χορός (G5525) — Greek Lexicon

χορός

chorós

G5525 noun

SILEX Entry

Root χορό- to dance in a circle, to form a group for singing or dancing

Definition

A group of dancers or singers arranged in a circle; by extension, a dance performed by such a group in a ring formation. In literary and extended contexts, can denote the song performed by such a group, the group itself, or the event of ritual or communal dancing. In certain contexts, may also refer to a chorus (the collective performers in Greek drama) or collective musical performance.

Semantic Range

circle dance, group of dancers, chorus (dramatic or ritual), festive dancing, group performance, song performed by a chorus

Root / Etymology

Uncertain. The word is of pre-classical Greek origin, possibly related to the verb χορεύω (to dance in a ring), and is attested in Homeric Greek. No clear Indo-European root has been established; connection to χορός (enclosure) is debated.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, χορός referred both to a group of singers and dancers organized in a circle (particularly in religious or festive contexts) and, metonymically, to their performance. In drama, especially from the 5th century BCE onward, it came to denote the chorus as a dramatic institution: a collective voice providing narrative, commentary, or ritual function in tragedies and comedies. In the Septuagint, χορός translates Hebrew terms for festive or ritual dance, often with religious associations (e.g., Miriam's dance in Exodus 15). In the New Testament, χορός appears only in Luke 15:25 (the parable of the prodigal son), where it refers generically to dancing during a celebration, not to any institutional or tragic chorus. Standard English translations such as 'choir' or 'dance' each capture only part of the Greek term's range: in antiquity, singing and circular dance were often inseparable. Distinct from modern 'choir,' which focuses on singing alone. Related to, but broader than, choros as used in later ecclesiastical settings.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; a ring, i.e. round dance ("choir":--dancing.

Root Family

χορός (choros) — circle dance, group of dancers, chorus, communal festive dancing

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G5525-01`	χορῶν	choron	`N GEN M PL`	dancing	of circle dances	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G5525-01`	Luke 15:25	χορῶν	choron	`N GEN M PL`	dancing	of circle dances

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