The Difference Between Dreams and Visions: Gaining Deeper Levels of Understanding

By: Minister Denise N. Fyffe

Figuring out a dream can be as challenging as solving a Rubix cube. Some dreams are simple to understand and are like seeing an occurrence in everyday life. However, many others require the knowledge and understanding of symbolism and in many cases direct interpretation from the Holy Spirit. One of the first steps to gaining deeper levels of understanding about dreams and visions is to learn about the categories, types, and differences between a dream and a vision.

The Difference Between Dreams and Visions

There is a distinct and profound difference between dreams and visions. Dreams are having images or impressions in the mind. They are generally believed to occur while sleeping and mostly at night. Meanwhile, visions are an encounter with God where he imparts special revelation. They occur while the person is awake. With dreams, it feels more like you are a character in a movie; you can be participating or observing. The environment does not resemble where you currently are and it can seem as if you are viewing from behind a veil sometimes. With visions, you might feel as if you are interacting or living out the experience. It is more tangible. The environment can depict exactly what you see in the physical setting, in that period, though it is a spiritual encounter. I have had many dreams, but even fewer visions, The Bible further clarifies dreams as occurring when one is asleep. It states this in Job 33:15 (ESV). “In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds.”  

Categories of Dreams and Visions

My dreams and visions fell into many categories. I have seen and encountered demons in part and fully themselves or being represented by symbols or animals (Warfare dreams). I have seen past, present, and future events. The Lord revealed to me, Prince Harry, and his media blitz (2021). The Lord also showed me the hospital bombing which occurred recently, in the war (2022). The Lord has shown me the time of Noah’s Ark and the flood. The Lord has shown me presidents, politicians, celebrities, and actors; for example, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden. The Lord has shown me blessings which he sent for me, or for his church and how to distribute them. The Lord has shown me the spiritual state of people in my life, friends, family, bosses, and coworkers. The Lord revealed to me demons in my house, or even my bed, and has delivered me from them. The Lord has delivered me from attacks and revealed some of His secrets. The Lord has shown me, angels, in disguise, as soldiers, an army; police, or giants. The Lord allowed me to vividly experience, in dreams and visions, several encounters with demons attempting to harm me. This certainly put the fear of God in me. The earliest I recall was when I was a toddler, not more than three or four years old. Much of these experiences were via dreams and visions, and I never understood them, in those moments. They were a mystery, for a time. However, once I realized that the Lord was trying to get my attention and was continually speaking to me through dreams and visions, I actively started educating myself about the language of heaven and what symbols meant, especially from a biblical perspective. The categories which I can now identify, include:

• Revelatory dreams
• Instructive dreams
• Warning dreams
• Spiritual warfare dreams
• Prophetic dreams
• Dreams providing guidance
• Dreams giving directions
• Dreams of deliverance
• Dreams referencing purpose, destiny, or calling

Processing Information

It is important to first identify this category of dreams. Our brains are intricate supercomputers that are continually processing information and cataloging data and transferring them from short to long-term memory. We not only process everything we see, hear, smell, touch, and interact with, but we process spiritual information and encounters as well. Therefore, at night when our body is resting, our brains conduct integral processes to sort, store, interpret or permanently dispose of all that data. Sometimes, our dreams are a representation of those internal processes. I believe that our brain sequences several categories of dreams at night, especially if you are the type of person that God is constantly communicating with. For example, if you are a prophet, apostle, or teacher and if you are a dreamer with a kingdom assignment.   Explore for more courses, articles or books on dreams and visions. Subscribe to receive notifications as well. Be encouraged.  

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About the writer: Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 50 fiction and non-fiction books. She started Revealing the Christian Life Ministry to help other Christians and provide support. She is also a trainer and mentors aspiring writers towards achieving their goals.