Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Tabitha, also known by her Greek name Dorcas, is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for her charitable works and her miraculous resurrection by the Apostle Peter. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Acts, where she is depicted as a devoted disciple in the early Christian community.
Biblical Account:Tabitha's account is recorded in
Acts 9:36-42. She lived in Joppa, a coastal city in ancient Israel, and was known for her good works and acts of charity. The Berean Standard Bible describes her as "full of good works and acts of charity" (
Acts 9:36). Her life exemplified the Christian virtues of compassion and service, as she was particularly noted for making garments for widows and the needy.
Death and Resurrection:Tabitha fell ill and died, which caused great sorrow among the believers in Joppa. The disciples, aware that Peter was nearby in Lydda, sent for him urgently. Upon his arrival, Peter was taken to the upper room where Tabitha's body lay. The widows stood by, weeping and showing the garments Tabitha had made, highlighting the impact of her ministry (
Acts 9:39).
Peter then sent everyone out of the room, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and upon seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her to her feet. Calling the believers and widows, he presented her alive (
Acts 9:40-41). This miracle led many in Joppa to believe in the Lord, demonstrating the power of God working through His apostles.
Significance in Early Christianity:Tabitha's resurrection is one of the few recorded instances of such a miracle in the New Testament, underscoring the authority and divine power bestowed upon the apostles. Her life and subsequent resurrection served as a powerful testimony to the early church, illustrating the transformative power of faith and the importance of service to others.
Legacy and Influence:Tabitha's account has inspired countless Christians throughout history to engage in acts of charity and service. Her example is often cited in discussions about the role of women in the early church and their contributions to the Christian community. The name "Dorcas" has been adopted by various charitable organizations and societies dedicated to helping the poor and needy, reflecting her enduring legacy of compassion and generosity.
Cultural and Historical Context:Joppa, where Tabitha lived, was an important port city in ancient Israel, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. The presence of a vibrant Christian community there indicates the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem and into the broader regions of Judea and Samaria, as described in
Acts 1:8. Tabitha's dual name, Tabitha in Aramaic and Dorcas in Greek, reflects the multicultural environment of the early church, which included both Jewish and Gentile believers.
Conclusion:Tabitha's life and resurrection are a testament to the early church's emphasis on charity, community, and the miraculous power of God. Her account continues to inspire believers to live lives of service and faith, embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Tabithaclear-sighted; a roe-deer
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Tabitha(gazelle), also called Dorcas by St. Luke, a female disciple of Joppa, "full of good works" among which that of making clothes for the poor is specifically mentioned. While St. Peter was at the neighboring town of Lydda, Tabitha, died; upon which the disciples at Joppa sent an urgent message to the apostle begging him to come to them without delay. Upon his arrival Peter found the deceased already prepared for burial, and laid out in an upper chamber, where she was surrounded by the recipients and the tokens of her charity after the example of our Saviour in the house of Jairus, (Matthew 9:25;Mark 5:40) "Peter put them all forth," prayed for the divine assistance, and then commanded Tabitha to arise. Comp. (Mark 5:41;Luke 8:51) She opened-her eyes and sat up, and then, assisted by the apostle, rose from her couch. This great miracle, as we are further told produced an extraordinary effect in Joppa, and was the occasion of many conversions there. (Acts 9:38-42) The name "Tabitha" is an Aramaic word signifying a "female gazelle." St. Luke gives "Dorcas" as the Greek equivalent of the name.
ATS Bible Dictionary
TabithaSeeDORCAS.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(in Greek called Dorcas), gazelle, a disciple at Joppa. She was distinguished for her alms-deeds and good works. Peter, who was sent for from Lydda on the occasion of her death, prayed over the dead body, and said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes and sat up; and Peter "gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive" (
Acts 9:36-43).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TABITHAtab'-i-tha (Tabeitha). SeeDORCAS.
Greek
5000.Tabitha -- "gazelle,"Tabitha (also called Dorcas), a...... 4999, 5000.
Tabitha. 5001 . "gazelle,"
Tabitha (also called Dorcas),
a Christian woman. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
...1393. Dorkas -- "gazelle" (an animal with large bright eyes)...
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Dorkas Phonetic Spelling: (dor-kas')
Short Definition: Dorcas Definition: Dorcas, the Greek name ofTabitha....
Library
Copies of Christ's Manner
... But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and, turning
him to the body, said,Tabitha, arise."Acts 9:34, 40....
Caphar Tebi.
... The womanTabitha is of eternal memory, Acts 9; and, in the pages of the Talmudists,
"Tebi the servant of Rabban Gamaliel; andTabitha his maid-servant....
Acts ix. 26, 27
... "Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple namedTabitha, which by interpretation
is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she...
Treatise viii. On Works and Alms.
... WhenTabitha, being greatly given to good works and to bestowing alms, fell sick
and died, Peter was summoned to her lifeless body; and when he, with apostolic...
That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian...
... [3] This name Dorcas in Greek, wasTabitha in Hebrew or Syriac, as Acts 9:36.
Accordingly, some of the manuscripts set it down here Tabetha or Tabeta....
The Minister's Daughter.
... THE MINISTER'S DAUGHTER.TABITHA ALDER was the daughter of a minister in
Kent, who lived near Gravesend. She was instructed in the...
The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... But such were the martyr Stephen, who prayed for his murderers (Acts 7:60);Tabitha,
"full of good works and almsdeeds" (Acts 9:36); Cornelius, upon whom the...
Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House...
... Roman miles from Jerusalem, that Aeneas was miraculously healed, and "nigh" to
it"within a few miles"was Joppa, where the raising ofTabitha, Dorcas, "the...
The Acts of the Apostles
... and the resulting scattering of believers, of the work of Philip in Samaria, of
Sauls conversion, and of Peters healing of Eneas and raising ofTabitha, 8:1...
A Seeker for Truth
... to God to restore Dorcas to life and health. Turning to the body, he said,
"Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she...
Thesaurus
Tabitha (2 Occurrences)... Peter, who was sent for from Lydda on the occasion of her death, prayed over the
dead body, and said, "
Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes and sat up; and
...Dorcas (3 Occurrences)
... She was a Hellenistic Jewess, calledTabitha by the Jews and Dorcas by the
Greeks. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DORCAS. dor'-kas...
Joppa (14 Occurrences)
... The Christians and the Moslems have rival traditions as to the site of the house
of Simon the tanner. The remains of the house ofTabitha are also pointed out....
Knelt (20 Occurrences)
... Acts 9:40 Peter, however, putting every one out of the room, knelt down and prayed,
and then turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, rise." Dorcas at once...
Kneeled (12 Occurrences)
... prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes,
and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (WEB KJV ASV WBS)....
Kneeling (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 9:40 But Peter, putting them all out, and kneeling down, prayed.
And, turning to the body, he said,Tabitha, arise. And...
Opening (242 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Acts 9:40 But Peter made them all go outside, and went down on his
knees in prayer; and turning to the body, he said,Tabitha, get up....
Jaffa (10 Occurrences)
... Acts 9:36 Among the disciples at Jaffa was a woman calledTabitha, or, as the name
may be translated, 'Dorcas.' Her life was wholly devoted to the good and...
Greek (19 Occurrences)
... death. (BBE). Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named
Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman...
Resources
Who was Dorcas / Tabitha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christian women wear makeup or jewelry? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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