Jump to: Topical • Smith's • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Dance in the Bible is a multifaceted expression of joy, worship, celebration, and sometimes even idolatry. It appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both the cultural practices of the ancient Near East and the spiritual life of the Israelites.Old Testament References Dance is often associated with joy and celebration in the Old Testament. One of the earliest mentions is found in Exodus 15:20-21, where Miriam, the sister of Moses, leads the women of Israel in dance and song after the crossing of the Red Sea: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'" In Judges 11:34, Jephthah's daughter comes out to meet her father with tambourines and dancing, a customary expression of joy and victory. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 18:6, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes, celebrating David's victory over the Philistine. Dance is also a part of religious worship. In 2 Samuel 6:14, King David famously "danced before the LORD with all his might" as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This act of worship, however, was met with disdain by his wife Michal, who criticized him for his exuberance (2 Samuel 6:16). The Psalms also reflect the use of dance in worship. Psalm 149:3 encourages, "Let them praise His name with dancing; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and harp." Similarly, Psalm 150:4 calls for praise with "tambourine and dancing." New Testament References The New Testament contains fewer references to dance, but it is mentioned in the context of celebration and joy. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus describes a scene of festivity upon the son's return: "So they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing" (Luke 15:24-25). Cultural and Spiritual Significance Dance in biblical times was a communal activity, often involving both men and women, and was typically accompanied by music and singing. It was a natural expression of joy and gratitude, especially in response to God's deliverance and blessings. However, dance could also be associated with pagan worship and idolatry, as seen in Exodus 32:19, where the Israelites danced around the golden calf, leading to Moses' anger and the breaking of the tablets. The Bible presents dance as a legitimate form of worship when directed towards God, reflecting a heart of joy and reverence. However, it also warns against the misuse of dance in contexts that lead away from God’s commandments and into idolatry or immorality. Theological Reflections From a theological perspective, dance can be seen as an expression of the soul's joy in the Lord. It is a physical manifestation of worship, reflecting the biblical principle that worship involves the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Dance, when used appropriately, can be a powerful form of praise and a testament to the joy found in a relationship with God. Topical Bible Verses Psalm 149:3Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises to him with the tambourine and harp. Topicalbible.org Psalm 150:4 2 Samuel 6:14 Psalm 30:11 Jeremiah 31:4 Judges 11:34 Matthew 14:6-8 Smith's Bible Dictionary DanceThe dance is spoken of in Holy Scripture universally as symbolical of some rejoicing, and is often coupled for the sake of contrast with mourning, as in (Ecclesiastes 3:4) comp. Psal 30:11; Matt 11:17 In the earlier period it is found combined with some song or refrain, (Exodus 15:20; 32:18,19; 1 Samuel 21:11) and with the tambourine (Authorized Version "timbrel"), more especially in those impulsive outbursts of popular feeling which cannot find sufficient vent in voice or in gesture singly. Dancing formed a part of the religious ceremonies of the Egyptians, and was also common in private entertainments. For the most part dancing was carried on by the women, the two sexes seldom and not customarily intermingling. The one who happened to be near of kin to the champion of the hour led the dance. In the earlier period of the Judges the dances of the virgins of Shiloh. (Judges 21:19-23) were certainly part of a religious festivity. Dancing also had its place among merely festive amusements, apart from any religious character. (Jeremiah 31:4,13; Mark 6:22) Easton's Bible Dictionary Found in Judges 21:21, 23; Psalm 30:11; 149:3; 150:4; Jeremiah 31:4, 13, etc., as the translation of hul, which points to the whirling motion of Oriental sacred dances. It is the rendering of a word (rakad') which means to skip or leap for joy, in Ecclesiastes 3:4; Job 21:11; Isaiah 13:21, etc.In the New Testament it is in like manner the translation of different Greek words, circular motion (Luke 15:25); leaping up and down in concert (Matthew 11:17), and by a single person (Matthew 14:6). It is spoken of as symbolical of rejoicing (Ecclesiastes 3:4. Comp. Psalm 30:11; Matthew 11:17). The Hebrews had their sacred dances expressive of joy and thanksgiving, when the performers were usually females (Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6). The ancient dance was very different from that common among Western nations. It was usually the part of the women only (Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; Comp. 5:1). Hence the peculiarity of David's conduct in dancing before the ark of the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). The women took part in it with their timbrels. Michal should, in accordance with the example of Miriam and others, have herself led the female choir, instead of keeping aloof on the occasion and "looking through the window." David led the choir "uncovered", i.e., wearing only the ephod or linen tunic. He thought only of the honour of God, and forgot himself. From being reserved for occasions of religious worship and festivity, it came gradually to be practised in common life on occasions of rejoicing (Jeremiah 31:4). The sexes among the Jews always danced separately. The daughter of Herodias danced alone (Matthew 14:6). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To move with measured steps, or to a musical accompaniment; to go through, either alone or in company with others, with a regulated succession of movements, (commonly) to the sound of music; to trip or leap rhythmically.2. (v. i.) To move nimbly or merrily; to express pleasure by motion; to caper; to frisk; to skip about. 3. (v. t.) To cause to dance, or move nimbly or merrily about, or up and down; to dandle. 4. (n.) The leaping, tripping, or measured stepping of one who dances; an amusement, in which the movements of the persons are regulated by art, in figures and in accord with music. 5. (n.) A tune by which dancing is regulated, as the minuet, the waltz, the cotillon, etc. Greek 3738. orcheomai -- to dance ... orcheomai. 3739 . to dance. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: orcheomai Phonetic Spelling: (or-kheh'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I dance Definition: I dance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3738.htm - 6k 5525. choros -- a dance, chorus 4402. Prochoros -- Prochorus, a Christian at Jer. 5524. choregeo -- to lead a chorus (ie a group of performers), to ... Strong's Hebrew 4234. machol -- a dance... machol. 4235 . a dance. Transliteration: machol Phonetic Spelling: (maw-khole') Short Definition: dancing. ... dancing. From chuwl; a (round) dance -- dance(-cing) ... /hebrew/4234.htm - 6k 4246. mecholah -- a dance 2342. chuwl -- to whirl, dance, writhe 3769. karar -- to dance 2342a. chul -- to whirl, dance, writhe 1750. duts -- to spring, leap, dance 7540. raqad -- to skip about 2287. chagag -- to make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feast 6452. pacach -- to pass or spring over Library The Dance The Surprise Party. The Red Shoes Dancing. Stichera While Vergilius, Going Slowly, was Thinking of These Things... The Races --A Letter The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day. Song of Songs Fruits of Recognized Union Thesaurus Dance (18 Occurrences)... 6). The ancient dance was very different from that common among Western nations. ... Multi-Version Concordance Dance (18 Occurrences). Matthew ... /d/dance.htm - 15k Sword-dance (1 Occurrence) Games (2 Occurrences) Dancing (21 Occurrences) Mahol (1 Occurrence) Company (287 Occurrences) Wailed (11 Occurrences) Timbrel (7 Occurrences) Reel (6 Occurrences) Danced (7 Occurrences) Resources Dance in worship - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about dancing? Should Christians dance? | GotQuestions.org Did David dance naked (2 Samuel 6:14)? | GotQuestions.org Dance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dance (18 Occurrences)Matthew 11:17 Mark 6:22 Luke 6:23 Luke 7:32 Judges 21:21 Judges 21:23 1 Samuel 29:5 Job 21:11 Psalms 87:7 Psalms 118:27 Psalms 149:3 Psalms 150:4 Ecclesiastes 3:4 Song of Songs 6:13 Isaiah 13:21 Jeremiah 31:4 Jeremiah 31:13 Lamentations 5:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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