ὄναρ (onar)
onar
dream
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word onar refers simply to a dream, specifically the visions experienced during sleep. It appears six times in the New Testament, with the majority of these occurrences found in the Gospel of Matthew. The term is neuter and indeclinable in its singular forms, often appearing in phrases that indicate the context of the vision, such as "in a dream."
Its usage highlights the divine communication method employed by God in the early chapters of Matthew’s narrative. Angels appear to Joseph in these visions to provide critical guidance regarding the safety of Mary and Jesus. For instance, an angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13) and later instructs him to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-20). The word also appears in Matthew 27:19, where Pilate’s wife sends a message through her dream warning him against harming the righteous Jesus.
While other Greek words for dreams exist, onar is distinct in its specific literary placement within Matthew. It serves as a narrative device that underscores divine intervention during times of uncertainty. The consistent association with Joseph’s experiences suggests that these dreams were not merely random nocturnal events but authoritative messages requiring immediate obedience. This lexical choice reinforces the theme of God guiding his people through unexpected and supernatural means.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word onar simply means 'dream,' yet in Matthew’s Gospel it carries the weight of divine instruction. God used these nighttime visions to guide Joseph and even Pilate’s wife, showing that He speaks into our lives when we are uncertain or afraid. These were not random thoughts but clear messages requiring a response.
We often wonder how God guides us today. While He no longer sends angels in dreams with the same frequency as in biblical times, the principle remains: God is attentive to His people. When we face decisions that feel overwhelming, like Joseph facing Herod’s threat, we can trust that God provides wisdom through His Word and the counsel of others.
This word reminds us that God’s guidance is often gentle yet firm. It invites us to listen closely to what He is saying, whether through Scripture, community, or quiet moments of reflection. We are never left without direction in our journey of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a dream6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὄναρ6×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:20
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
This verse establishes the pattern of divine reassurance, where an angel uses a dream to calm Joseph’s fear and confirm Mary’s pregnancy.
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Matthew 2:13
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
Here the dream serves as urgent protection, commanding immediate action to safeguard the holy family from Herod's violence.
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Matthew 27:19
While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of him.”
Pilate’s wife’s dream highlights how even those outside the covenant can receive divine warnings against harming Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word onar mean?
How is onar different from other words for dream?
Why does Matthew mention dreams so often?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Matthew 6 verses
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 2:12Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.
Matthew 2:13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Matthew 2:22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there.…
Matthew 27:19While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,…