Biblical Meaning of Owls in Dreams

Owl dreams are common among people, and many are wondering what their dreams’ message is. In some cultures, owls represent wealth, prosperity, and, in others, death and solitude. But what is the real biblical meaning of owls in dreams?

According to the mention of owls in the Bible, these wild birds symbolize predation, ignorance, wisdom, and sorrow. On the other hand, the spiritual meaning of owls states that they can be a sign of pureness and success.

In the article below, we will explore the biblical meaning of owls and what they can symbolize spiritually and psychologically.

Biblical Meaning of Owls in Dreams
source: cornell.edu

Biblical Meaning of Owls in Dreams

In some parts of the Bible, you’ll notice that the owl is seen as God’s special messenger. So, seeing an owl in your dreams can have a more profound meaning than you thought. 

Below are some biblical meanings of owls in dreams that can influence many aspects of your life and help you connect with your inner self and God.

Ignorance

Owls are famous for their keen vision, which enables them to see in the dark. In the Bible, darkness often represents ignorance or spiritual blindness. 

Therefore, an owl in a dream may represent a situation where you need to see more clearly, gain more knowledge or insight, or overcome a form of spiritual blindness.

Predation

Furthermore, owls are nocturnal birds of prey, which means they hunt at night. Seeing an owl in your dream may signal the danger of someone or something hunting you. You can relate this to a new relationship, job, or situation where you feel pressured and threatened.

Loneliness

In the Bible, owls are also associated with desolation and abandonment. They are birds that thrive in places of ruin and decay, where the light of day does not reach. 

This message in your dream can be a sign to socialize more or share your thoughts and feelings with someone. Think about a part of your life where you feel left behind and try to do something about it.

Wisdom and watchfulness

In other instances, the owl is used as a symbol of wisdom and watchfulness. For example, in Psalm 102:6, the psalmist compares himself to an owl, saying:

“I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places.” 

The owl’s ability to see in the dark and sharp vision make it a fitting symbol of wisdom and discernment.

Sickness

If an owl appears in your dream, it can indicate that you are sick or need to take better care of yourself. Mysterious creatures like owls are sometimes margined and related to a bad omen, so if owls keep appearing in your life, it’s time to make some changes in your lifestyle for your good.

Sorrow

Owls are lonely birds that can care for themselves and live in the wilderness independently. The biblical meaning of owls in dreams is often related to the tiredness and sorrow of the human soul. 

The verse from Micah 1:8 says, “Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons and mourning as the owls.”

Dreaming of owls can be a warning to seek help and find the reason for your sorrow before it’s too late. People are born to live in communities, and thinking you can do it all alone can leave you tired and sad.

Judgment and punishment

Finally, owls in dreams are associated with judgment and punishment. The Bible sometimes uses them to symbolize God’s wrath and retribution. Seeing an owl in a dream can warn of impending judgment from God or other people. 

Alternatively, it may be a call to examine your actions and attitudes and consider whether they align with God’s will.

The biblical meaning of owls in dreams can be misleading. Still, if you put effort into seeing the context behind their prophecy, you’ll find the opportunity to reflect on your life and relationship with God.

Biblical mentions of owls 

The Bible references animals as literal creatures and metaphors for spiritual concepts. One such animal mentioned in the Bible is the owl. You can also check out the biblical meaning of an owl hooting if you had a dream about it.

Biblical Mentions of Owls
source: australian.museum

The night creatures

One of the most famous mentions of owls in the Bible is in Isaiah 34:13-15, where they are included in a list of creatures that will inhabit the desolate land after God’s judgment:

“Thorns will overrun her citadels, nettles, and brambles her strongholds. She will become a haunt for jackals, a home for owls. Desert creatures will meet with hyenas, and wild goats will bleat to each other; there, the night creatures will also lie down and find for themselves places of rest.”

This passage portrays the owl as a creature of the night, thriving in desolate and abandoned places. In this context, the owl symbolizes emptiness, darkness, and judgment.

A symbol of loneliness

Another biblical mention of owls is found in Psalm 102:6-7:

“I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake like a bird alone on a roof.”

In this psalm, the speaker compares themselves to an owl alone and awake in the night, surrounded by ruins. This passage is often interpreted as a lament, expressing the speaker’s isolation and despair, just like the owl’s life.

Scary birds

In the Old Testament, owls are considered impure and “dirty birds” because they eat meat with blood still on it. According to the Scriptures, this defiles the holy essence of the human body and soul.

“These are the birds you must detest; do not eat their meat or touch their dead bodies: eagle, vulture, black vulture, buzzard, kite of any kind; every raven of any kind; ostrich, nighthawk, seagull, hawk of any kind; the little owl and great owl….” (Leviticus 11:13-19).

In this context, the owl is seen as a symbol of impurity and sin, something people should abound and fear of.

Desperation

“I have become a brother of jackals and a companion of owls. My skin grows black and peels; my body burns with fever. My lyre is tuned to mourning and my pipe to the sound of wailing.” ( Job 30: 29-31)

In these verses of the book of Job, he testifies that he is becoming sad and desperate as an owl. This reference can signify that it is time to change our pessimistic thinking and start again.

As with many biblical symbols, the owl’s meaning is shaped by the context in which it appears. It is a powerful reminder of our fragility and the need for redemption

If you hold superstition against the meaning of owls in dreams, look at their prophetic meaning.

Prophetic Meaning of Owls

You won’t see an owl in person very often, but if they keep reappearing in your dreams, you should understand the message from the universe and start manifesting toward a better life.

Here are some of the prophetic meanings of owls in people’s dreams:

  • There is a friend who will reappear in your life with a purpose.
  • You might be at risk of great danger. Stay protected and alert.
  • Owls are highly attentive birds. Their prophecy is that you are never alone, and someone might secretly watch every step you take.
  • Try to find divine strength in every field of your life. That’s how you’ll find purpose and joy in everything you do.
  • Owls are our sign of being spiritually aware and reconnecting with God.
Spiritual Meaning of Owls in Dreams
source: sciencenews.org

Spiritual Meaning of Owls in Dreams

Owls hold powerful symbolism with rich spiritual meanings in many cultures worldwide. In dreams, they can represent a variety of things. Here are some common spiritual meanings of owls in dreams.

Success is on your side

Besides having a scary look and an omen of bad luck, owls are not that bad. If you dream of an owl flying towards you, it can mean that good luck will follow your way. You will achieve great success in your current projects, and you’ll spread positivity everywhere you go.

And remember, fortune favors the brave, so stay determined if you want your success to last.

Your soul is pure

Snowy white owl meaning in a dream is a sign to keep goodwill and that your soul is pure. People see you as a positive person who always looks after others. Dreaming of white owls is a special occurrence. You are a good person, and good comes to those whose soul is pure and clean.

Follow your intuition

Owls symbolize intuition and insight and can bring awakening in your life. You may have strong intuition, but you can easily get lost in life, being deceived by many distractions. If owls appear in your dream, you should rely more on your intuition and not let people fool you with evil intentions.

Guidance

Owls are sometimes seen as guides or messengers; in dreams, they may offer the dreamer guidance or insight into a particular situation, so pay attention to whom you confess your secrets and wishes.

Wisdom

Owls are often associated with wisdom and knowledge; in dreams, they symbolize the need for the dreamer to seek out or tap into their inner wisdom. These birds are good observers and can surprise with their wit and capabilities. It almost reminds us of an older man who watches us from above and tells us wise sayings about life.

Transition

Owls are creatures of the night; in some cultures, they are associated with the spirit realm and the transition from life to death. The spiritual meaning of owls in a dream can alert you to be prepared and have faith for an upcoming change in your life regarding love, health, finance, or career.

Shadow self

They can also represent the shadow self or hidden aspects of the psyche that are often repressed or denied. In dreams, they may be urging the dreamer to confront and integrate these aspects of themselves.

Death and afterlife

In some cultures, owls are associated with death or the afterlife. In dreams, the owl can represent the dreamer’s fear or acceptance of mortality or their curiosity about what lies beyond. Alternatively, the owl can symbolize a spiritual awakening or transformation, indicating that the dreamer is ready to shed their old self and embrace a new path.

Dreaming of Owls Meaning for Love
source: theatlantic.com

What Does Dreaming of Owls Mean for Love

If you dream about an owl in the context of love, you need to trust your intuition and wisdom regarding matters of the heart. Perhaps you are facing a decision related to your love life, and the owl is a reminder that you have the necessary insights and knowledge to make the right choice.

Otherwise, an owl in a dream could represent a wise or insightful person who may have a significant role to play in your romantic life. It suggests that you must be cautious and watchful in matters of love, as owls are known for their keen sight and ability to see what others may miss.

What Does Dreaming of Owls Mean for Health

When it comes to your health and well-being, owls in dreams are sometimes predictions of an end of a health issue or illness. In many cultures, owls are symbols of good luck and protection, so your dream may remind you that you are not alone and that positive change is possible.

What Does Dreaming of Owls Mean for Career

Seeing an owl in your dream means that you seek guidance or mentorship from someone wise and experienced in your field. The owl may represent this person or the qualities you seek in a mentor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do owls symbolize in the Bible?

The owl is often used as an evil omen in the Bible. Although, the true meaning behind the symbolism of the owl is that it is a prophet of God’s will. It is considered that those who use their spiritual gifts to praise God are associated with owls in the Bible.

What God is represented by an owl?

There is no specific god or goddess that an owl represents universally. Although, in some mythologies, certain gods or goddesses may be depicted with an owl as a symbol, such as the Greek goddess Athena. Or Minerva, her syncretic incarnation from Roman mythology.

Conclusion

The biblical meaning of owls in dreams is complex and can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context and symbolism of the dream. 

Generally, owls are often associated with wisdom, intuition, and spiritual guidance, but they can also represent darkness, fear, and the presence of evil. 

In the Bible, there are many passages where owls are presented as lonely, mysterious creatures that bring no good.

Ultimately, interpreting a dream involving owls will depend on the individual’s beliefs and experiences and should be approached with an open and discerning mind.

Tracey

Greetings in faith! I'm Tracey, a devoted follower of the Word. This blog shares my passion for Christ, prayer, and biblical studies. I practice daily meditation, have visited sacred sites worldwide, and cherish my Holy Land pilgrimage. In my leisure, I craft prayer beads, spiritual artwork, and faith-inspiring handmade items. Join me as we explore the Bible's richness and the transformative power of faith.

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