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, advising Pharaoh on how to prepare for the coming crisis. This interpretation not only saves Egypt but also elevates Joseph to a position of great authority (Genesis 41:25-40).

Daniel as an Interpreter of Dreams

Another key figure is Daniel, a prophet and wise man during the Babylonian exile. Daniel's ability to interpret dreams is highlighted in the Book of Daniel, where he interprets the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar is troubled by a dream and demands that his wise men not only interpret the dream but also recount it without being told its content. Daniel, through prayer and divine revelation, is able to describe and interpret the dream, which symbolizes the rise and fall of empires (Daniel 2:27-45). Daniel credits God for revealing the mystery, saying, "There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Daniel 2:28).

Later, in Daniel 4, Daniel interprets another dream of Nebuchadnezzar, predicting the king's temporary madness as a judgment from God, which ultimately leads to the king's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:19-27).

Theological Significance

The role of the interpreter of dreams in the Bible underscores the belief in God's active involvement in human affairs. Dreams are seen as a medium through which God imparts wisdom, guidance, and prophecy. The interpreters, like Joseph and Daniel, are portrayed as faithful servants who rely on divine wisdom rather than human understanding. Their accounts emphasize themes of humility, faith, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and providence.

In the broader biblical context, the interpretation of dreams serves as a reminder of the spiritual realm's influence on the physical world and the importance of seeking divine insight in understanding life's mysteries.Genesis 40:8
And they said to him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said to them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:16
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 2:18-30
That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
Nave's Topical Index

About this Same Time, Judah, the Son of Jacob...
... by the wise men among the Egyptians, that servant of the king who was liberated
from prison informs the king that Joseph was a wonderful interpreter of dreams. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xi about this same.htm

The Revelation in a Son.
... The oracles are dumb, and we shall not regret them. We consult no interpreter
of dreams. We seek not the seances of necromancers. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter i the revelation in.htm

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
... Fol.56 a"The son of Hedja was an interpreter of dreams. If any one gave
him a reward, he interpreted his dreams for good; if any ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 2 extracts from the.htm

From the Ancient Monuments of the Egyptians, Persians, and Indians ...
... interpreter of the king of the Indians; Apomasar, or, according to others, Achmet,
F. Scirim, an Arab, collected Oneirokritika, or interpretations of dreams, ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/from the ancient monuments of.htm

Chapter xli
... Joseph's connection with them was primarily that of interpreter, after his own
first set of dreams had been interpreted by his own father. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

What Things Befell Joseph in Prison.
... the dream, said to him, that he would willingly be an interpreter of good ... Now both
these dreams had the same several events that Joseph foretold they should ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 what things befell.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... was cast into prison. There he was the interpreter of dreams"the one who
threw light on what was mysterious. In prison he became ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

Chapter xl
... indicates that on general principles they believed in dreams and would, had they
been at liberty, at once have resorted to some acknowledged interpreter. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xl.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... He remembered the dreams that he sometime had seen, and told them and said ... that Joseph
understood them, forasmuch as he spake alway to them by an interpreter. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 20
... he altogether forbid to speak, when he hath not an interpreter, because of ... after
superfluities, and leaving the truth pursue all sorts of shadows and dreams. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxvi 1 cor xiv.htm

What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Theodore of Mopsuestia? | GotQuestions.org

Is partial preterism biblical? What do partial preterists believe? | GotQuestions.org

Interpreter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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