dream symbol

Biblical Figure Dream Meaning

According to Jung, the figures of Adam and Eve play a positive role in the unconscious mind as they are symbols of the ’self affirming ego’. Together they are seen as the source of all intellectual independence. Eating the forbidden fruit is also considered a powerful image of self discovery and fulfillment. Cain and Abel are archetypal figures of sibling rivalry and human strife, and according to Freud, the murder of Abel by his jealous brother Cain symbolizes the rivalry among brothers and sisters for their parental love. The dream may also suggest that childhood anxieties or animosities have persisted into adult life.

The Biblical patriarch Abraham who breaks with idolatry to seek enlightenment is a symbol of the importance of exploring the unfamiliar to find wisdom and selfknowledge. Jacob is another Old Testament figure who stands for higher aspirations. Moses, on the other hand, is the bringer of law who dies before entering the Promised Land to which he leads his people from captivity in Egypt. In dreams, he may symbolize moral integrity on the path to spiritual enlightenment or the holy figure that can lead us out of difficulty. Dreams that feature images of Samson and Delilah suggest castration anxiety or warn against the destructive power of an overheated libido as Delilah cut Samson’s hair that was the secret of his strength.

If any Biblical figure features in your dream, it might be worth your while to re-read or rediscover their story or character to see how it applies to your current situation in waking life. [1]

What Do You Think About This Dream?

Sources and Authors

  1. The Element Encyclopedia by Theresa Cheung [Back to dream]

What does BIBLICAL FIGURE mean in a dream?


According to Jung, the figures of Adam and Eve play a positive role in the unconscious mind as they are symbols of the ’self affirming ego’. Together they are seen...

Learn more about the meaning of Biblical Figure

An authority figure can represent someone or something in your real life whom you allow to have power over you somehow, or to whose opinions you listen.Being an authority figure...

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A religious figure or deity can represent: A religious figure that has meaning to you.Your desire for a spiritual connection (such as for guidance, clarity, or comfort).A reminder of how...

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1. “Stinging” or retaliation.2. Biblical icon.

Learn more about the meaning of Scorpions

We all have an inner awareness.The higher self or spiritual part of ourselves will often manifest itself as a figure that is giving advice, sometimes a figure of authority or...

Learn more about the meaning of Advice

(Minister or Rabbi)A spiritual authority figure may symbolize the dreamer’s spiritual needs. In interpreting such a dream, one should note whether the figure was loving and caring, or dictatorial and...

Learn more about the meaning of Priest

The hidden figure in a dream always relates to a quality, character aspect, or skill set that has not yet revealed itself to you. Often a specter of fear, the...

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Usually the hidden side of self; the riches of the unconscious. In the Biblical symbolism, life dominated by material values.

Learn more about the meaning of Egypt

A dream denoting joyful tidings (Gypsy). Probably derived from the Biblical description of the birth of Christ.

Learn more about the meaning of Planets

(Build, Contour, Frame, Profile) Having a tall figure in a dream signifies pride, arrogance, stinginess, ostentatiousness or pretending to be tall.(See Tallness).If one sees his figure shorter than his normal...

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Your real-life grandparent.An authority or caretaker figure.Unconditional love and support, wisdom, understanding, maturity, or something else you associate with a grandparent.A spiritual authority figure or wise elder in your life.See...

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As the biblical tale of David and Goliath shows, the slingshot is a symbol that the strength of the weak can conquer the powerful. This type of dream invites you...

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This is a powerful archetypal character aspect and a messenger from the unconscious, often thought of as the archetype of death. This image has its essence in anonymity and may...

Learn more about the meaning of Cloaked Or Hidden Figure

The supreme deity in the Greco-Roman pantheon is the father archetype at its most uncompromising, ruthless and dominant. The powerful presence of any authority figure in your dream may evoke...

Learn more about the meaning of Zeus / Jupiter

Guidance or direction, or a desire for it.Trying to figure out directions (with a map, compass, recipe, etc.) can represent trying to figure out a solution, achieve certain results, or...

Learn more about the meaning of Map Or Directions

A he-man figure in a woman’s dream may be an animus figure, representing the masculine side of her (probably strongly artistic or intuitive) nature. (For animus, see Brother / Sister,...

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In dream lore, whales still carry much of their ancient folk memory. The biblical story of Jonah—reborn spiritually from the belly of a whale—may be echoed in dream symbolism which...

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Hair has been a sacred and spiritual symbol throughout history. For example, it was the secret of the strength of Sampson in the biblical story. Hair carries an aura of...

Learn more about the meaning of Hair

(see Numbers)The unfolding of mystical relationships and the understanding of universal truths. Alternatively, a renewed focus on spiritual matters as they pertain to you personallyMarvels. There are seven wonders in...

Learn more about the meaning of Seven

1- A guru appearing in a dream is a representation of the wisdom of the unconscious. As that wisdom becomes available we often bring it through to conscious knowledge by...

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An authority figure or person whom you feel is responsible for supervising or taking care of others.Responsibility for others (perhaps you feel there’s too much or too little of it...

Learn more about the meaning of Babysitter

This usually represents our relationship with our mother or mother figure, and thus with women in authority generally. This applies to a dream image of any regal figure – not...

Learn more about the meaning of Queen

(see also Guru, Wise Old Man / Woman)(1) A male figure may be a symbol of your self; wholeness, completeness; the inner self that represents the ground-plan of your individual...

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A Buddha figure will probably signify either your true self or the wisdom that lies in the unconscious and beyond reach undl you resolve to get better acquainted with your...

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A Japanese figure in a dream, if male, may comment on performing or parroting business practices based on capitalistic values and free enterprise.If the figure is a woman, she may...

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In a woman’s dream a woman, such as a family member or friend is often representative of an aspect of her own personality, but often one she has not yet...

Learn more about the meaning of Woman

Material aspects: In previous times, the figure of the devil was one to be feared and hated. Our wilder, more instinctive side will often appear in dreams as the conventional...

Learn more about the meaning of Devil

In today’s world the hero has taken on many guises, particularly in psychological parlance.For many people their own heroic figure, from footballer to successful businessperson, will act as a role...

Learn more about the meaning of Hero Or Any Heroic Figure

(see Birds, Feathers, Wings)The arrival of this bird in spring makes it an envoy of hope and new opportunities.In heraldry, the swallow represents conscientious attention to duty.China: A symbol for...

Learn more about the meaning of Swallow

An authority figure or mediator in your life.A desire for fairness or an impartial opinion.Someone whose opinions you listen to, especially in terms of making decisions or settling arguments.Someone or...

Learn more about the meaning of Referee

1- A tent in a dream would suggest that we feel we arc on the move, and not able to settle down and put down roots. Anywhere we settle is...

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Where an animal or figure of one’s birth sign—such as a lion in a Leo’s, bull in Taurean’s, twins in Geminian’s dream—appears, this frequently represents the dreamer’s ba­sic personality traits....

Learn more about the meaning of Zodiac

A leader can represent an authority figure, such as someone or something in your real life you allow to have power over you, or someone whose opinions you care about.You...

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(see Colors)Biblical: A promise kept, as well as hope and forgiveness.Birth, fertility, and creativity. In Africa, the rainbow snake made the world.The veil between realities: In pre-Vedic traditions, and among...

Learn more about the meaning of Rainbow

In the following box are figures based on a word count of 1,000 dreams.If we look at the entry on man’, for example, the number 304 appears beside it. This...

Learn more about the meaning of Statistics

The medicine man or woman is an archetypal character aspect; they are part of your personality, but at a much higher, aspirational level.The medicine man or woman has two functions.The...

Learn more about the meaning of Medicine Man / Woman

(see Annuals, Birds)Someone with gentle, loving words.Peaceful offerings and reconciliation, as in the Biblical story of Xoah and the Ark.A common emblem of the Holy Spirit among Christians. Cooing: A...

Learn more about the meaning of Dove

There is probably a conflict between two parts of yourself: for example, conscience (represented by an ‘overdog’ figure) and an instinctive desire (represented by an ‘underdog’ figure). ‘Overdog’ and ‘underdog5...

Learn more about the meaning of Underdog

Vision: Your father (or a father figure) is a symbol of your need for safety and security (particularly in women’s dreams).For women who change partners frequently, the dream is the...

Learn more about the meaning of Father, Father Figure

If you dreamed about a collage, try to remember the pieces that made up the collage and consider their colors and materials. Look up those symbols for clues to your...

Learn more about the meaning of Collage

(1) If a dream contains a composite person / figure / image or a merging of what in actual life are distinct persons / things, first look for what its...

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Depending on the context of the dream, an Apple can signify love (if the apple is fresh and given to someone), guilt (only if one associates eating an apple with...

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A real or imagined decision by an authority figure.Being judged by a judge or jury in court can represent: feeling subject to scrutiny or judgment by others in some aspect...

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also see Religions Imagery1- Dreaming of angels indicates we are searching for a parental figure which gives unconditional love and support, or that we need to develop these qualities ourselves....

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A particular person or a public figure, or your feelings about them.A particular attribute of the subject portrayed (such as grace or authority).An idea the statue conveys (such as freedom...

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A rule or law can represent: A rule set forth by an authority in your real life.A societal norm, or a rule you feel is generally accepted by others.A self-guiding...

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1- Normally in dreams spittle will represent disgust. We would, in former times, ‘spit venom’, which is a very basic image as to how a hurt or threatened animal will...

Learn more about the meaning of Spittle

Following directions, a procedure, or an example can represent: A guided, step-by-step process in real life (such as instructions or a recipe).A desire for clear guidance.Acting on recommendations from others.Obeying,...

Learn more about the meaning of Following A Procedure

A wish to escape something that’s scary, or that feels out of control or unpredictable.A desire to escape the effects of someone else on you (such as their opinions, judgments,...

Learn more about the meaning of Exorcism

Guide and guru. Jupiter (father of the gods) is the ultimate authority archetype and father figure. The Jupiter archetype is associated with the Greek mythic figure of Zeus, the king...

Learn more about the meaning of Jupiter

If a missionary figures in your dream, try to work out if the advice they gave was inspirational or misguided, as the missionary figure could be referring to you or...

Learn more about the meaning of Missionary

(Height, Size) To see oneselftaller than usual in a dream means increase in knowledge and wealth.If a man of authority sees that, it means expansion of his power.If he is...

Learn more about the meaning of Tallness

Fruit represents abundance and prosperity. As a result of the seeds that they carry, they may also represent new beginnings. In biblical stories, mythology and literature in general, fruits have...

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Similar to the compass needle, a diamond shape in your dream suggests choices and directions in your life; you are at a crossroads and you either have more or fewer...

Learn more about the meaning of Other Shapes

also see Priest in Archetypes1- Just as the priest was given spiritual authority over many; and was often a figure to be feared, so the vicar is also given this...

Learn more about the meaning of Vicar

Some people have dreams in which they appear at a particular past event of national or world historical importance, such as Waterloo, World War II or walking on the moon....

Learn more about the meaning of Historical People And Events

(1) A Wise Old Man. figure mav appear in a man’s dream, a Wise Old Woman in a woman’s dream. The Wise Old Man may take various forms: for example,...

Learn more about the meaning of Wise Old Man / Woman

To see ants in your dream implies that you are not happy with your current position or situation. You harbor emotions of abandonment and inattention. You may be easily irritated...

Learn more about the meaning of Ants

also see Mosaic1- The mandala is a sacred shape which is so powerful that it is found in one form or another in most religions. Typically, it is a circle...

Learn more about the meaning of Mandala

A symbol of creativity, of the ability to create your own world the way you want it.If you dream of a famous artist, you need to ask yourself what this...

Learn more about the meaning of Artist

Authority.Assistance.Information or understanding.The idea of taking on a role.A teacher who’s not a teacher in real life can represent: an authority figure in your life, someone whose opinions or advice...

Learn more about the meaning of Teacher

1- In less sophisticated times bread, because it was made from grain, was also a fit offering for the gods. It was formed into loaves which then became symbols of...

Learn more about the meaning of Loaf / Loaves

A builder is a father figure in dreams; this is because he is a typically male figure working on the house, which represents the self. He can be a reminder...

Learn more about the meaning of Builder / Carpenter / Architect / Engineer

A badge (such as a sheriff’s or one that grants access to an area) can represent authority or permission.Wearing a badge can represent a feeling of belonging, permission to do...

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Loss of identity, self, authority, or the authority figure of a group (such as a company’s president being fired), or a fear of such.You being beheaded can represent a feeling...

Learn more about the meaning of Beheading

To see an alligator in your dream represents dishonesty, deception, and a false facade. It may indicate that you should step back and reevaluate your position or view of a...

Learn more about the meaning of Alligator

1- A figure wearing a hood in a dream will always appear to be slightly menacing. While not necessarily being evil, there may be a part of us which has...

Learn more about the meaning of Hood

(1) Any dream image that, like Cinderella, depicts a spumed, ill-treated and subjugated being may be taken as a symbol of some part of yourself that you - the conscious...

Learn more about the meaning of Cinderella

(see Ani?nals, Desert, Sand)Being a desert creature, camels often represent a dry spell in our lives when we must have patience. Additionally, there is a subtle caution here not to...

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Take down one’s boss or other authority figure.

Learn more about the meaning of Impeach

1. Look at the function and figure out the metaphor

Learn more about the meaning of Organs

An authoritative figure; see “boat”

Learn more about the meaning of Skipper

A to Z Dream Interpretation