Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "chorus" is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures; however, the concept of a group singing or making music together is prevalent throughout the Bible. The idea of a chorus can be understood through various passages that describe collective worship, singing, and musical expressions of praise to God.Old Testament Context The Old Testament frequently highlights the role of music and singing in worship and celebration. The Levites, for example, were appointed to sing and play instruments in the temple. In 1 Chronicles 15:16, David commands the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments. This organized group of singers can be likened to a chorus, as they were tasked with leading the people in worship through music. The Psalms, a central book of worship in the Old Testament, often describe communal singing. Psalm 95:1-2 invites the congregation: "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song." This call to collective singing reflects the essence of a chorus, where the community joins together in unified praise. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the early church continued the tradition of communal singing. Ephesians 5:19 instructs believers to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord." Similarly, Colossians 3:16 encourages the faithful to "let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." These passages emphasize the importance of singing together as a form of teaching, encouragement, and worship. Cultural and Historical Insights In ancient Israel, music was an integral part of religious and social life. The use of choirs or choruses in temple worship was a well-established practice. The Levites, as mentioned earlier, were specifically set apart for this purpose. Their role was not only to perform music but also to lead the people in worship, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy. The tradition of choral singing continued into the early Christian church, where believers gathered in homes and other meeting places to worship together. Singing was a means of expressing faith, teaching doctrine, and fostering unity among believers. Theological Significance Theologically, the concept of a chorus in the Bible underscores the communal aspect of worship. It reflects the idea that worship is not merely an individual act but a corporate experience that brings believers together in unity and harmony. Singing in a chorus allows the congregation to participate actively in worship, lifting their voices as one to glorify God. Moreover, the use of music and singing in worship is a reflection of the heavenly worship described in Revelation, where angels and saints join in a chorus of praise to God. Revelation 5:11-12 depicts this celestial chorus: "Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. In a loud voice they said: 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!'" In summary, while the specific term "chorus" may not appear in the Bible, the concept is deeply embedded in the scriptural tradition of communal worship through music and singing. This practice serves as a powerful expression of faith and unity among God's people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A band of singers and dancers.2. (n.) A company of persons supposed to behold what passed in the acts of a tragedy, and to sing the sentiments which the events suggested in couplets or verses between the acts; also, that which was thus sung by the chorus. 3. (n.) An interpreter in a dumb show or play. 4. (n.) A company of singers singing in concert. 5. (n.) A composition of two or more parts, each of which is intended to be sung by a number of voices. 6. (n.) Parts of a song or hymn recurring at intervals, as at the end of stanzas; also, a company of singers who join with the singer or choir in singer or choir in singing such parts. 7. (n.) The simultaneous of a company in any noisy demonstration; as, a Chorus of shouts and catcalls. 8. (v. i.) To sing in chorus; to exclaim simultaneously. Greek 5524. choregeo -- to lead a chorus (ie a group of performers), to ... ... to lead a chorus (ie a group of performers), to defray the cost of a chorus. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: choregeo Phonetic Spelling: (khor-ayg-eh'-o ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5524.htm - 7k 5525. choros -- a dance, chorus Library A Great World-Chorus. The Chorus of Angels The Universal Chorus Praise and Thanksgiving the Chorus of God's Thankful Children. Zerah. CM The Chorus of Angels. Litany of the Blessed virgin Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the virgins Sing ... The Oratorio of victory. Psalm CXLIX. Jesus Christ is Risen Today Thesaurus Chorus (4 Occurrences)... acts of a tragedy, and to sing the sentiments which the events suggested in couplets or verses between the acts; also, that which was thus sung by the chorus. ... /c/chorus.htm - 8k Music (143 Occurrences) Nadib (2 Occurrences) Latin (2 Occurrences) Gladdened (4 Occurrences) Turnings (2 Occurrences) Rendering (10 Occurrences) Rendered (30 Occurrences) Results (16 Occurrences) Relieve (14 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the word 'hallelujah'? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Beulah Land? | GotQuestions.org What are hymns? What is the value of hymns in worship? | GotQuestions.org Chorus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Chorus (4 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 9:12 Song of Songs 7:1 Jeremiah 31:4 Jeremiah 31:13 Subtopics Related Terms |