The Bible references dancing on multiple occasions, in both positive and negative lights. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about dancing:
Positive References to Dancing
Exodus 15:20 – Miriam Dances in Celebration
“Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.”
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and escaped from the Egyptians, Miriam led the women in celebratory dancing and music with tambourines. This shows dancing used in a positive way, to celebrate the Lord’s victory and praise Him.
Psalm 149:3 – Dancing as Praise
“Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!”
The Psalmist calls upon the people to praise God’s name with dancing. Dance is presented as a joyful way to glorify and worship the Lord.
Psalm 150:4 – Dancing as Worship
“Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!”
In another Psalm exhorting praise to God, dance is again linked with worshipping and magnifying the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 3:4 – A Time to Dance
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
The Teacher in Ecclesiastes acknowledges there is an appropriate time for dancing, just as there are appropriate times for other emotional expressions.
Jeremiah 31:4 – Dance of the Merrymakers
“Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.”
This prophecy of Israel’s restoration mentions dancing as part of the celebration and rejoicing. Dance expresses gladness and joy.
Jeremiah 31:13 – Dance of the Young Women
“Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”
Another prophecy about Israel’s blessing depicts dance as part of the delight and change from mourning to comfort.
Negative References to Dancing
Exodus 32:19 – Dancing before the Golden Calf
“And as soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses’ anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.”
Here the Israelites were improperly worshipping an idol with dancing. This led to Moses’ righteous anger at their sin.
1 Samuel 18:6 – Saul’s Jealousy of David’s Dancing
“As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.”
Saul became bitterly jealous when women danced and sang to celebrate David’s victory over Goliath. This led to lasting conflict between Saul and David.
Matthew 14:6 – The Dancing of Herodias’ Daughter
“But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod…”
Herod was so taken with this dancing that he rashly promised the dancer anything she wanted, leading her to request John the Baptist’s head and for Herod to order John’s beheading.
Principles Regarding Dance from These Verses
Looking at the full counsel of Scripture on dancing leads to some principles:
- Dancing is portrayed positively when it is an expression of worshipping God and celebrating His works.
- Dance can become wrong when it is tied to idol worship, sinful lusts, or inappropriate revelry.
- Motivations and heart postures matter when it comes to dancing, not just the act itself.
- Dancing has a proper time and place, but is not warranted at all times.
- Dancing can stir up wrong desires and jealousy in others when not done appropriately.
- The Bible neither commands nor forbids dancing universally for all people and all occasions.
- Wisdom, discernment, and moderation are needed to dance in a God-honoring way, keeping motives pure and not stirring up sin.
- Dancing can be done to the Lord or to idols – the object of worship matters.
Additional Bible Passages About Dancing
There are several other Bible verses that reference dancing, including:
Luke 15:25 – The Prodigal Son’s Brother Hears Music and Dancing
When the prodigal son returned home, his father celebrated with a feast including music and dancing. This upset the older brother who had remained dutifully at home.
Genesis 31:27 – Laban Complains that Jacob Didn’t Let Him Dance
When Jacob left without notice, Laban complained that he was not able to give him a proper send-off with music and dancing.
Judges 11:34 – Jephthah’s Daughter Comes Out to Meet Him with Dancing
Jephthah’s daughter came dancing to celebrate her father’s military victory before he realized he would have to sacrifice her.
Judges 21:21 – Wives Captured from Shiloh Come Out Dancing
Men of Benjamin captured wives from Shiloh to have for themselves, and the women came out dancing together.
1 Samuel 18:7 – Women Sing and Dance About David’s Triumph
After David killed Goliath, women danced and sang celebrating that “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
Psalm 30:11 – God Turns Mourning into Dancing
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”
Lamentations 5:15 – Dancing Turns to Mourning
“The joy of our hearts has ceased; our dancing has been turned to mourning.”
Mark 6:22 – Herodias’ Daughter Dances and Pleases Herod
This parallels Matthew 14, describing Herodias’ daughter dancing at Herod’s birthday feast and receiving John the Baptist’s head at her request.
Conclusions on the Biblical View of Dance
In summary, the Bible does not take an entirely positive or negative view of dancing. Context matters: dancing can express joy and worship when celebrating godly purposes, but can also reflect sinful lusts and idolatry. The heart motivation is more important than the outward act. Wisdom is needed to dance in an edifying way that glorifies God versus stirring up wrong desires. While the Bible acknowledges dance as an expression of human emotion, it neither universally condones nor condemns it in all places for all people.