In the Bible, the bear is a multifaceted symbol, most notably associated with danger, divine judgment, and overwhelming power. For example, in 2 Kings 2:23-25, bears are instruments of divine retribution, punishing disrespect toward the prophet Elisha—a vivid warning about defying sacred authority. In Daniel 7:5, the bear represents a voracious, conquering kingdom, highlighting themes of aggression and domination. Thus, dreaming of a bear may indicate facing formidable challenges, divine discipline, or the presence of a threatening force that calls for spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's protection.

While the bear is not a central figure in Buddhist symbolism, it can represent untamed desires or the 'beast mind'—aspects of consciousness driven by ignorance, aggression, or attachment. A bear in a dream may reflect the struggle with kleshas (mental afflictions) such as anger or craving. However, the bear's hibernation can symbolize withdrawal from worldly distractions and the cultivation of meditative stillness. Encountering a peaceful bear may indicate progress in taming the mind and achieving inner calm.

Across cultures, the bear is revered as a symbol of power, courage, and protection. In Native American traditions, the bear is a totem of healing and leadership; in Slavic folklore, it is a guardian of the forest. Dreaming of a bear may reflect a call to assert one's authority, protect loved ones, or seek healing. The bear's seasonal hibernation is widely seen as a metaphor for cycles of rest and renewal. Culturally, the bear embodies both the threat of nature and its nurturing, maternal aspects.

In Hindu mythology, the bear (Jambavan) is a wise and powerful figure, a devoted ally of Rama in the Ramayana. Dreaming of a bear may symbolize strength, wisdom, and loyalty, or the need to harness one's animalistic energies for righteous purposes. The bear's dual nature—ferocious yet capable of deep devotion—mirrors the human struggle to balance passion and dharma. A bear in a dream may also signal the need for introspection, as the bear's hibernation echoes the yogic withdrawal from the senses (pratyahara) for spiritual growth.

Islamic dream interpretation, as detailed by Ibn Sirin and others, often views the bear as a symbol of a cunning or dangerous enemy, or a person of questionable character. Encountering a bear in a dream may serve as a warning about treachery, deceit, or hidden threats in one's environment. Successfully overcoming or escaping the bear can indicate triumph over adversity or enemies. The bear may also reflect untamed impulses within the dreamer, urging caution and self-restraint.

From a psychological perspective, particularly in Jungian analysis, the bear embodies primal instincts, raw power, and the shadow self—the aspects of personality that are repressed or unacknowledged. Being chased by a bear can symbolize avoidance of overwhelming emotions or unresolved trauma. A peaceful bear may reflect a need for introspection, healing, or embracing one's inner strength. The bear also represents maternal protection and the urge to defend one's boundaries or loved ones. Overall, the bear is a potent archetype of the unconscious, signaling a confrontation with deep-seated fears or the need for self-assertion.

Spiritually, the bear is often seen as a guide to inner strength, transformation, and solitude. Many traditions view the bear as a symbol of introspection, hibernation, and rebirth—mirroring the soul's journey through darkness toward renewal. Encountering a bear may signal a time to retreat, reflect, and reconnect with one's spiritual core. The bear's protective nature also points to the importance of setting boundaries and nurturing the self or others. Spiritually, the bear invites the dreamer to embrace both their power and their need for rest and renewal.