Falling Dreams: What It Means Biblically When You See Yourself Falling In The Dream

Falling in dreams tends to be one of the most recurring dreams that many see. Let's see the meaning of falling dreams from a Christian perspective.
Meaning Of Falling In Dreams

This dream interpretation comes in response to the queries that many have made to me concerning what it means to see oneself falling in dreams.

From my observation, there tends to be very many cases of people dreaming about falling, yet there seems to be less or no meaningful spiritual interpretation for these dreams. But today we will delve into the meaning of falling in dreams from a Christian perspective — as much as the Holy Spirit gives the insights. 

I must admit that dreams about falling are somewhat complicated but not rare. Very many people are frequently seeing themselves falling in their dreams, and these dreams often leave them baffled concerning what they could mean. Many have seen dreams about falling in these forms and more:

  • Dreams about falling and landing safely
  • Biblical meaning of falling in a dream
  • Falling dreams hit the ground meaning
  • what does it mean when you have a dream about falling off a cliff?

Do you also see yourself falling in your dreams? Have you ever seen such a dream? If yes, let's trust that by the time you're done reading this article, you must have gotten a clear and good understanding concerning your dream.

Meaning Of Falling In Dreams

From a scientific perspective, the phenomenon of falling in dreams is known as hypnagogic or hypnic jerk. According to science, hypnic jerk occurs between the stages of sleeping and waking.

Let's say, the moment you notice that you're gradually or fast drifting off to sleep, you happen to experience something that seems like a dream of falling through the bed and through the floor; or sometimes from a very tall height. Hypnagogic or hypnic jerk kicks in the moment a person falls into deep sleep.

Although hypnagogic jerk can come in different forms (like a full-body twitch), the most prevalent one comes as a jerk (or falling dreams).

Have you ever experienced something like this or seen a dream like this before? You're not alone. An estimated 60-70% of Americans reportedly experience hypnagogic jerks on a regular basis.

It's always interesting to see that scientists are interested in spiritual things, but we cannot depend on the interpretation that science strives to give every spiritual phenomenon. If we do, then there's going to be a great possibility for errors.

Falling In Dreams Spiritual Meaning


There are many sides to the meaning of falling in dreams. We will treat them one after the other. But before we go a step further into the spiritual meaning of these dreams, here's a heads-up: 

What you might read from here downwards may surprise you. This blog is for spiritual things. If you're not a fan of spiritual stuffs, I think the scientific interpretation should just be enough for you. Only continue reading at your own discretion.

1 Corinthians 2:14
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Spiritual Meaning of Falling In Dreams


The Bible does not speak specifically concerning certain things or spiritual experiences. But the Bible does let us know that man is a spirit being...

Job 32:8 KJV
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 

...and the true nature of man is his soul. It is the soul of the unrepentant man that will experience the eternal torture in the lake of fire (Luke 12:5). 

When a man sleeps, it is his body that sleeps (but not his soul). At the moment of falling asleep, the soul of man is unrestrained. The soul may occasionally experience movements (jerks) between the stages of staying awake and drifting to sleep — which often produces the sensation of falling a.k.a “falling in dreams.”

So next time you see a dream of yourself falling the very moment you start dozing off, there's no need to be scared anymore. I believe the best solution here is to grow spiritually. When a person is spiritually mature, their soul becomes more stable and submitted to them. Involuntary movements happen less frequently. Dreams about falling off the bed or through the floor should gradually come to a halt.

Well, I believe this is the simplest spiritual interpretation I can give to this particular one and I believe it's clearly communicated and understood. I won't go further on this one, since people of different backgrounds, spiritual understanding, beliefs and spiritual levels will be reading this.

Dream of falling off the bed, falling in dreams then waking up and every other falling dreams that come under this category are all products of hypnagogic jerk. But there's another category of falling in dreams, which we will look at below.

Dream About Falling Off A Cliff


This is a different category of falling in dreams — different from hypnagogic or hypnic jerk. In these sort of dreams, the dreamer is already fully asleep. This comes like every other normal dream (unlike the way it is in hypnagogic jerk). 

A cliff is often a high area of land or mountain with a very steep side, normally located near a water body. A good number of people frequently see themselves in a dream holding unto the edge of a cliff and struggling to climb to safety. But some do end up falling off the cliff in most of such dreams

What Does It Mean When You Have A Dream About Falling Off A Cliff?


A dream of falling off a cliff speaks of challenges that the dreamer is currently facing in their waking life; challenges that are overwhelming and could make them lose balance in life or get them in serious troubles.


Isaiah 43:1-2 KJV
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. [2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 

I'll like to remind you that God never sent none of us on earth to go through the storms of life all by ourselves. He didn't promise us a smooth sail, but at the same time, He is always ready to lend a helping hand and help us come out strong.

1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

Dreams of falling off a cliff portray fear and anxiety that certain things or situations in the dreamer's life are getting out of his/her control. When certain challenges people experience tend to get out of hand, dreams of falling from a cliff may show up.

Let's not forget that no matter what we are going through, the best option is always to give it to God through prayer. When the challenges tend to be bigger than us, let's always remember to invite the Almighty into it. There's no mountain too big for Him to move. 

Hanging Off A Cliff Meaning


A dream of hanging of a cliff is often an indication that a person is facing misfortunes and difficulties that are hard to deal with. When these dreams show up, it tells that this person is at the verge of helplessness and hopelessness. 

The path of life is filled with thorns and thistles. It is quite difficult to go through it without God. 

Jeremiah 32:27 KJV
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Life will not be so overwhelming if we all learned to invite God into our battles and allow Him ease the load of troubles on us. He who created the earth is also able to sustain and ensure our safety in this same earth He created. Let's never be quick to forget that. 

Psalm 50:15 KJV
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

He can deliver us out of our troubles if we let Him! 

Fear Of Falling Dream Meaning


There are people who frequently see dreams about trying to cross a ravine or gully, or climbing a ladder. In those dreams, it always happens that they are afraid they might fall into the gully or off the ladder. 

Most of these dreams often indicate a fear of mistakes or failure. It is likely that there is currently a challenging situation (in the life of the dreamer) that is necessary to usher them into their next phase in life. 

Understand that nobody grows by running away from challenges. Growth, promotion and progress only happens to those who are willing to embrace their fears. 

James 1:2 NIV
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

If God allowed certain challenges to come your way, that doesn't mean He's absent or doesn't care. He has a good purpose for allowing them. All things work for your good (Romans 8:28). The dreamer must learn to embrace their process and let go of their fears. No pain, no gain. 

Prayer For Dreams About Falling Off A Cliff 


  1. Thank You Father for being my ever present help in time of trouble. 
  2. Father, I know that You see and know all that I am going through. Lend me a helping hand and deliver me from trouble. Amen. 
  3. Father, I will trust You more from now on. I know that no matter how bad whatever I am currently going through looks, You will not allow my feet slip and You will not let it destroy me. Amen. 
  4. Lord, I ask that You calm the storm in my life and bring stability to every area of my life, in the Name of Jesus Christ. 
  5. Father I ask that You take away every anxiety from my life. Teach me to trust more in You and wait for your deliverance, in the Name of Jesus Christ. 
  6. Father teach me to trust Your process. For I know that whatever you allow is for my good. At the end of it all, I shall come forth as pure gold, in Jesus Name. Amen. 
  7. Father, I only permit what You allow in my life. Whatever tribulation and trouble in my life that is not from You, I ask that You take it away from me, in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. 
  8. Let every manipulation of darkness to get me in trouble be destroyed in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ! 
  9. Every Satan-induced problem in my life, I command it to be thwarted in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ! 
  10. Father I ask that You calm the storm in my life and give me lasting peace, in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ. 

Final Thoughts On Falling Dreams


If you have been dreaming about falling or you happened to stumble on this article while searching for the meaning of this dream, my prayer is that you find the interpretation and guidance you've been looking for in this dream interpretation article. 

Beloved, I trust that by reading this article, you understood what it means to fall in a dream. 

God bless you.
Anointed And Gifted Christian Dream Interpreter, Christian Therapist, Writer And Web Designer.