Acts 9 36

Acts 9:36 kjv

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 nkjv

At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.

Acts 9:36 niv

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.

Acts 9:36 esv

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.

Acts 9:36 nlt

There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas ). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 36 Meaning

Acts 9:36 introduces a notable Christian woman named Tabitha, also known by her Greek name Dorcas, who lived in Joppa. The verse highlights her exemplary character, emphasizing that she was consistently engaged in "good works" and "almsdeeds," signifying her active and practical demonstration of faith through service to others, especially the poor and needy. She embodies the spirit of generosity and compassionate service, establishing her as a pillar within the early Christian community in Joppa.

Acts 9 36 Context

Acts chapter 9 marks a pivotal transition in the early Church, featuring the dramatic conversion of Saul (who becomes Paul) and parallel accounts of Peter's ministry. Peter's work is shown expanding geographically and conceptually, demonstrating God's power through healing and raising the dead, preparing the ground for the gospel's expansion beyond exclusively Jewish contexts. Just before this verse, Peter heals Aeneas in Lydda (Acts 9:32-35), which results in many people turning to the Lord. Acts 9:36 then introduces Tabitha in the nearby coastal city of Joppa, highlighting her as an exemplary believer. The historical and cultural context reflects a period when the early Christian community, though nascent, was actively demonstrating its faith through communal support, mutual care, and practical acts of compassion, especially for the vulnerable like widows. Joppa itself was a significant port city, suggesting a diverse population where the nascent Christian community was taking root.

Acts 9 36 Word analysis

• Now there was in Joppa:
  • Joppa (Ancient Greek: Ἰόππη, Ioppē): A significant ancient seaport city on the Mediterranean coast (modern Jaffa). Its strategic location made it a hub for trade and a melting pot of cultures. Its mention signifies the expanding reach of the gospel to important urban centers. It also sets the stage for Peter's later vision concerning clean and unclean animals and his call to Cornelius in Caesarea, which began from Joppa.
• a disciple:
  • disciple (Ancient Greek: μαθήτρια, mathētria): This is the feminine form of "mathētēs" (disciple), clearly identifying Tabitha as a committed follower of Jesus Christ. This highlights the active and recognized role of women in the early church, serving alongside men and making significant contributions. It implies she was not just a passive listener but an active learner and doer of Christ's teachings.
• named Tabitha:
  • Tabitha (Aramaic: Ταβιθά, Tabitha): This is her Aramaic name, reflecting her Jewish cultural background. The fact that Luke includes both her Aramaic and Greek names indicates sensitivity to a diverse audience and provides clarity for readers from different linguistic backgrounds within the early Roman Empire.
• which by interpretation is Dorcas:
  • Dorcas (Ancient Greek: Δορκάς, Dorkas): This is the Greek equivalent of "Tabitha," both meaning "gazelle." The gazelle was admired for its beauty, grace, and swiftness. This dual naming highlights cross-cultural communication in the early church and may subtly reflect the esteemed qualities associated with her name.
• this woman was full of:
  • full of (Ancient Greek: πλήρης, plērēs): Implies an overflowing, abundant, or characteristic state. Her life was genuinely characterized by these actions, not just occasional occurrences.
• good works:
  • good works (Ancient Greek: ἔργων ἀγαθῶν, ergōn agathōn): Refers to moral, benevolent, and righteous deeds, embodying virtuous conduct. These are actions done out of love and obedience to God, consistent with Christian principles. It signifies her living faith being demonstrated visibly and practically.
• and almsdeeds:
  • almsdeeds (Ancient Greek: ἐλεημοσυνῶν, eleēmosynōn): Specifically refers to acts of charity, giving help or money to the poor and needy. This particularizes "good works" to acts of compassion and material support for the less fortunate, a core practice within both Jewish and early Christian traditions. It signifies concrete, practical assistance provided to others.
• which she did:
  • did (Ancient Greek: ἐποίει, epoiei): The imperfect tense here indicates a continuous, habitual, or ongoing action. It emphasizes that Tabitha’s good works and almsdeeds were not isolated incidents but a consistent, characteristic pattern of her life. She was a woman actively and continually engaged in these acts of service.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "a disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is Dorcas": This phrase establishes her identity, her standing within the community of believers, and her double name. The use of both names signifies her cultural context, bridging Aramaic-speaking Jews and Greek-speaking Gentiles. Her status as a "disciple" implies adherence to Christ's teachings, and the naming highlights her individual importance and recognizability.
• "this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did": This clause provides the core description of her character and conduct. "Full of" signifies that these acts permeated her very being, shaping her reputation and daily life. The distinction between "good works" (general acts of virtue and benevolence) and "almsdeeds" (specific acts of charity to the poor) underscores her comprehensive and practical compassion. The imperfect tense "which she did" emphasizes the continuous and characteristic nature of her giving, not a one-time effort, showcasing her persistent and proactive generosity.

Acts 9 36 Bonus section

The inclusion of a woman prominently featured for her charitable works and her subsequent raising from the dead by Peter serves multiple purposes. It validates the active participation and significant roles of women in the early Christian movement, showing them not just as recipients of ministry but as ministers themselves. Tabitha’s resurrection parallels miracles performed by Elijah and Elisha in the Old Testament (raising the widow's son in 1 Kgs 17 and 2 Kgs 4 respectively), emphasizing Peter's apostolic authority and the continuity of God's power through His servants. The story is a powerful testament to the value of practical love within the church, where believers are known not just by their profession of faith, but by their compassionate actions, underscoring that acts of kindness and mercy are deeply valued by God and hold eternal significance.

Acts 9 36 Commentary

Acts 9:36 presents Tabitha (Dorcas) as an outstanding example of Christian discipleship lived out through active compassion. Her story precedes the miracle of her raising by Peter, but this verse grounds the significance of that event in her virtuous life. She was not merely a passive believer, but her faith overflowed into consistent, practical service, particularly evident in her generous almsdeeds to the poor, especially widows as hinted in subsequent verses. Her character demonstrates that true faith is not solely intellectual assent but is validated and made visible through "good works" that benefit others. Tabitha's life teaches that the early Christian community, and indeed any community seeking to follow Christ, is characterized by genuine care for one another and for those in need, transforming belief into tangible acts of love and support. Her exemplary life thus magnified the power of God manifested in her resurrection.Examples: A church member who regularly cooks for sick neighbors, a student who tutors underprivileged children without charge, or a small group dedicating time to serve at a local food bank.