DANCE.

Found in Judg. 21:21, 23; Ps. 30:11; 149:3; 150:4; Jer. 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 Eccl. 3:4; Job 21:11; Isa. 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 (Matt. 11:17), and by a single person (Matt. 14:6). It is spoken of as symbolical of rejoicing (Eccl. 3:4. Comp. Ps. 30:11; Matt. 11: 17). The Hebrews had their sacred dances expressive of joy and thanksgiving, when the performers were usually females (Ex. 15:20; 1 Sam. 18:6). The ancient dance was very different from that common among Western nations. It was usually the part of the women only (Ex. 15:20; Judg. 11:34; comp. 5:1). Hence the peculiarity of David’s conduct in dancing before the ark of the Lord (2 Sam. 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 (Jer. 31:4). The sexes among the Jews always danced separately. The daughter of Herodias danced alone (Matt. 14:6).

a musical instrument of percussion, supposed to have been used by the Hebrews at an early period of their history. The 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)

DANCE. The Jewish dances were generally expressions of joy and gratitude, sometimes in honor of a conqueror, Jud 11:34; 1 Sam 18:6-7, and sometimes on domestic occasions. Jer 31:4, 2 Kgs 11:13; Luke 15:25. The dance was also introduced into the religious service, and the timbrel (tambourine) was employed to direct it. Some individual led, and the rest followed with measured steps and devotional songs. Thus, David and Miriam led such a band. 2 Sam 6:14; Ex 15:20. Individuals often expressed feelings of joy in the same way. Luke 6:23; Acts 3:8. Dancing was practised from a very early period as a natural exercise and amusement. Job 21:11; Mark 6:22. But the mingling of males and females which is so common in modern dances was unknown to the Jews. Indeed, the dancing was mostly done by the women alone, as is still the case in Egypt. A Hebrew word, mahhol, which occurs in some passages -e.g. Ps 150:4-and is rendered "dance" in our version, is supposed by some scholars to mean a musical instrument.

DANCE. The Jewish dances were generally expressions of joy and gratitude, sometimes in honor of a conqueror, Jud 11:34; 1 Sam 18:6-7, and sometimes on domestic occasions. Jer 31:4, 2 Kgs 11:13; Luke 15:25. The dance was also introduced into the religious service, and the timbrel (tambourine) was employed to direct it. Some individual led, and the rest followed with measured steps and devotional songs. Thus, David and Miriam led such a band. 2 Sam 6:14; Ex 15:20. Individuals often expressed feelings of joy in the same way. Luke 6:23; Acts 3:8. Dancing was practised from a very early period as a natural exercise and amusement. Job 21:11; Mark 6:22. But the mingling of males and females which is so common in modern dances was unknown to the Jews. Indeed, the dancing was mostly done by the women alone, as is still the case in Egypt. A Hebrew word, mahhol, which occurs in some passages -e.g. Ps 150:4-and is rendered "dance" in our version, is supposed by some scholars to mean a musical instrument.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. 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.

2. A tune by which dancing is regulated, as the minuet, the waltz, the cotillon, etc.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. 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 rhytmically. Jack shall pipe and Gill shall dance. Wiher. Good shepherd, what fair swain is this Which dances with your dauther Shak.

2. To move nimbly or merrily; to express pleasure by motion; to caper; to frisk; to skip about. Then, 'tis time to dance off. Thackeray. More dances my rapt heart Than when I first my wedded mistress saw. Shak. Shadows in the glassy waters dance. Byron. Where rivulets dance their wayward round. Wordsworth. To dance on a rope, or To dance on nothing, to be hanged.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To cause to dance, or move nimbly or merrily about, or up and down; to dandle. To dance our ringlets to the whistling wind. Shak. Thy grandsire loved thee well; Many a time he danced thee on his knee. Shak. To dance attendance, to come and go obsequiously; to be or remain in waiting, at the beck and call of another, with a view to please or gain favor. A man of his place, and so near our favor, To dance attendance on their lordships' pleasure. Shak.