ἐνύπνιον (enupnion)
enupnion
dream
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun enupnion refers simply to a dream, derived from roots meaning "in" and "sleep." In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 2:17, where Peter quotes the prophet Joel. This single occurrence carries significant weight, as it describes the supernatural visions experienced by believers in the last days.
The word connects directly to the Old Testament usage, where it translates the Hebrew chalom. By using this specific term, the text emphasizes that these dreams are not merely random nightly thoughts but divine communications. The sources highlight that this verse marks a shift in how God interacts with His people, extending prophetic insight beyond a select few to all flesh.
Translators consistently render enupnion as "dreams," preserving the literal sense of sleep-based revelation. Its rarity in the New Testament underscores the uniqueness of the event described in Acts. The word serves as a bridge between Old Testament prophecy and its fulfillment, pointing to a time when spiritual experiences become widespread rather than limited.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word enupnion appears in Scripture to describe a dream, specifically one that carries divine weight. In Acts 2:17, Peter explains that God pours out His Spirit on all people, allowing them to see visions and dream dreams. This is not about random thoughts during sleep but a clear communication from God to His children.
For your faith, this reminds you that God speaks to everyone, regardless of age or status. You do not need special rank to hear Him. His Spirit makes Himself known through various means, including the quiet moments of rest. This openness invites you to pay attention to how God might be guiding your steps in everyday life.
When you face uncertainty, remember that God is near. He desires to share His heart with you. Trust in His presence and seek His wisdom with an open heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dreams1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνυπνίοις1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:17
‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.
This verse uses enupnion to show that prophetic insight is now available to all believers, not just a chosen few.