Dancing is mentioned many times in the Bible, both positively and negatively. Here is an overview of the major Biblical passages that reference dancing and what they teach us:
Dancing for Joy and Celebration
Dancing is often portrayed in the Bible as a way to celebrate, give thanks, and express joy in the Lord. For example:
- In Exodus 15, Moses and the Israelites dance and sing out of joy and gratitude after God delivers them from the Egyptians and parts the Red Sea.
- In 2 Samuel 6, David dances “with all his might” in front of the Ark of the Covenant as it enters Jerusalem, celebrating God’s presence and favor.
- In Psalm 149:3, we are encouraged to “praise His name with dancing.”
- In Psalm 150:4, dancing is recommended as a way to praise God, along with music and other forms of worship.
- In Luke 15, when the prodigal son returns, the father calls for a celebratory party with music and dancing.
These passages portray dance as a natural and joyous way to celebrate, worship, and give thanks to God for His many blessings. Dancing reflects an outpouring of exuberance and overflowing gladness in one’s relationship with the Lord.
Dancing as Creative Expression
The Bible also presents dance as a beautiful artform and way to creatively express oneself to God’s glory. For example:
- In the poetic Song of Songs 6:13, dancing is described as a creative display of beauty and grace.
- Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time for every activity under heaven, including dancing (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
- The poetic books of the Bible such as Psalms contain vivid imagery of dancing, portraying its artistic and creative elements.
These passages endorse dance as a valid and meaningful art form, one that can be used to glorify God and celebrate the beauty of His creation. The Bible affirms creative expression through dance as part of our humanity and a way to reflect God’s own creative nature.
Cautions Against Inappropriate Dancing
While the Bible validates dance as an act of worship and creative expression, it also contains warnings against inappropriate dancing. For example:
- In Exodus 32, the Israelites dance in idolatrous revelry around the golden calf.
- In Matthew 14, Herodias’ daughter dances provocatively for Herod, leading to John the Baptist’s demise.
These passages serve as a caution against dancing that is indecent, provocative, or explicitly sexual in nature. The Bible condemns dancing used to idolize anything above God, or to intentionally inflame lust and immorality. As with all parts of our lives, dancing should be done in a way that honors and glorifies God.
Dancing as Part of Religious Ceremonies
Dancing played a role in solemn religious ceremonies and rituals in Biblical times. For example:
- In Exodus 15, Moses’ sister Miriam leads the Israelite women in celebratory dance and music after crossing the Red Sea.
- In 2 Samuel 6, David dances energetically before the Ark of the Covenant as it enters Jerusalem.
- In Jeremiah 31:4, the Lord says He will bring back the young women of Israel so they can “dance for joy” as part of religious festivities.
- Ecclesiastes notes there is a time to mourn and a time to dance, indicating dancing had a role in solemn rituals.
These examples show how dance was integrated into sacred worship ceremonies and times of communal celebration in the Bible. Dancing was a way for the people of God to express praise and thanksgiving during pivotal religious events.
Dancing as an Expression of Community
Dancing in the Bible often involved groups of people, connecting it to themes of unity, community, and fellowship. For instance:
- In Exodus 15, Moses, Miriam, and all the Israelites dance together after crossing the Red Sea.
- In 1 Samuel 18, “women from every town” come out dancing after David defeats Goliath.
- In Jeremiah 31, the Lord says he will gather the young women of Israel together so they can dance in a group.
- In Luke 15, the prodigal son’s return is celebrated with a feast including music, dancing, and community merriment.
These examples portray dance as an activity that can unite people in celebrating shared heritage, faith, and experiences. Dancing helped strengthen the bonds of community, participation, and fellowship in Biblical times.
Principles for God-Honoring Dance
While the Bible does not lay down specific rules about dance, drawing principles from Scripture can help guide dancing in a God-honoring way. Here are some key principles that emerge:
- Glorify God – We should dance first and foremost to glorify God, not ourselves (1 Corinthians 10:31).
- Avoid indecent dancing – Dancing should avoid sensuality and refrain from evokinglust (Matthew 5:27-28).
- Consider the context – Take into account the setting, audience, and impact of dancing.
- Practice self-control – Have wisdom in how dance is expressed (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Edify others – Make sure dancing builds up rather than tears down (Romans 14:19).
- Honor community standards – Be sensitive to cultural norms regarding dance.
- Have pure motives – Dance to bless God and others from a loving heart (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
By applying these Biblical principles, we can ensure that dancing brings joy and glory to God rather than discord. With wisdom and discernment, dance can retain its beauty as a God-given form of praise, celebration and creative expression.
Key Bible Verses About Dancing
Here are some of the most insightful Bible verses about dancing and what they reveal:
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.” (Psalm 149:3)
– Dancing is recommended as a way to worship and praise God.
“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.” (Jeremiah 31:4)
– God promises Israel He will restore them so they can dance joyfully again in worship.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4)
– Dance has an appropriate time and place under God’s sovereignty.
“So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.” (2 Samuel 6:15)
– David danced energetically before the Ark of the Covenant, modeling wholehearted worship.
“Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.” (Proverbs 6:25)
– We should avoid dancing meant solely to arouse sensual desire.
These key verses help illuminate the Bible’s perspective on dance – that it is a beautiful act of praise when done appropriately with the right heart motivation.
Examples of Godly Figures Who Dance in the Bible
Several righteous men and women dance to worship God in Scripture. Here are some of the most prominent examples:
David Dancing Before the Ark of the Covenant – 2 Samuel 6:14-15
When the Ark of the Covenant enters Jerusalem, David whirls and dances energetically in the street with rejoicing. His uninhibited worship reflects his passion for God.
The Israelite Women Led by Miriam – Exodus 15:20-21
After God delivers Israel by parting the Red Sea, Miriam takes a tambourine and leads the women in celebratory song and dance. Their dance is an act of communal worship.
The Prodigal Son’s Father Calls for a Celebration – Luke 15:22-25
When his lost son returns, the compassionate father calls for a feast with music and dancing to celebrate. The dancing expresses joy and gratitude.
Jephthah’s Daughter – Judges 11:34
Jephthah’s daughter dances to mark her father’s victory in battle. While Jephthah was rash to make his vow, her dance shows innocence rather than seduction.
The Women Who Greet David with Dancing – 1 Samuel 18:6-7
After David defeats Goliath, women from Israel’s towns come out dancing and singing with joyful instruments to celebrate God’s deliverance.
These examples reveal how even godly men and women integrated dance into worshipping God during pivotal faith experiences. Their dancing reflects genuine praise and thankfulness.
Factors to Consider For God-Honoring Dancing
When approaching dance, these are some factors to consider so it aligns with Biblical values:
The Heart Motivation
Make sure your heart’s motivation is to glorify God, not draw inappropriate attention to yourself. Dance to honor Christ with joy, not inflame fleshly desires.
The Style of Dance
Choose dance styles that avoid sensuality and provocative movements. Opt for dance forms that focus on creative expression more than physical intimacy.
The Audience and Setting
Consider who is present and the significance of the setting. More intimacy may be appropriate at a wedding, less so in a public performance. Be sensitive to context.
The Culture andCommunity Standards
Take into account cultural norms and community standards when dancing. Avoid offending others or damaging your witness for Christ.
Your Personal Convictions
Listen to your conscience under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If you feel uncertain about aspects of dancing, bring them before God in prayer.
Evaluating dance through these lenses can help discern if it is a godly and edifying or not. The Bible calls us to be wise, discerning, and loving as we express ourselves through dance.
Dancing with Wisdom and Discernment
In summary, here are some key principles for dancing in a Biblical manner:
- Use dance to glorify God, not draw inappropriate attention to yourself.
- Maintain purity in dance styles and movements to avoid evoking lust.
- Ensure the audience, setting and culture set a God-honoring context for dance.
- Let dance reflect the fruits of the Spirit like joy rather than sensuality.
- Apply wisdom and discernment so your dancing serves a spiritual purpose.
- Remember that dance is a gift to be stewarded for God’s purposes and glory.
The Bible validates dance as a beautiful way to worship, celebrate life’s milestones, and express ourselves creatively. When grounded in Biblical values, dance can still thrive as a vibrant, artistic form of praise to God. By practicing spiritual discernment, we can dance with wisdom in a manner that honors Christ and serves His kingdom purposes.