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ὀρχέομαι

orchéomai

G3738 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To engage in rhythmic physical movement as a form of dance; to perform a dance, often involving structured bodily movements which could be individual or in coordinated group settings. In certain contexts, may refer specifically to ceremonial, festive, or celebratory dance, but may also extend to displays of exuberance, public performance, or entertaining activity through movement.

Semantic Range

to dance, to engage in rhythmic movement, to perform a dance in celebration or ritual, to dance as entertainment or display, to move in a stylized way as part of a choral or dramatic performance

Root / Etymology

From the root ὀρχ- probably related to ὄρχος (row, ring), suggesting an original sense of 'moving in a line or circle.' Exact etymology uncertain but the connection with ring-shaped movement points to early group or choral circle dance.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ὀρχέομαι appears in classical, Hellenistic, and Koine Greek to denote the act of dancing, especially in a performative or ritualized sense. In classical literature (e.g., Homer, playwrights), it described both individual and group dances, often related to celebrations, rituals, or dramatic performance. In Hellenistic and Roman-period sources, it can denote professional performance or social/cultic dance. In New Testament contexts, such as the Gospels (e.g., the dancing of Herodias' daughter in Mark 6:22 and Matthew 14:6), it points to a public and possibly entertaining or provocative performance, rather than a religious or folk dance. The Septuagint (LXX) uses ὀρχέομαι as a translation for Hebrew terms of celebratory dancing (e.g., David before the ark). English translations usually render ὀρχέομαι as "dance," but this sometimes fails to convey the structured, potentially communal or performative sense present in Greek usage. Distinct from other Greek dance terms: χορεύω (to lead or take part in a dance-chorus), which emphasizes choral or collective dance, while ὀρχέομαι may also refer to singular, dramatic, or even acrobatic movement. The nuance may shift depending on context and period, but always denotes intentional, rhythmic movement recognizable as dance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

middle voice from (a row or ring); to dance (from the ranklike or regular motion):--dance.

Root Family

ὀρχ- (orchéomai) — to dance, to move rhythmically, to perform movement

Root ὀρχ- to dance, to move rhythmically, to perform movement

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3738-02 ὠρχήσασθε orchesasthe V AOR MID IND 2P PL you danced you danced you danced 2
G3738-01 ὀρχησαμένης orchesamenes V AOR MID PTCP GEN F SG having danced of her having danced having danced 1
G3738-03 ὠρχήσατο orchesato V AOR MID IND 3P SG danced he/she danced she danced 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3738-02 Matthew 11:17 ὠρχήσασθε orchesasthe V AOR MID IND 2P PL you danced you danced you danced
G3738-03 Matthew 14:6 ὠρχήσατο orchesato V AOR MID IND 3P SG danced he/she danced she danced
G3738-01 Mark 6:22 ὀρχησαμένης orchesamenes V AOR MID PTCP GEN F SG having danced of her having danced having danced
G3738-02 Luke 7:32 ὠρχήσασθε orchesasthe V AOR MID IND 2P PL you danced you danced you danced
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