Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsGenesis 40

Doth not interpretation belong to God?

Dreams do come of diverse causes: ^[1] some of natural complexion or disposition, whereby Philosophers or Physicians may probably judge of the state of man's body. Some are rather effects of things past, than signs of any things to come. Of which sort the wise man saith: Dreams do follow many cares (Eccle. 5.) ^[2] Some are suggested by evil spirits, either to flatter worldlings with great pretences, or to terrify weak minds with dangers and afflictions, or to vex and trouble those in sleep, whom they cannot easily move waking, as S. Gregory discourseth (li. 8. Moral. in cap. 7. Job.) ^[3] Some dreams are of God, as in Jacob, Joseph, these Eunuchs, Pharao, Nabuchodonosor ^[4], and others both good and evil men. But to discern and assuredly to judge of some dreams, whether they be from God, by holy Angels, or illusions of evil spirits, is a special gift of God, as also the interpretation thereof belongeth to God, as Joseph here testifieth. Whosoever therefore will be secure must rely either upon express Scripture, or judgement of the Church ^[5], as in ominous speeches was noted before (chap. 24.) Otherwise the general rule is, not to observe dreams, Deut. 18.

• 1 Some dreams are natural.
• 2 Some are illusions of evil spirits.
• 3 Some are from God.
• 4 Dan. 4.
• 5 Holy Scripture and the Church are judges of doubtful dreams.