Vision in the Bible -Shiel Bible Home

VISION IN THE BIBLE

In the Bible, the term “vision” is often associated with divine encounters or experiences where God communicates with individuals, providing guidance, insight, or revelation. These visions can come in different forms, and as you mentioned, they often involve symbolic or mysterious language (“dark sayings”) that require interpretation. In the case of theophanies, God manifests directly to a person, sometimes in a tangible way, as seen in encounters with figures like Moses or Ezekiel.

There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burnup. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take of your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. ( Exodus 3: 2 -6 )
While others may receive God’s revelations through dreams or visions, Moses had a more direct, face-to-face encounter with God. This underscores Moses’ unique relationship with God as a prophet.

Etymology:

In Greek, the word for “vision “ is ὁρασις (horasis), derived from ὁράω (horao), meaning “to see,” often referring to divine or prophetic revelations.

In Hebrew, the term is חָזוֹן (chazon), from חָזָה (chazah), meaning “to see” in a prophetic sense, or מַרְאֶה (mareh), meaning “what is seen,” often referring to supernatural visions or appearances.

Both emphasize seeing divine revelations or messages .

The Transfiguration as a Visionary Revelation

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a powerful visionary experience for Peter, James, and John. On the mountain, they witness Jesus in His divine glory, His face shining and His clothes radiant, alongside Moses and Elijah.

At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. ( Matthew 17: 2 -3 )

This vision confirms Jesus’ divine identity and mission as the Son of God, with God’s voice declaring, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” ( Matthew 17: 5 )

This moment offers the disciples a glimpse into the heavenly truth of Jesus, preparing them for His upcoming suffering and resurrection. ( Matthew 17: 1 -8 )

Significance of Dreams and Visions in Biblical and Jewish Thought

In both Jewish and early Christian traditions, dreams and visions have long been understood as powerful means through which God reveals His will and imparts divine knowledge. While there are subtle distinctions in the way these two forms of revelation are perceived, both are seen as avenues through which God’s messages reach His followers. These encounters often involve prophets, saints, or the devout, who receive guidance, direction, or understanding from the Lord. The ancient Israelites, early Christians, and even those who fasted and prayed devotedly, believed that through dreams and visions, they could commune with God and receive insight into His plans.

1. Dreams and Visions in Jewish Belief:

In Jewish tradition, there is often no clear distinction between dreams and visions; both are regarded as forms of divine revelation. While dreams are typically associated with experiences at night, visions are seen as a more vivid and focused form of divine communication. Both methods are considered to involve the mind’s ability to understand God’s messages and can serve as instructions or signs meant to guide the individual.

God Appears in Dreams:

In the Hebrew Bible, dreams are often the way God communicates with His people, as seen in passages like where God speaks to Jacob in a dream:

And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. ( Genesis 46: 2 )

This illustrates how the Lord uses the realm of dreams to guide and direct His followers.

2. Visions as Divine Instruction:

Visions, as understood by Jewish thought, are also deeply significant. The prophet Balaam receives a vision, described as “the utterance of Balaam… the man whose eyes are opened.

“and he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, ( Numbers 24: 3 )

Visions are seen as more than just symbolic; they are regarded as direct instructions revealed to the prophet, often about the future or divine action. Similarly, God revealed His secrets through a vision to Daniel, showing the prophet that divine wisdom transcends earthly understanding. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven (Daniel 2:19)

3. A Life of Fasting and Prayer:

Both Jewish and Christian traditions agree that spiritual preparation—such as fasting and prayer—enhances one’s ability to receive divine revelation. Through self-discipline, believers are said to be more attuned to God’s will. The prophet Daniel, after fasting and praying, receives a vision where he is granted understanding of God’s plan.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. ( Daniel 10: 1 )

Similarly ,the Apostle Peter, after praying, receives a vision that leads toa profound shift in the early church’s outreach.

About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. ( Acts 10: 9 )

4. Appointed Individuals Receiving Visions:

Throughout Scripture, visions are given to certain individuals who are chosen by God to reveal His will. These appointed figures include prophets and leaders who undergo spiritual preparation, often marked by fasting, prayer, and a purified mind. These dreams helped shape the teachings and prophecies that were later shared with others.

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ( Acts 16: 9 )

The Apostle Paul receives a vision directing him to go to Macedonia, signaling God’s plan for the expansion of the gospel.

The Spiritual Meaning of Vision in the Bible:

In the Bible, visions are significant spiritual experiences through which God reveals His will, wisdom, and plans. These divine revelations are not merely dreams or illusions but are seen as direct communications from God, guiding and instructing His people. Visions often carry deep spiritual meanings and call for interpretation, which was provided to the prophets by God Himself.

1. God’s Chosen Leaders Through Vision

“Then you spoke in a vision to your faithful people; you said: ‘I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have raised up a young man from among the people.'” ( Psalms 89: 19 )

God communicates His choice of a leader to His people through a vision. This passage reflects how visions were used to announce God’s plans and His empowerment of chosen individuals to fulfill His purposes. Here, the vision speaks of a man of strength, illustrating how God uses visions to affirm leadership and guide His people.

2. A Prophetic Vision for Israel

“The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” ( Isaiah 1: 1 )

Isaiah receives a vision about the state of Judah and Jerusalem. This vision served as a revelation of God’s judgment and His intentions for the people. The vision shows that God’s messages are often revealed through prophetic visions, outlining not only future events but also the moral state of God’s people and their need for repentance.

3. A Vision of Hope and Glory

“This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem”( Isaiah 2: 1 )

Here it paints a picture of future glory, where nations will come to the mountain of the Lord. This vision is a promise of hope, showing that God’s future for His people involves peace, justice, and worship. It contrasts the current state of Judah with the future glory God intends for the nations.

4. The Vision of God’s Holiness

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” ( Isaiah 6: 5 )

In this powerful vision, Isaiah sees the Lord seated on His throne, surrounded by angels. This vision reveals God’s holiness and emphasizes the purity required to stand in His presence. Isaiah’s reaction—his recognition of his sinfulness—demonstrates the profound impact of a divine vision. This vision spiritually transforms the prophet, commissioning him to speak God’s word.

5. God’s Call to the Prophet

“But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am too young.” You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.'” ( Jeremiah 1: 7 )

God speaks to Jeremiah and assures him that the young prophet is equipped to deliver His message. This vision represents God’s divine commission, empowering the prophet to speak His word, regardless of his perceived inadequacies. It shows how God’s vision often involves a calling to act, despite personal doubts.

6.Spiritual Understanding of Heavenly Things

“I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” ( John 3: 12 )

Jesus highlights the difficulty of understanding spiritual truths, even with earthly analogies. The vision here is about the challenge of comprehending the deeper, heavenly matters that God reveals to humanity. It suggests that without spiritual openness and understanding, even divine visions may be hard to grasp.

7. Vision as Divine Revelation

“Amos answered Amaziah, ‘I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd and I took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”‘” ( Amos 7: 14 )

Amos’ vision illustrates how God can call ordinary individuals in to extraordinary prophetic roles. Despite not coming from a prophetic lineage, Amos was called by God to deliver His message. The vision here underscores that God’s calling does not depend on one’s back ground but on divine selection and purpose.

“Divine Revelations: St.Paul’s Visions”

St. Paul’s life and ministry were shaped by numerous divine visions, each playing a pivotal role in his faith, apostleship, and mission to spread the gospel.

Paul’s Conversion Vision

Paul’s vision on the road to Damascus transformed him from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle, where he encountered Jesus Christ directly.

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. ( Acts 9: 31 )

Paul’s Vision of Glory

Paul describes being caught up to the “third heaven,” receiving profound spiritual insights into God’s kingdom.

1 must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will goon to visions and revelations from the Lord. ( 2 Corinthians 12: 1 )

Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship

Paul affirms that his apostleship is validated by his vision of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? ( 1 Corinthians 9: 1 )

Paul’s Vision of the Risen Christ

Paul recounts his personal encounter with the risen Christ, which confirmed his calling as an apostle.

and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. ( 1 Corinthians 15: 8 )

Paul’s Vision of the Gospel’s Revelation

Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preaches was directly revealed to him by Jesus Christ, not learned from others.

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ( Galatians 1: 11 )

Paul’s Vision in Prison

While imprisoned, Paul receives reassurance from the Lord that he will testify in Rome, reinforcing his mission.

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” ( Acts 23: 11 )

Paul’s Vision During Sea Voyage

During a storm at sea, an angel assures Paul that the ship and all aboard will survive, strengthening his leadership.

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must in Rome.” ( Acts 27: 23 )

Paul’s Final Vision:

Paul recalls a vision of the Lord standing by him during his trial, providing strength and confirming God’s ongoing support.

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. ( 2 Timothy 4: 17 )

Each vision confirmed Paul’s mission, gave divine direction, and encouraged him in his faith and ministry.

“Angelic Visions: Messages from God”

n the Bible, angels often appear in dreams and visions to deliver God’s messages to individuals. These encounters serve as divine guidance, revealing God’s will, offering protection, and announcing key events. ·

Eliphaz’s Vision

In this passage, Eliphaz experiences a disquieting dream or vision, which is described as coming to him during the night while people are in deep sleep. This vision is a pivotal moment where Eliphaz believes an angel or spirit conveyed a message, which serves as a warning or insight.

Amid disquieting dreams in the night, when deep sleep falls on people, ( Job 4: 13 ) ·

Zechariah’s Vision

Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, has a vision of an angel of the Lord while he is performing his priestly duties in the temple. The angel delivers the message that Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth will have a child despite their old age, and that the child will play a crucial role in preparing the way for the Lord.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. ( Luke 1: 11 )

Mary’s Vision

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” An angel appears to the shepherds in the field, announcing the birth of Jesus. This is a powerful example of how angels announce divine events, especially those that involve the salvation of humanity.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ( Luke 2: 8 -14 )

Cornelius’s Vision

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, has a vision of an angel telling him to send for Peter, which sets in motion the events that lead to the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles. This vision serves as a critical moment in the early Church’s mission.

One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” ( Acts 10: 3 )

Peter’s Vision

Peter, in a trance, sees a vision of a sheet containing various animals and is told to eat, which challenges his understanding of clean and unclean foods. This vision is instrumental in teaching Peter that God does not show favoritism and that the gospel is for all people. ( Acts 10:9 -16 )

The vision sets the stage for Peter’s encounter with the Gentile centurion Cornelius, which signifies the opening of the Christian message to all nations . ( Acts 10: 34 -48 )

Joseph’s Angelic Visions

– Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, receives multiple angelic visitations in his dreams. In these visions, angels direct him to take Mary as his wife, flee to Egypt to protect the child from Herod, and return when it is safe. These angelic messages protect and guide the Holy Family during critical moments. ( Matthew 1: 20 ) ( Matthew 2: 12 ) ( Matthew 13 -19 )

Visions of Revelation:

In the Book of Revelation, St. John recounts several visions, starting in Revelation 4, that were meant to comfort Christians facing impending persecution. These visions of heavenly glory, divine judgment, and the victory of Christ were intended to reassure believers of God’s ultimate sovereignty and the triumph of good over evil.

At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. ( Revelation 4: 2 -3 )

John sees God’s throne in heaven, a powerful symbol of divine authority, while later visions, depict Christ’s return in glory, offering hope to persecuted Christians. ( Revelation 19: 11 -16 )

The theme of divine visions throughout the Bible highlights the critical role that God’s direct revelations play in guiding His people and ensuring the fulfillment of His will.

Prophetic visions are essential for the continuity of God’s plan on Earth, as they empower individuals and communities to act in alignment with His divine purpose. They remind humanity of God’s sovereignty, calling them to respond with faith, obedience, and a desire to propagate His truth. Without such vision, the proclamation of God’s will ceases, and, as history shows, civilization itself becomes vulnerable to moral and spiritual decline