30 Bible Verses About Dance (With Commentary)

Dance in the Bible is often associated with expressions of joy, celebration, and worship. Throughout Scripture, dancing is depicted as a natural response to God’s goodness, a way to celebrate victories, and a form of worship and praise. Whether it’s in moments of personal joy or corporate celebration, dance is a physical manifestation of the heart’s overflow of gratitude and reverence for God. Here are 30 Bible verses about dance, each with an 80-word commentary.

1. Psalm 149:3

“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.”

This verse encourages the use of dance as a form of worship. It teaches that dancing, accompanied by music, is a joyous expression of praise to God. Dance is portrayed as a way to glorify God, reflecting the joy and celebration of His goodness. This verse invites us to use our whole being, including our bodies in dance, to worship and honor the Lord.

2. Psalm 150:4

“Praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe.”

This verse highlights dancing as an integral part of praising God. It teaches that just as we use musical instruments to glorify God, dance is also a form of worship. This verse encourages believers to express their praise through dance, recognizing it as a joyful and acceptable way to celebrate God’s greatness. It reminds us that worship can be expressed in various forms, including through the movement of dance.

3. 2 Samuel 6:14

“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might.”

King David’s dance before the Lord is a powerful example of uninhibited worship. This verse teaches that dancing before God can be an intense and passionate expression of worship. David’s willingness to dance with all his might shows his deep love and reverence for God, setting an example of wholehearted devotion. This verse encourages us to worship God with all that we are, including through the physical expression of dance.

4. Ecclesiastes 3:4

“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

This verse acknowledges that life includes seasons for various emotions and expressions, including dance. It teaches that there is an appropriate time for dancing, just as there is for other forms of expression. Dance is recognized as a natural and fitting response during times of joy and celebration. This verse encourages us to embrace the different seasons of life, including those moments when dancing is the most appropriate response to our circumstances.

5. 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.”

This verse depicts a time of restoration and joy, where dancing is a symbol of renewed happiness. It teaches that God brings transformation from mourning to gladness, and dancing becomes a natural expression of this joy. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s ability to bring joy out of sorrow, knowing that our times of mourning can turn into seasons of dancing and celebration.

6. 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 leads the women in dance after the Israelites’ victory over the Egyptians. This verse teaches that dance can be a response to God’s deliverance and victory. Miriam’s dance is an act of worship and celebration, giving thanks to God for His miraculous intervention. This verse encourages us to express our gratitude to God through dance, especially in moments of triumph and deliverance.

7. Judges 11:34

“When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of timbrels!”

Jephthah’s daughter greets him with a dance upon his return from battle. This verse illustrates dance as a way to celebrate and welcome loved ones. It teaches that dance can be an expression of joy and love, especially in moments of reunion and celebration. This verse reminds us that dance has been a part of human expression in various contexts, including family and community celebrations.

8. Psalm 30:11

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”

The psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s transformation of sorrow into joy. This verse teaches that God has the power to turn our deepest sorrows into occasions for dancing. It emphasizes the idea that dance can be a response to God’s work in our lives, reflecting the joy that comes from His deliverance and blessings. This verse encourages us to embrace the joy that God brings and to express it through dance.

9. Matthew 11:17

“‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'”

Jesus uses this analogy to describe the unresponsiveness of His generation. This verse teaches that dance, like mourning, is a natural response to specific situations. The absence of dancing in response to joyful music highlights a lack of receptivity to God’s message. This verse challenges us to be responsive to the movements of God in our lives, recognizing the appropriate times to dance and celebrate His goodness.

10. Lamentations 5:15

“Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.”

This verse reflects a time of great sorrow and loss. It teaches that dance is often a reflection of the condition of our hearts. When joy is absent, dancing ceases, symbolizing the depth of grief. This verse reminds us of the connection between our emotions and our expressions of worship, including dance. It encourages us to seek God’s restoration in times of sorrow, trusting that He can bring back the joy that leads to dancing.

11. 1 Samuel 18:6

“When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres.”

This verse describes the women celebrating David’s victory over Goliath with dance. It teaches that dancing is a common response to military victories and public celebrations. The women’s dance reflects their collective joy and gratitude for God’s deliverance through David. This verse encourages us to celebrate God’s victories in our lives with expressions of joy, including dance.

12. Psalm 87:7

“As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.'”

This verse, often associated with worship, implies a joyful response to God’s presence. Though dance is not explicitly mentioned, the context of music and singing suggests a celebratory atmosphere where dance could naturally occur. This verse teaches that all expressions of joy, including music, singing, and potentially dance, find their source in God. It encourages us to recognize God as the ultimate source of our joy and to express that joy fully.

13. Luke 15:25

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.”

This verse describes the celebration of the prodigal son’s return. It teaches that dancing is a part of celebrations that mark significant, joyous events, such as reconciliation and restoration. The music and dancing in this parable symbolize the father’s joy and the community’s participation in the celebration. This verse encourages us to join in the joyful celebrations of God’s work in the lives of others, expressing our joy through dance and other forms of celebration.

14. Psalm 68:25

“In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels.”

This verse describes a procession of praise that includes music and dance. It teaches that dance, accompanied by music, is a way to honor God in a communal setting. The mention of young women playing timbrels suggests that dance is part of a larger expression of worship and celebration. This verse encourages us to incorporate dance into our worship, recognizing it as a joyful expression of praise.

15. Isaiah 30:32

“Every stroke the Lord lays on them with his punishing club will be to the music of timbrels and harps, as he fights them in battle with the blows of his arm.”

This verse illustrates how music and dance can be part of both celebration and divine action. It teaches that even in the context of God’s judgment, there can be a response that includes music and dance. This verse reminds us that God’s actions, whether in blessing or judgment, evoke a response from His people, often expressed in music and dance. It encourages us to recognize God’s sovereignty and respond appropriately.

16. 2 Samuel 6:16

“As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.”

This verse contrasts David’s joyful dance with Michal’s disdain. It teaches that not everyone will understand or appreciate expressions of worship like dancing. David’s dance before the Lord was an act of worship, but Michal’s reaction highlights the potential for misunderstanding and judgment. This verse encourages us to worship God authentically, even if others may not understand or approve of our expressions of praise, including dance.

17. 1 Chronicles 15:29

“As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.”

This verse mirrors the account in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the contrast between David’s joy and Michal’s contempt. It teaches that true worship, including dancing, may be met with criticism or misunderstanding. David’s dancing was a genuine expression of his devotion to God, regardless of Michal’s negative reaction. This verse encourages us to focus on pleasing God in our worship, rather than seeking the approval of others.

18. Psalm 149:4

“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”

While this verse does not directly mention dance, the context of celebration and victory implies joyful expressions, potentially including dance. It teaches that God delights in His people and grants them victory, leading to celebrations of joy. This verse encourages us to celebrate God’s victories in our lives, expressing our joy through various forms of worship, including dance, as a way of honoring Him.

19. Mark 6:22

“When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.'”

This verse depicts a dance that leads to manipulation and tragedy. It teaches that dance, like any form of expression, can be used for both good and evil purposes. The dance of Herodias’s daughter was pleasing to Herod but led to the unjust request for John the Baptist’s head. This verse reminds us to use our gifts, including dance, in ways that honor God and reflect His righteousness.

20. Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

This verse portrays God’s delight in His people. While it does not mention dance, the imagery of God rejoicing over us suggests a celebratory response. It teaches that God’s love and delight in His people can inspire joy and celebration in our hearts, leading to expressions of worship that may include dance. This verse encourages us to rejoice in God’s love and to express that joy in our worship.

21. Matthew 14:6

“On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much.”

This verse recounts the dance that led to a tragic request. It teaches that dance can have powerful effects, but it also serves as a warning that such expressions should be guided by righteousness and integrity. The consequences of this dance were severe, reminding us that our actions, including dance, should align with God’s will and reflect His character.

22. Jeremiah 31:4

“I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful.”

This verse promises restoration and the return of joy for Israel. It teaches that God’s work of restoration leads to celebrations, including dancing. The imagery of taking up timbrels and dancing reflects the renewal of joy and community after a time of hardship. This verse encourages us to look forward to God’s restoration in our lives, celebrating His goodness with joyful expressions like dance.

23. Exodus 32:19

“When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain.”

This verse describes Moses’ reaction to the Israelites’ idolatrous dancing. It teaches that not all dancing is appropriate or pleasing to God. The Israelites’ dance in worship of the golden calf was an act of rebellion against God, leading to Moses’ righteous anger. This verse reminds us that our expressions of joy and celebration, including dance, should always be directed toward God and aligned with His commandments.

24. Isaiah 13:21

“But desert creatures will lie there, jackals will fill her houses; there the owls will dwell, and there the wild goats will leap about.”

This verse uses the imagery of animals leaping to describe desolation. While not directly about human dance, it teaches that movement and leaping can symbolize life and energy, even in desolate places. This imagery can remind us of the vitality and joy that dance brings, even in difficult circumstances. It encourages us to find ways to express life and joy, even when our surroundings may seem bleak.

25. Psalm 30:12

“That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”

This verse expresses a commitment to continuous praise. While it does not mention dance specifically, the context of singing and praising God suggests that such expressions might include dance. It teaches that our response to God’s goodness should be wholehearted and unceasing. This verse encourages us to use every means available, including dance, to express our gratitude and worship to God.

26. Isaiah 35:6

“Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.”

This verse depicts the miraculous restoration that God will bring. The image of the lame leaping like a deer teaches that God’s healing power brings about joyful, physical expressions, akin to dancing. This verse encourages us to anticipate God’s restoration in our lives and to express our joy in ways that reflect the freedom and vitality He provides.

27. Psalm 149:2

“Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.”

This verse calls for rejoicing and gladness in God. While it does not directly mention dance, the context of joy and celebration in worship often includes dancing. It teaches that our Maker and King deserves our full-hearted celebration, which can be expressed in various ways, including dance. This verse encourages us to celebrate God’s kingship and creation with joyful worship.

28. Song of Solomon 6:13

“Come back, come back, O Shulammite; come back, come back, that we may gaze on you! Why would you gaze on the Shulammite as on the dance of Mahanaim?”

This verse references a specific dance, possibly symbolic of beauty and movement. It teaches that dance can be an expression of beauty and attraction, reflecting the joy and celebration in relationships. This verse reminds us that dance is not only a form of worship but can also be a way to celebrate love and relationships. It encourages us to view dance as a positive expression of beauty and connection.

29. Judges 21:21

“And watch. When the young women of Shiloh come out to join in the dancing, rush from the vineyards and each of you seize one of them to be your wife. Then return to the land of Benjamin.”

This verse describes a cultural event involving dance. It teaches that dance has been part of community and cultural practices for centuries, sometimes associated with significant life events. While the context of this verse involves a controversial event, it illustrates that dance has long been a part of celebrations and rituals in human society. This verse reminds us of the enduring nature of dance as a form of expression in various contexts.

30. Matthew 11:17