χορός (choros)
choros
a dance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun choros refers to a circular dance or a band of dancers moving in a ring. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 15:25, describing the scene when the older brother returns home from the field.
He hears music and dancing, which signals a celebration for the lost son’s return. The word captures a communal act of joy, reflecting the festive atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the elder sibling’s bitter resentment.
This single usage highlights how physical movement expressed spiritual relief and communal restoration in ancient culture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for dance here paints a picture of communal joy. In Luke’s account, the older brother hears music and dancing as he approaches home. This scene captures the relief and celebration that follows restoration. It reminds us that God’s heart rejoices when what was lost is found.
Yet the story also shows how easy it is to miss this joy. The elder son stands outside, bitter and distant, while others celebrate inside. His refusal to join the dance reveals a heart hardened by duty rather than love. We are invited to consider whether our own hearts are open to God’s grace.
This moment invites us into the celebration of redemption. It is not about perfect performance but shared joy in God’s mercy. May we find ourselves joining the dance of those who have been forgiven and restored.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dancing.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χορῶν.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 15:25
“Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
This verse captures the elder brother's external observation of joy, highlighting his emotional distance from the celebration of restoration.