Articles
What Wrong with Dancing?
What’s Wrong with Dancing?
Dancing is a Bible subject. Dancing or a form of the word is used at least 22 times in the Old Testament and at least 5 times in the New Testament. The New Testament word for dance means “to lift up, as of the feet; hence, to leap with regularity of motion” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, p. 144).
Does the Bible approve of dancing, or does it condemn dancing? To answer that question requires an examination of the kind of dance under consideration.
In the Old Testament we find occasions of dancing that were simple expressions of public rejoicing and celebration for blessings or triumph bestowed by God. Examples of this are in Exodus 15:20-21 and Judges 11:34. This is the dancing of Ecclesiastes 3:4 – “a time to mourn, and a time to dance” – clearly contrasting a time of sadness with a time of joy. We also find, under the law of Moses, dancing associated with worship: “Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!” (Ps 150:4). There is no more authority for this dancing in New Testament worship than there is for the use of stringed instruments and flutes. Neither are authorized today, for that old law, under which we find those elements of worship, has been done away with and we are under a new law and covenant.
But the other dancing we find in the Bible is the subject of this article, and that is the dance that is associated with lust and/or idolatry. We find this dance in Exodus 32 where the children of Israel “sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play” (v.6). This dance was not for joyous celebration of God’s blessings but was for amusement and pleasure and was accompanied by the people being “unrestrained” or “naked” (v.25). This dancing was condemned and brought the wrath of God. This dancing of which we now speak is also the seductive, sensual dancing of Herodias’ daughter, in front of Herod and his guests, performed for the purpose of bringing them pleasure (Mk 6:21-22).
This kind of dancing is lasciviousness. Lasciviousness is condemned because it is a work of the flesh (Gal 5:19; “licentiousness” (NKJV), “lewdness” (NASB), “sensuality” (ESV)). Lasciviousness is defined as “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc.” (The New Thayer’s Greek English Lexicon, pp.79-80). That describes the dancing that goes on, among other places and occasions, at the dance hall, the ballroom, the high school prom, the school-chaperoned dance, the nightclub, social parties, wedding receptions, and in many movies and television shows. Those who practice lasciviousness will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:21).
There are other Scriptural injunctions against dancing. It contributes to fleshly lusts, yet the Christian is to “make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Rom 13:14). Dancing is the occasion for as well as the breeding ground for other sins, including immodest dress and sexual immorality. And dancing, because it is a work of the flesh and thus of the world, destroys the dancing Christian’s influence; the Christian is supposed to be a light (Mt 5:16) who leads others to the Christ and away from the lusts of the flesh and the works of the darkness.
What’s to be a Christian’s attitude toward the dancing of which we speak? Because it is a work of the flesh, it is a work of darkness, and the Christian is to have no part in it. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Eph 5:11). Because dancing is a work of the flesh, it is evil, and the Christian is to hate it and reject it. “Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Rom 12:9b).
