Meaning of VISION

That which God supernaturally shows to the spirit or to the bodily eyes. The Bible does not always clearly distinguish between visions and dreams, but it points out the great difference between vain visions (Jb. 20:8; Is. 29:7) and the visions of Jehovah's prophets.

Visions can be directed to the senses through the mediation of an external object. Moses saw the burning bush (Ex. 3:3). They can also be presented to the imagination, without the help of the senses. Ezekiel had a vision of four living creatures (Ez. 1:4-28).

Vision is sometimes directed only to intelligence. An example is the revelation of the weeks (Dan. 9:20-27). There may be a combination of all three forms of vision (Acts 10:9-20).

These supernatural phenomena can occur day or night, with or without ecstasy, sometimes through a dream (Acts 16:9; 18:9; 2 Cor. 12:1-4; Luke 1:22; Mt. 17:9; Luke 24:23; Acts 26:19).

Visions are not reserved only for saints; There were pagans who had them (Gen. 41:1-36; Num. 24:4, 16; Dan. 2:3-23).

The one who receives the vision is convinced that God is addressing him. The Scriptures warn against false visions and point out to those who recognize them the vainness of these manifestations (Jer. 23:13-27; cf. Is. 8:19-20; Deut. 18:10-14).

The visions that come from Jehovah bear the imprint of His Spirit of wisdom, purity, truth, and justice. Its content, always moral, has a didactic purpose, frequently in relation to upcoming or future events.

Numerous visions of a prophetic nature have already been fulfilled. The Bible denounces false prophets and condemns them (Jer. 14:14, 15; Ez. 13:8-10; Mt. 7:15-20; 1 Jn. 4:1).