Dancing in the church can be a form of worship when done with reverence and joy. The Bible includes examples of dancing as an expression of praise. Today, we’ll look at how scripture views dancing as part of worship.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Dancing In Heaven
What Does The Bible Say About Dancing In The Church
Psalm 149:3
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.”
This verse highlights the joy and celebration that can be expressed through dancing as a form of worship. Dancing can be a physical expression of our praise and adoration for God, as we rejoice in His goodness and faithfulness.
Psalm 150:4
“Praise him with tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!”
Here, the psalmist encourages us to offer our praise to God through various musical instruments, including dancing. Dancing can be a vibrant and exuberant way to acknowledge and honor the Lord in our worship.
2 Samuel 6:14
“David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might.”
David’s dancing before the Lord is an example of his uninhibited praise and worship. It demonstrates that dancing can be a joyful and genuine expression of our love for God, regardless of social expectations or personal inhibitions.
Exodus 15:20
“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her with timbrels and dancing.”
Miriam and the women celebrated the victory and deliverance of the Israelites by singing and dancing. This verse shows that dancing can be a powerful way to commemorate important events and express gratitude to God for His faithfulness.
Psalm 30:11
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”
This verse speaks of God’s transformative power, turning sorrow into joy and mourning into dancing. Dancing can be a symbol of the spiritual transformation that takes place when we encounter God’s grace and experience His healing and restoration.
Jeremiah 31:13
“Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”
God promises to bring joy and comfort to His people, which is depicted through dancing in this verse. Dancing can be a visible expression of the inner joy and gladness that comes from being in a relationship with God.
Psalms 30:4
“Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.”
Praising the Lord through singing and dancing is emphasized in this verse, highlighting the importance of expressing our worship audibly through various means, including dance.
Psalm 149:1
“Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.”
When gathered in the assembly of God’s people, this verse encourages singing a new song of praise to the Lord. Dancing can be a beautiful expression of this joyous and communal praise in the church gathering.
Psalm 87:7
“As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.'”
In the context of making music and singing praises, this verse affirms that all our blessings and fulfillment are found in the Lord. Dancing can serve as a physical manifestation of the overflowing joy and gratitude we have in God’s presence.
Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Dancing is acknowledged as a part of life’s varied experiences. It can be a sign of overcoming sorrow and embracing joy. In the church, dancing can be a way to express the manifold emotions and experiences we encounter in our journey of faith.
Psalm 30:1-2
“I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
These verses speak of praising and exalting the Lord for His deliverance and healing. Dancing can be a physical response to the gratitude we have for God’s faithfulness and redemption in our lives.
Psalm 149:2
“Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.”
Israel is called to rejoice in their Creator and find gladness in their King. Dancing can be a vibrant way to express this joy and gladness as we celebrate our identity as God’s people.
Psalm 30:11-12
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.”
God’s transformative power is evident in this verse, as He takes away sorrow and replaces it with joy. Dancing can be a way to physically demonstrate the transformation that occurs in our hearts when we encounter the grace and goodness of God.
Psalms 149:3-4
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
This verse emphasizes that God takes pleasure in His people when they express their praise and worship through dancing and musical instruments. It speaks of God’s desire to bless and exalt the humble and faithful followers who offer their worship in this way.
Psalm 107:22
“Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.”
Praising God through songs of joy and thanksgiving is encouraged in this verse. Dancing can be a natural response to the overflowing gratitude we have for God’s works and faithfulness in our lives.
2 Samuel 6:21-22
“David said to Michal, ‘It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.'”
David’s response to Michal’s criticism of his dancing before the Lord reveals his unwavering commitment to worship God with complete abandon. Dancing can be an expression of humility and surrender as we set aside our pride and self-consciousness to wholeheartedly glorify God in our worship.
Psalm 22:3
“But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.”
Praise and worship create an atmosphere where God’s presence is manifested. Dancing can be a part of this praise, as we invite God’s holiness to dwell among His people.
Psalm 63:4
“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
While this verse specifically mentions lifting hands in praise, it signifies a physical expression of worship. Dancing can be another form of physical worship, as we lift up our whole selves to honor God.
Psalm 66:2
“Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.”
This verse calls us to sing and make the praise of God’s name glorious. Dancing can add to the splendor and magnificence of our worship, amplifying the beauty and power of God’s presence among His people.
Exodus 15:20-21
“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.'”
Miriam’s response to the Israelites’ deliverance from the Egyptians was to lead the women in song and dance. Dancing can be an expression of joy and victory, celebrating God’s triumph and deliverance in our lives.
Psalm 30:11-12
“You turned my mourning into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.”
God’s transforming power is highlighted in this verse, as He turns mourning into dancing and clothes us with joy. Dancing can be a tangible way to testify to the goodness and faithfulness of God, as we declare our eternal praise and gratitude.
Psalm 150:4-6
“Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!”
This concluding passage of the Psalms emphasizes the exuberant and diverse ways we can praise God. It includes dancing as one of the ways we can fully express our adoration and celebrate His greatness.
Psalm 149:3-5
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.”
This verse highlights the delight God takes in His people and the victory He bestows upon the humble. Dancing can be a joyful response to God’s favor and a way to outwardly express our gratitude and celebration.
Psalm 68:24-25
“Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels.”
This verse speaks of the grandeur of God’s procession into the sanctuary, accompanied by singers, musicians, and young women playing timbrels. Dancing can be seen as an integral part of this festive and awe-inspiring worship, adding to the splendor and reverence of God’s presence.