Occurrences in the New Testament

Matthew 1:20; 2:12; 2:13; 2:19; 2:22; 27:19

All six uses are clustered in Matthew, underscoring the evangelist’s concern to show God’s providential oversight of Jesus’ birth, early preservation, and passion.

Pattern of Divine Guidance

1. Direction to Joseph (Matthew 1:20; 2:13; 2:19; 2:22)

Four times Joseph receives specific revelation by means of a dream. Each message is delivered by “an angel of the Lord,” confirming supernatural origin and pressing immediate obedience. The pattern mirrors Old Testament precedents in Genesis and Daniel, yet is uniquely Christ-centered: every instruction safeguards the Messianic child or positions Him in fulfillment of prophecy (for example, the flight to Egypt aligns with Hosea 11:1; the move to Galilee anticipates Isaiah 9:1-2).

2. Warning to the Magi (Matthew 2:12)

The Gentile sages, having honored the infant King, are “warned in a dream not to return to Herod.” Their rerouted journey frustrates Herod’s scheme and foreshadows the inclusion of the nations who, like Abraham, heed God’s voice by faith.

3. Pilate’s Wife (Matthew 27:19)

In stark contrast to Joseph’s obedience, Pilate ignores a dream’s warning delivered through his wife: “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered today in a dream because of Him”. The lone Passion-Week occurrence shows the judicial innocence of Jesus and highlights human accountability when divine warning is disregarded.

Historical and Cultural Background

First-century Judaism acknowledged dreams as potential channels of revelation but also recognized the danger of false or self-generated visions (Jeremiah 23:25-32; Sirach 34:1-7). Matthew’s narrative distinguishes genuine revelation by attaching an angelic messenger, immediate fulfillment, and harmony with written prophecy. The apostolic church retained this caution, placing primary authority in Scripture while welcoming authentic spiritual gifts (Acts 2:17 quotes Joel 2:28).

Theological Significance

• Providence: Dreams in Matthew form a chiastic structure around Jesus’ early life, affirming God’s meticulous governance from conception to crucifixion.
• Christology: Each dream elevates Jesus’ identity—conceived by the Spirit, preserved from Herod, identified as “righteous.” The narrative silently answers the question “Who is this?” with Heaven’s own attestation.
• Revelation: The episodes confirm that while Scripture stands supreme, God may employ extraordinary means to communicate in critical junctures, always in accord with His written Word.

Old Testament Continuity

Joseph son of Jacob (Genesis 37; 40–41) and Daniel (Daniel 2; 7) parallel Matthew’s Joseph: each bears a revelatory dream ministry that advances redemptive history. Matthew intentionally draws the parallel, presenting Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment toward which earlier dream-revelations pointed.

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

1. Discernment: Believers are to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1); authentic dreams never contradict Scripture and habitually exalt Christ.
2. Obedience: Joseph’s prompt action models faith that responds without delay, even at personal cost.
3. Mission: The Magi’s dream-directed return demonstrates that God orchestrates global events for the advance of His kingdom.
4. Warning: Pilate’s neglect reminds rulers and hearers alike that refusing divine counsel has grave consequences.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 3677 marks rare yet strategic moments when God interrupts human affairs through dreams to protect, direct, and testify about His Son. In Matthew’s Gospel they function as threads weaving together prophecy, providence, and Christological revelation, offering the church a paradigm of discerning, Scripture-aligned responsiveness to extraordinary guidance.