### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chălôwm**, represented by `{{H2472}}`, is the primary term for a **dream**. Derived from the root verb to dream `{{H2492}}`, it appears **65 times** across **55 unique verses**. In scripture, a **dream** signifies a key method of divine communication and a source of prophetic insight, but it also serves as a potential avenue for deception and vanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2472}}` is presented as a direct channel for God's communication. God appears to leaders like Solomon [[1 Kings 3:5]] and speaks to figures like Abimelech and Laban in a **dream** to issue warnings or guidance ([[Genesis 20:3]], [[Genesis 31:24]]). The stories of Joseph and Pharaoh demonstrate that dreams often require divine interpretation, with Joseph crediting God for the ability to understand their meaning ([[Genesis 40:8]], [[Genesis 41:25]]). Conversely, God withholding dreams from King Saul is shown as a form of judgment [[1 Samuel 28:15]]. The word is also used figuratively to describe something fleeting and insubstantial, like the wicked who "fly away as a **dream**" [[Job 20:8]] or an enemy army that will vanish like a "dream of a night vision" [[Isaiah 29:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of dreams and divine revelation:
* `{{H2492}}` **châlam** (to dream): This is the root verb from which **chălôwm** is derived. The two words are often paired, as when Joseph "dreamed a **dream**" [[Genesis 37:5]] or in the description of a "**dreamer** of dreams" [[Deuteronomy 13:1]].
* `{{H2377}}` **châzôwn** (vision): This term for divine revelation often appears with **dream**. God granted Daniel understanding in all **visions** and **dreams** [[Daniel 1:17]].
* `{{H6622}}` **pâthar** (interpret): This verb is crucial in contexts where a **dream** carries a hidden message, such as when Pharaoh's wise men could not **interpret** his **dream** [[Genesis 41:8]], a task Joseph later accomplished.
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (prophet): A **prophet** could be a legitimate recipient of a **dream** from God [[Numbers 12:6]], but scripture also warns against the false **prophet** who uses dreams to mislead people [[Jeremiah 29:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2472}}` is significant, highlighting the boundary between divine truth and human falsehood.
* **Divine Communication:** Dreams are a primary vehicle for God to reveal His will, make promises, and issue warnings. He appeared to Solomon in a **dream** to offer him wisdom [[1 Kings 3:5]] and spoke to Abimelech to prevent him from sinning [[Genesis 20:6]]. God's spirit being poured out is linked to old men dreaming **dreams** [[Joel 2:28]].
* **Prophetic Warning and Testing:** Scripture warns against false **dreams** used by deceivers to cause God's people to err `{{H8582}}` and forget His name ([[Jeremiah 23:27]], [[Jeremiah 23:32]]). A "**dreamer** of dreams" who encourages idolatry is presented as a test from God to prove the faithfulness of His people [[Deuteronomy 13:3]].
* **Source of Vanity:** When disconnected from God, dreams are presented as a source of emptiness. Ecclesiastes links a "multitude of **dreams**" with vanities `{{H1892}}` [[Ecclesiastes 5:7]] and notes that a **dream** can arise from a "multitude of business" [[Ecclesiastes 5:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2472}}` is more than just a nocturnal experience; it is a complex term representing a powerful channel between the divine and human realms. It carries immense potential for revelation, as seen in the lives of Joseph and Solomon ([[Genesis 42:9]], [[1 Kings 3:15]]). At the same time, it serves as a stark warning against deception, where false prophets use **dreams** to promote lies `{{H8267}}` and vanity `{{H205}}` ([[Zechariah 10:2]], [[Jeremiah 23:32]]). The word **chălôwm** thus illustrates the critical need for discernment in distinguishing God’s voice from counterfeit messages.
TRV