from ἐν and ὕπνος; something seen in sleep, i.e. a dream (vision in a dream):--dream.
Transliteration:enýpnion
Pronunciation:en-oop'-nee-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1798 (ἐνύπνιον, *enýpnion*) directly translates to "dream." Its etymology is transparent, deriving from the preposition ἐν (*en*), meaning "in," and the noun ὕπνος (*hypnos*), meaning "sleep." Thus, G1798 fundamentally denotes "something seen in sleep" or a "vision in a dream." This precise etymology highlights the specific context of its occurrence: a mental experience or perception that takes place while one is in a state of slumber. Unlike a waking vision (e.g., `{{G3705}}`, *horama*), an *enýpnion* is inherently tied to the nocturnal, unconscious state. Its semantic range is narrow, consistently referring to this specific phenomenon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1798 appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances offering significant theological insight into its usage.
1. **[[Acts 2:17]]**: In Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, he quotes from the prophet Joel: "‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams (*enýpnia*).’" Here, *enýpnia* (plural of G1798) is presented as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's outpouring in the eschatological age. It stands alongside "prophesying" and "seeing visions" as a legitimate means through which God communicates with humanity. The Septuagint (LXX) uses G1798 to translate the Hebrew `{{H2472}}` (*chalom*) in Joel 2:28, affirming its role as a vehicle for divine revelation, particularly for the "old men," perhaps implying a wisdom or experience that prepares them for such reception.
2. **[[Jude 1:8]]**: In stark contrast to its positive connotation in Acts, Jude uses a related verbal form, ἐνυπνιαζόμενοι (*enypniazomenoi*, "dreamers" or "those who dream"), to describe the false teachers plaguing the church: "Yet in like manner these people also, by dreaming (*enypniazomenoi*), defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones." While not the noun G1798 itself, the concept is directly linked. Here, "dreaming" refers not to divine inspiration but to self-delusion, false spiritual experiences, or perhaps even a state of moral stupor that leads to ungodly behavior. These "dreams" are internally generated and lead to corruption, rebellion, and blasphemy, serving as a warning against spiritual experiences that are not grounded in truth and righteousness.
These two occurrences highlight the dual potential of "dreams" in biblical thought: a channel for divine revelation when Spirit-inspired, but also a source of dangerous delusion when arising from human depravity or false spirituality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G1798 benefits from comparison with other related terms and concepts:
* **`{{H2472}}` (חֲלוֹם, *chalom*)**: This is the primary Hebrew word for "dream" in the Old Testament. It is used extensively to describe God's communication with figures like Joseph ([[Genesis 37:5]]), Jacob ([[Genesis 28:12]]), Solomon ([[1 Kings 3:5]]), and Daniel ([[Daniel 2:1]]). The Septuagint frequently translates `{{H2472}}` with G1798 or its cognates, establishing a clear continuity between Old and New Testament concepts of dreams as divine communication.
* **`{{G3705}}` (ὄραμα, *horama*)**: Meaning "vision," this term often refers to a waking experience or a supernatural sight (e.g., Peter's vision in [[Acts 10:3]]). While both *enýpnion* and *horama* involve perception of the unseen, the former is specifically tied to sleep, distinguishing it from the latter's broader scope.
* **`{{G3701}}` (ὀπτασία, *optasia*)**: Also translated as "vision" or "appearance," often implying a divine manifestation (e.g., [[Luke 1:22]] and [[Acts 26:19]]). It shares semantic overlap with *horama* but is distinct from the sleep-bound nature of *enýpnion*.
* **Prophecy (`{{G4394}}`, *prophēteia*)**: Dreams, especially in the Old Testament, were often a form of prophetic revelation. Peter's citation of Joel in [[Acts 2:17]] explicitly links G1798 to the broader concept of prophecy, underscoring its communicative purpose.
* **Discernment**: The contrasting uses of "dreams" in Acts and Jude underscore the critical importance of spiritual discernment. Not all spiritual experiences, even those seemingly profound, originate from God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1798 revolves around two primary poles: divine revelation and spiritual discernment.
1. **Divine Revelation**: In the biblical narrative, dreams serve as a legitimate, albeit less common in the New Testament, means by which God communicates His will and purposes to humanity. The inclusion of G1798 in Peter's Pentecost sermon signifies that in the new covenant era, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God continues to speak through various means, including dreams. This affirms the sovereign freedom of God to reveal Himself as He chooses, even in the unconscious state of sleep, echoing the rich tradition of dream revelation in the Old Testament. It highlights the Spirit's comprehensive work, empowering all believers to receive divine insight.
2. **Spiritual Discernment and Warning**: The usage in Jude provides a crucial counterpoint and a sobering warning. Not every "dream" or spiritual experience is divinely inspired. Jude's "dreamers" are self-deceived, their internal experiences leading to moral decay and rebellion against divine order. This underscores a vital theological principle: genuine spiritual experience must align with righteous living, established authority, and sound doctrine. The presence of "dreams" or spiritual claims does not automatically confer divine endorsement; rather, they must be tested by their fruit and their conformity to God's revealed truth. This tension between Acts and Jude necessitates careful discernment, reminding believers to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" ([[1 John 4:1]]).
### Summary
The Greek word G1798 (ἐνύπνιον, *enýpnion*) precisely denotes "something seen in sleep," or a "dream." Its limited but significant occurrences in the New Testament reveal a dual theological significance. In [[Acts 2:17]], G1798 is presented as a genuine manifestation of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, a means of divine communication and prophetic revelation in the eschatological age. However, the related concept in [[Jude 1:8]] warns against "dreamers" who are self-deluded, whose spiritual experiences lead to immorality and rejection of authority. This stark contrast emphasizes the critical need for spiritual discernment, affirming that while God may indeed speak through dreams, not all such experiences are of divine origin. The study of *enýpnion* thus illuminates both the varied ways God communicates and the imperative for believers to carefully evaluate spiritual claims against the backdrop of biblical truth and righteous living.
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