Dance In the New Testament

Although dance is not commanded in the New Testament as in the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament confirms its use and place in Christian worship. Church leaders who oppose dancing in worship frequently say dancing is not mentioned in the New Testament. Such a statement reflects little understanding of the Greek text. Greek scholar Spiros Zodhiates explains that the word chair, frequently translated "rejoice," "may also be related to the Hebrew word meaning a young sheep or lamb, indicating the skipping or frisking of a lamb for joy" (S. Zodhiates, The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1985]). Jesus called his people sheep and lambs, and this picture of rejoicing fits with the imagery inherent in chair. Paul uses this word in its imperative form in his letter to the Philippians when he writes,"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4). In Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Vol. 9 [Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publish…