Lexical Summary karar: To dance, whirl, or spin Original Word: כָּרַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dancing A primitive root; to dance (i.e. Whirl) -- dance(-ing). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to dance NASB Translation dancing (2). Topical Lexicon Root meaning and nuance כָּרַר (karar) conveys vigorous, circular movement—“whirling” or “spinning” with joy. In context it is neither casual nor frivolous but an intentional, worship-centered action of the whole person before God. Biblical occurrences The verb appears only twice, both in the narrative of King David escorting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14; 2 Samuel 6:16). Each mention accents an overflow of holy joy that accompanies the restoration of true worship in Israel. Historical setting After decades of neglect, the Ark was being reinstated at the heart of national life. The procession began disastrously when Uzzah died for touching the Ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7), revealing the necessity of reverence. Three months later, with the prescribed priestly order in place and sacrifices offered every six paces (2 Samuel 6:13), David advanced toward the city. Against this sober backdrop, David’s whirling dance signals relief and gratitude that God’s presence had not been withdrawn from the nation. Embodied worship David “danced before the LORD with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14). His movements embody several theological truths: Conflict and vindication Michal “despised him in her heart” when she saw him “leaping and dancing before the LORD” (2 Samuel 6:16). Her contempt exposes a worldview that values regal dignity over spiritual authenticity. David replies, “I will celebrate before the LORD, and I will humble myself even more than this” (2 Samuel 6:21-22). The narrative affirms that God esteems humble, God-centered exuberance over external respectability. Canonical resonance 1 Chronicles 15 repeats the scene, adding musical detail: lyres, harps, trumpets, and cymbals accompany the dance, anchoring bodily movement within ordered liturgy. Later, Psalm 149:3 and Psalm 150:4 explicitly call God’s people to “praise His name with dancing,” echoing David’s precedent and broadening it to congregational worship. Ministry significance 1. Freedom within reverence: Worship leaders may encourage physical expressions—raising hands, kneeling, even dancing—while upholding biblical boundaries of decency and order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Christological reflection David’s joyful procession prefigures the triumphal entry of the true Son of David. As the crowds rejoiced, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 19:38), Jesus affirmed that if they kept silent, “the stones would cry out” (Luke 19:40). Embodied praise, even in spontaneous exuberance, anticipates the eschatological scene where every creature joins in unrestrained worship (Revelation 5:13). Summary כָּרַר illustrates that authentic worship may overflow into vigorous physical expression. Grounded in reverence, such movement celebrates God’s presence, magnifies His grace, and invites the community of faith to participate with heart, voice, and body in the joy of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations וּמְכַרְכֵּר֙ ומכרכר מְכַרְכֵּ֥ר מכרכר mə·ḵar·kêr mecharKer məḵarkêr ū·mə·ḵar·kêr umecharKer ūməḵarkêrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 6:14 HEB: וְדָוִ֛ד מְכַרְכֵּ֥ר בְּכָל־ עֹ֖ז NAS: And David was dancing before the LORD KJV: And David danced before the LORD INT: and David was dancing all might 2 Samuel 6:16 2 Occurrences |
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