The term "danceth" is an archaic form of the verb "dance," found in older English translations of the Bible. In the context of Scripture, dancing is often associated with expressions of joy, celebration, and worship. The act of dancing is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, reflecting its cultural and religious significance in ancient Israelite society.

Biblical References:

1. Celebration and Worship:
· In the Old Testament, dancing is frequently depicted as an expression of joy and worship. One of the most notable instances is when King David danced before the Lord with all his might as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 6:14: "And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD." David's uninhibited dance is a demonstration of his deep devotion and reverence for God.

2. Victory and Deliverance:
· Dancing is also associated with victory and deliverance. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and witnessed the defeat of the Egyptian army, Miriam, the sister of Moses, led the women in dance to celebrate God's miraculous deliverance. Exodus 15:20-21 states, "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.'"

3. Festive Occasions:
· Dancing was a common feature of festive occasions and communal celebrations. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus describes a scene of rejoicing upon the return of the lost son, where music and dancing are part of the celebration. Luke 15:25 notes, "Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing."

4. Cultural Practices:
· The cultural context of dancing in biblical times often included communal participation and was an integral part of social and religious life. In Judges 21:21, the daughters of Shiloh are described as participating in a dance during a festival, highlighting the communal aspect of such activities: "and watch. When the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, each of you is to come out of the vineyards and catch a wife for yourself from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin."

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, dancing in the Bible is often seen as a physical manifestation of spiritual joy and gratitude. It serves as an outward expression of inner emotions, whether in response to God's deliverance, presence, or blessings. While some Christian traditions have historically viewed dancing with caution due to its potential for leading to immoral behavior, the biblical portrayal of dance is largely positive when it is directed towards God and aligned with worship and celebration.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, dance was a customary part of life, often performed during religious festivals, weddings, and other significant events. It was typically accompanied by music and singing, creating a vibrant atmosphere of communal participation. The Bible's references to dance reflect its role as a means of expressing collective joy and unity among God's people.

Overall, the act of dancing in the Bible, as captured by the term "danceth," underscores the importance of joy, celebration, and worship in the life of believers, serving as a reminder of the appropriate ways to express gratitude and reverence to God.

Psalm CXXIX.
... For as he who danceth, moveth his limbs to the time; so they who dance according
to the commandment of God, in their works obey the sound. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxix.htm

Religion Pleasant to the Religious.
... gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb[9]."
"My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart danceth for joy ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xiv religion pleasant to.htm

On Baptism.
... (AV and RV). [618] Job 41:13, Sept. but in RV xli. 22: And terror danceth before
him. [619] 1 Corinthians 15:55. [620] Compare III. 3, and see Index, "Baptism." ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iii on baptism.htm

Danceth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Danceth (1 Occurrence). Job 41:22 In his neck abideth
strength, And terror danceth before him. (ASV DBY JPS). ...
/d/danceth.htm - 6k

Dances (8 Occurrences)

/d/dances.htm - 9k

Dancing (21 Occurrences)

/d/dancing.htm - 13k

Lodgeth (13 Occurrences)
... tooth of a rock, and fortress. (YLT). Job 41:22 In his neck lodgeth strength,
and terror danceth before him. (DBY). Psalms 91:1 He who ...
/l/lodgeth.htm - 9k

Dismay (16 Occurrences)
... billow roaring; (See NAS). Job 41:22 In his neck abideth strength, And terror
danceth before him. (See JPS NAS NIV). Psalms 35:4 Let ...
/d/dismay.htm - 11k

Abides (37 Occurrences)
... the kingdom of my father. (DBY). Job 41:22 In his neck abideth strength,
and dismay danceth before him. (See RSV). Psalms 9:7 And ...
/a/abides.htm - 16k

Abideth (66 Occurrences)
... and the strong place. (KJV JPS WBS). Job 41:22 In his neck abideth strength,
And terror danceth before him. (ASV JPS). Psalms 9:7 ...
/a/abideth.htm - 24k

Lodge (64 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Job 41:22 In his neck lodgeth strength, and terror danceth before him.
(Root in DBY YLT NAS). Psalms 55:7 Behold, then I would wander far off. ...
/l/lodge.htm - 29k

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