I always strive to maintain a peaceful co-existence with everyone in my life as a Christian. That is why I was shocked when I dreamed that I was fighting with my father.
I called him in the morning and narrated the intense dream I had the previous night. Being a devout Christian and pastor, he was well-versed in dreams, and he gave me some great insight.
I also did some research to learn about similar dreams and came up with this post to enlighten someone experiencing fighting dreams.
So, what is the biblical meaning of fighting in a dream?
Fighting appears in the Old and New Testaments. In the Bible, God used dreams to send messages to his people. People interpreted them based on the circumstances of the person involved. From a biblical perspective, Dreams about fighting could be warnings against negative behavior or signs of internal conflict. It could also mean that someone is facing warfare.
Join me as we explore the biblical meanings of fighting in a dream. We will also discuss the spiritual reasons you are experiencing fighting dreams.
What does it mean when you dream about fighting?
Psychology Today concludes that there is no definite method to interpret dreams. However, spiritually inclined people believe dreams carry deep meanings that ought to be understood.
People of the latter opinion believe in finding deeper meanings to our dreams. For instance, when you dream about fighting, it is suggested that there is an underlying issue in your life.
Such issues are hard to identify because the subconscious mind hides them from the conscious mind. A good example is when you are upset with someone you love but refuse to address the problem.
Some dream interpreters suggest that repressing anger, loss, or disappointment can trigger dreams of fighting.
It is purported that a dream about fighting means one is self-aware and confident enough to defend oneself when someone attacks you.
A fighting dream is said to be an indicator of a can-do attitude. In some cases, dreaming about a fight is thought to be a sign of internal conflict.
Examples of things that cause internal conflict include indecisiveness or holding on to grudges for too long. A fighting dream is also thought to be a reminder that people should keep working on themselves in terms of character and integrity.
Spiritual thinkers suggest that dreams about fighting conflict in our lives. According to these people, a dream about fights means you are struggling to get over a painful situation.
Spiritual reasons why you are dreaming about fighting
Numerous spiritual factors are believed to cause dreams about fighting. These factors include but are not limited to the ones listed below;
Self-defense
Dreaming about fighting is considered to be a subconscious warning against looming danger. Spiritual enthusiasts suggest that that kind of dream means you will soon have to defend yourself in one way or another.
It could also be a symbol of deep-set insecurities about one’s entire life or current circumstances.
Inner conflict
As mentioned earlier, internal turmoil is viewed as one of the main reasons people encounter fighting in their dreams.
This is considered to be particularly true if the person is involved in the fighting as opposed to just watching it. Experts in dream interpretation posit that such dreams are rampant when one person cannot reconcile their thoughts and feelings.
Overcoming challenges
In some cultures, dreams about fighting are good omens. People who agree with this notion consider these dreams to be symbols of inner strength.
It takes a resilient person to keep fighting to reach their goals and dreams despite life’s challenges.
Shadow work
Based on Jungian Psychology (analytical), fighting dreams are indications that two aspects of your personality are not in agreement.
The process of integrating subconscious elements of your personality with your conscious mind is referred to as shadow work. Experts say that dreams about fighting inspire people to deal with unresolved issues.
Assertiveness
It is posited that people with a less assertive spirit are more like to encounter fighting in their dreams. If you are a person who lets people walk all over you, this dream is believed to be a warning.
Some people say that dreams about fighting occur when there’s a need to stand up for yourself and be bold in real life.
Biblical messages of seeing a fight in a dream
Fighting is a common theme in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. A great example is the story of Jacob and Esau. Jacob was a sly and manipulative man.
Though he was the last born, he tricked his elder brother, Esau, into giving up his birthright for a bowl of stew, as narrated in Genesis 25:29-30.
Later, Jacob deceived his father and stole Esau’s blessing yet again, as explained in Genesis 27: 1-29. Even after he went to live with his uncle, Laban, Jacob was still restless about what he did to his twin brother.
This was a classic case of sibling rivalry and the subsequent internal conflict.
Some believers propose that dreams about fighting indicate a need to claim one’s blessings as a child of God. The word of God constantly reminds us that the enemy hates us and seeks to destroy mankind.
This is why there’s so much suffering in the world. To live a quality life, one must be intentional about holding on to God’s blessing by being resilient. Jacob’s fight at Peniel is a great example of that.
The father of the Israelites fought with a heavenly being all night. Genesis 32:25 says that the heavenly being realized he was hard to defeat, so he dislocated Jacob’s hip: “When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.”
Genesis 32:29 says that the angel finally gave in and blessed Jacob and his descendants: “Jacob said, ‘Please tell me your name.’ But he replied, ‘Why do you ask my name?’ Then he blessed him there.”
It is posited that dreaming about fighting someone might be a warning from God. This kind of dream might be a sign that an attack is imminent in your real life.
According to Luke 11:21-22, breaking into a well-guarded house is very difficult. The Bible says a “strong man” takes up arms to protect his home.
If a stronger man shows up and overpowers the first guy, then he gains access to his opponent’s properties. Therefore, dreams about fighting are believed to be God’s way of telling you to prepare to fight for what you love.
From a biblical standpoint, dreams about fighting are viewed as signs of a spiritual attack. Scholars in the field of theology suggest that Mark 3:27 is about spiritual warfare.
This scripture reiterates that a burglar would have to tie down a strong man before plundering his home. This is similar to demonic attacks that are aimed at imprisoning people’s souls and destroying their lives.
Specific dreams about fighting and their biblical meanings
Dreaming of being in a fight
It is believed that people dream about fighting their loved ones when there is a breakdown of communication between the two parties.
Some people propose that such dreams mean you want to retaliate against someone who wronged you. In the Bible, Jacob struggled with both internal and external conflict.
He ran away after scamming his brother, which caused him to live a life of fear and anxiety. As mentioned earlier, Jacob had a physical fight with a heavenly being.
Theology scholars propose that Jacob had this experience because he was conflicted about his reunion with Esau years after swindling him. He was worried that God would not bless him for what he did to Esau.
Dreaming about witnessing a fight
From a biblical perspective, when you dream about witnessing a fight, it signifies God’s divine protection. Many things attack people’s mental and physical stability in the world.
That is why some Christians see this dream as God’s way of compelling us to rely on his protection instead of using our energy to fend off evil. When the Israelites faced vicious attacks from the Amalekites, Moses was devastated.
Even though he was God’s chosen leader, he could not join them in battle. Therefore, Moses stood by and watched the fighting with his hands lifted to God.
Exodus 17:11 states that the Israelites continued winning when Moses held his hands up: “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.”
In the same way, Christians believe that witnessing a fight in your dream means that God will intervene on your behalf.
Dreaming of a couple fighting
The majority of romantic relationships experience disagreements and quarrels. It is said that a dream about couples fighting means you should be intentional about minding your business.
Rarely does it turn out well when outsiders get involved in a couple’s squabbles. Whether you know the couple in your dreams or not, dream experts say you should be careful when diffusing such fights in real life.
In the Bible, Samson and Delilah disagreed because she felt that Samson was not being honest about the source of his strength.
According to Judges 16:5, the Bible says that the Philistine rulers offered Delilah silver to betray her partner. Thanks to her questionable character, she agreed to set up Samson: “The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, ‘See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.’”
This would have been different had the Philistine rulers stayed away from the couple.
Dreaming of a fighting pet
Some people say that fighting a dog in your dreams symbolizes turmoil at work. Dogs can be very obedient and gentle. However, when aggravated, a dog can quickly become violent.
Some believers suggest this is a sign to watch out for hypocritical behavior in your workplace.
Dreaming of fighting with mother
This disturbing dream is considered a sign of emotional instability. This is particularly true if you get along with your mother in real life.
In some cultures, dreaming of fighting your mother means you are impatient and unable to maintain a good attitude.
Colossians 3:13 talks about the importance of being even-tempered and quick to forgive when your loved ones hurt you: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Dreaming of fighting with father
Fathers are authority figures in the family. That is why a dream about fighting with your father is considered a sign of persistence in reaching your goals despite the challenges along the way.
Others posit that hitting your father in a dream means you need paternal approval in your life. A classic example of this is in 2 Samuel 13: 32 states that Absalom (David’s son) was determined to avenge the rape of his sister Tamar.
After killing Amon, David banished Absalom, and the latter spent two years trying to gain the approval of his father.
Dreaming of a fight with your siblings
Sibling rivalry is as common now as it was during biblical times. Some people believe that if you dream about fighting your brother or sister, it is a warning that someone close might betray you.
In the Bible, Esau and Jacob were twin brothers who should have been best friends. However, Jacob famously betrayed his brother and stole his birthright.
Dreaming of a fighting friend
Spiritual scholars say that dreams about a friend fighting show that you are hurting, and it’s time to acknowledge it.
In the book of Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Barnabas have a heated argument about bringing John – Mark during their ministry work. Barnabas thought it was a good idea, but Paul was strongly opposed to it.
Paul was still hurt because John-Mark had abandoned them when they first started ministry work.
Dreaming of a fighting woman
In some cultures, witnessing a woman fighting in your dream is a bad omen. They say that such dreams mean you are nosy, meaning you are more interested in other people’s lives.
Leviticus 19:16 discourages believers from getting involved in gossip because it is a sin: “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.'”
Dreaming about a fighting child
Some dream interpreters say that dreams about a fighting child are signs of questionable character. People who share these beliefs say recommend making things right wherever you go wrong.
After all, Proverbs 22:1 does say that a good name is more valuable than material wealth: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Dreaming about fighting and dying in battle
Spiritually inclined persons propose that a dream about fighting and dying means you need to find acceptance of the circumstances in your life.
Death is final and cannot be reversed. Ministers of the gospel suggest seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to find the peace you need.
Dreaming of fighting and losing
It is posited that losing a fight in your dreams signifies an unwanted change in your life. This dream is proof that you can find acceptance in areas where you have no control.
It could also be a sign of insecurity concerning certain areas of your life.
Dreaming of fighting an enemy
While it is not pleasant, dreams about fighting your enemy are believed to be helpful. Some people say these dreams come to remind us of the value and inevitability of facing things head-on.
Dreaming about fighting with a man
Dreams about fighting with a man are considered cues that you have hostile people in your life, and you need to block their influence.
These people compel you to focus more on their goals than your own. If you don’t, they become hostile, making the relationship toxic.
Ephesians 4:31 urges believers to avoid anger, bitterness, clamor, and bitterness. So, this dream may be the Holy Spirit reminding you to avoid negativity: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Dreaming of killing people in a fight
Surprisingly, this dream is considered a good omen. People say that dreaming about killing people signifies your inner strength and ability to face challenges with courage.
In the Bible, David repeatedly faced enormous challenges with courage. He defeated and killed many adversaries in battle, as narrated in 1st Samuel 18:7-14.
Should I be worried about dreaming about a fight?
No, Psychology Today states that it is normal to experience aggression in a dream. It could be your brain processing something you witnessed during the day, such as a violent movie.
However, if you’re concerned after having such a dream, it would be wise to pray about it. Speaking to a bible teacher can help you find guidance concerning your dream.
Does this dream mean I will get into a fight in my waking life?
Not necessarily. Psychologists argue that these dreams should be viewed as metaphors instead of actual representations of real life.
Such dreams are triggered by various events in a person’s life. For instance, if someone’s threatens you, it could trigger a dream about fighting.
This does not necessarily mean there will be a physical altercation.
As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.
