### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐνυπνιάζομαι (enypniázomai, `{{G1797}}`) is derived from the noun ἐνύπνιον (enypnion, `{{G1798}}`), meaning "a dream." As a verb in the middle voice, ἐνυπνιάζομαι literally means "to dream," signifying the experience of having a dream or nocturnal vision. Its semantic range is relatively narrow, primarily denoting the act of dreaming. However, the biblical usage extends its meaning to encompass both divinely inspired visions and, pejoratively, the self-delusion and corrupt imaginings of false teachers. The provided definition "dream(-er)" indicates that the participle form can also refer to the one who dreams.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐνυπνιάζομαι occurs twice in the New Testament, presenting a striking dichotomy in its application:
1. **[[Acts 2:17]]**: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall **dream dreams**."
* Here, ἐνυπνιάζομαι is used in a positive sense, quoting Joel 2:28 (LXX). It describes a legitimate and divinely-ordained means of revelation, alongside prophecy and visions, which are manifestations of the Holy Spirit's outpouring in the eschatological era. This context aligns with Old Testament precedents where God communicated through dreams to figures like Joseph, Daniel, and Pharaoh. The "dreaming of dreams" is presented as a spiritual gift and a sign of God's active presence among His people.
2. **[[Jude 1:8]]**: "Likewise also these **dreamers** defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignities."
* In stark contrast to Acts, ἐνυπνιάζομαι (specifically the participle ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι, "dreamers") is used here as a descriptor for false teachers. These individuals are characterized by their moral corruption ("defile the flesh"), rebellion against established order ("reject authority"), and blasphemous speech ("speak evil of dignities"). Their "dreams" are not divine revelations but rather self-generated delusions, corrupt imaginings, or false spiritual experiences that lead them astray and cause them to lead others into error and immorality. The term thus becomes a metaphor for spiritual deception and ungodly fantasies.
The dual usage highlights the critical importance of discerning the source and nature of spiritual experiences.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἐνύπνιον (enypnion, `{{G1798}}`)**: The direct cognate noun, meaning "a dream." This is the root from which ἐνυπνιάζομαι is formed.
* **ὄναρ (onar, `{{G3677}}`)**: Another Greek noun for "a dream," often used in the Gospels (e.g., in Matthew) to describe dreams that convey divine messages.
* **ὁράω (horaō, `{{G3708}}`) / ὅραμα (horama, `{{G3705}}`)**: "To see" / "a vision," frequently appearing alongside "dreams" as forms of divine revelation.
* **προφητεύω (prophēteuō, `{{G4395}}`)**: "To prophesy," another key form of spiritual communication mentioned with dreams in [[Acts 2:17]].
* **Discernment (διακρίνω, diakrinō, `{{G1252}}`)**: The contrasting uses of ἐνυπνιάζομαι underscore the biblical emphasis on discerning spirits and testing the source of purported spiritual experiences, as not all "dreams" or spiritual claims originate from God.
* **False Teachers/Prophets**: The usage in Jude connects ἐνυπνιάζομαι to the broader biblical theme of warning against those who propagate error and lead believers astray.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐνυπνιάζομαι lies in its starkly contrasting applications, which provide a nuanced perspective on the nature of dreams and spiritual experience within a biblical framework:
1. **Divine Revelation**: In [[Acts 2:17]], the word affirms that dreams are a legitimate and divinely appointed channel through which God communicates with humanity, especially in the era of the Holy Spirit's outpouring. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God frequently used dreams to reveal His will, provide warnings, or convey prophetic messages (e.g., Joseph, Daniel). It underscores God's sovereign freedom to use diverse means to speak to His people.
2. **Spiritual Delusion and Corruption**: In [[Jude 1:8]], the term serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual delusion. The "dreamers" are not recipients of divine truth but are rather lost in their own corrupt imaginations, leading to immoral behavior and rebellion against divine authority. This usage highlights the danger of subjective spiritual experiences that are not grounded in truth or validated by godly fruit. It serves as a severe warning against those who claim spiritual insight but are driven by their own desires, leading to destructive outcomes.
Thus, ἐνυπνιάζομαι encapsulates the critical distinction between genuine, Spirit-inspired revelation and self-generated or demonic deception. It calls believers to exercise discernment, recognizing that while God does speak through dreams, not all "dreams" are from God, and some can be sources of profound spiritual danger.
### Summary
ἐνυπνιάζομαι (`{{G1797}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to dream." Its two New Testament occurrences reveal a significant theological tension. In [[Acts 2:17]], it describes dreams as a legitimate and Spirit-inspired form of divine revelation, part of the outpouring of God's Spirit in the last days. Conversely, in [[Jude 1:8]], the participle form "dreamers" is used pejoratively to denote false teachers whose "dreams" are self-generated delusions leading to immorality and rebellion against divine authority. This dual usage underscores the biblical understanding that while God can communicate through dreams, spiritual experiences must be critically discerned to distinguish between genuine divine revelation and deceptive, corrupt imaginings.
TRV