Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of dreams as divine communication is also present in the Hebrew Bible, with corresponding Hebrew terms such as חֲלוֹם (chalom, Strong's Hebrew 2472), which similarly denotes a dream, often with prophetic or revelatory significance.

Usage: In the New Testament, ὄναρ is used to describe dreams that convey divine messages or guidance. It appears exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew.

Context: The Greek word ὄναρ (onar) is a noun that appears six times in the New Testament, all within the Gospel of Matthew. It is used to describe dreams that carry significant divine messages, often serving as a means of communication from God to individuals. In the context of the New Testament, these dreams are not ordinary but are imbued with divine purpose and direction.

The most notable occurrences of ὄναρ are found in the infancy narrative of Jesus. In Matthew 1:20, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him not to fear taking Mary as his wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. This dream reassures Joseph of the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy and his role in the unfolding of God's plan.

Another significant instance is in Matthew 2:12, where the Magi are warned in a dream not to return to Herod, prompting them to depart for their country by another route. This dream serves as divine protection for the Christ child, thwarting Herod's malicious intentions.

In Matthew 2:13, Joseph is again visited by an angel in a dream, instructing him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod's impending massacre. This dream ensures the safety of the Holy Family, highlighting the protective nature of divine guidance through dreams.

Finally, in Matthew 2:19-22, Joseph receives further instructions in dreams, guiding him back to Israel after Herod's death and eventually settling in Nazareth. These dreams underscore the theme of divine intervention and guidance in the early life of Jesus.

The use of ὄναρ in these passages emphasizes the importance of dreams as a medium for divine revelation and guidance, reflecting a belief in God's active involvement in human affairs through supernatural means.