NT FigureNew Testament

Dorcas (Tabitha)

Acts

When

c. AD 40· In the text

Placed by the story. The date is a rough guide. How the dates are worked out

Name meaning

"gazelle" · Greek

The Greek for her Aramaic name, Tabitha (Acts 9:36).

About

A disciple at Joppa whom Acts names Tabitha, adding that the name translates as Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. When she fell sick and died, the disciples sent two men to nearby Lydda to bring Peter. The widows stood around him weeping and showed him the clothes she had made. Peter sent them all out, knelt and prayed, and told her to rise. She opened her eyes and sat up, and he presented her alive. The news spread through Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Relationships

Raised to life byPeterApostle who prayed beside her body and presented her alive

Key Scripture AppearancesKJV

Acts 9:36

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.Acts 9:36, KJV

Acts 9:37

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.Acts 9:37, KJV

Acts 9:39

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.Acts 9:39, KJV

Acts 9:40

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.Acts 9:40, KJV

Acts 9:41

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.Acts 9:41, KJV

See how Dorcas (Tabitha) connects to every other figure in Scripture.

Explore Dorcas (Tabitha) in the Family Tree →