Within the biblical context, dreams of disappearing can symbolize spiritual estrangement, divine judgment, or the withdrawal of God's presence. The motif echoes the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:17), where the faithful are taken up, leaving others behind—a stark image of separation between those saved and those lost. The vanishing of people or objects may also evoke parables such as the lost sheep or coin (Luke 15), emphasizing the value of what is lost and the joy of its recovery. Additionally, such dreams may mirror feelings of abandonment or spiritual testing, as in Psalm 22:1 ('My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'), highlighting periods of spiritual desolation that ultimately invite faith and redemption.

In Buddhism, disappearing in dreams aligns with the doctrines of anicca (impermanence) and anatta (non-self). The vanishing of people, self, or objects mirrors the transient nature of all phenomena and the illusory quality of attachment. Such dreams serve as subconscious reminders to practice non-attachment, mindfulness, and acceptance of change. The dissolution of surroundings may symbolize the realization of emptiness (śūnyatā), a key insight on the path to enlightenment.

Culturally, disappearing in dreams often reflects collective anxieties about loss, invisibility, or social exclusion. In many societies, vanishing is associated with fears of being forgotten, marginalized, or powerless. Folklore may link disappearing to spirits, magic, or transitions between worlds. The loss of objects can symbolize anxieties about losing status or opportunities. Such dreams frequently arise during periods of social upheaval, personal change, or when one's sense of belonging is threatened.

In Hindu dream symbolism, disappearing often represents maya (illusion) and the ephemeral nature of worldly existence. The vanishing of oneself or others may reflect the soul's journey through cycles of birth and death (samsara), or the shedding of ego and material ties in pursuit of moksha (liberation). The loss of objects can indicate the need to detach from material possessions and focus on spiritual growth, reminding the dreamer of the ultimate unreality of the material world.

In Islamic dream interpretation (ta'bir), disappearing is often seen as a sign of loss, concealment, or a divine warning. The disappearance of people may symbolize the loss of guidance or support, while one's own vanishing can reflect fears of being forgotten or a call to humility before Allah. The loss of objects may serve as a reminder of the transience of worldly possessions, aligning with the Quranic teaching that all things are fleeting (Quran 55:26). Such dreams encourage self-reflection, repentance, and the strengthening of relationships with God and others.

Psychologically, disappearing in dreams often represents feelings of powerlessness, insignificance, or fear of abandonment. The vanishing of loved ones can reflect anxiety about losing important relationships, while one's own disappearance may indicate a sense of invisibility or being overlooked in waking life. The loss of objects points to concerns about control and security. Jungian analysis might interpret such dreams as the ego's struggle with the unconscious, where repressed aspects of the self lead to feelings of emptiness or isolation.

Spiritually, disappearing in dreams can represent the dissolution of the ego, the letting go of attachments, or a transition between states of being. It may signify a journey into the unknown, prompting the dreamer to confront fears of emptiness and embrace transformation. The vanishing of others or objects can signal a call to release dependency and seek inner wholeness. Such dreams often reflect the impermanence of the material world and the soul's quest for unity with the divine.