Acts 9 37

Acts 9:37 kjv

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 nkjv

But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Acts 9:37 niv

About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.

Acts 9:37 esv

In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Acts 9:37 nlt

About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room.

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 37 Meaning

This verse describes Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, as a woman characterized by good deeds and acts of charity, specifically by making tunics and garments for the needy. Her death plunged the believers in Joppa into grief, leading them to send for Peter.

Acts 9 37 Context

This verse is part of the narrative in Acts chapter 9 detailing significant events following Saul's conversion. Specifically, it describes the ministry of Peter in Lydda and then Joppa. The focus is on a devout woman named Dorcas (Tabitha) who died and whose death caused deep sorrow among the Christians. This sorrow was so profound that they sent for Peter, demonstrating their belief in his apostolic authority and power to intervene even in death, likely through prayer and faith in God's power, which Jesus had given to his apostles.

Acts 9 37 Word Analysis

• ἦν (ēn): This is the imperfect indicative of εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be." It emphasizes Dorcas's continuous state of existence and character.

• διδασκάλου (didaskalou): This is the genitive singular of διδάσκαλος (didaskalos), meaning "teacher" or "disciple." In this context, it signifies she was a follower and disciple of Jesus, not necessarily a formal teacher in the modern sense.

• ὄνομα (onoma): Name.

• Ταβιθά (Tabitha): Aramaic for "gazelle." It implies gracefulness, beauty, and swiftness.

• ἢν (ēn): Again, "was."

• ἑρμηνευόμενον (hermēneuomenon): This is the passive participle, meaning "being interpreted" or "translated." It shows the Greek translation of her Aramaic name.

• Δορκάς (Dorkas): Greek for "gazelle," echoing the Aramaic meaning.

• δὴ (dē): An enclitic particle, adding emphasis, akin to "indeed" or "truly."

• ἐξέρχεσθαι (exérchesthai): Deponent infinitive, "to go out," used here in the sense of "abounded" or "was known for."

• τοῦτο (toūto): This.

• τὸ (to): The definite article.

• ἔργοις (érgois): Dative plural of ἔργον (ergon), meaning "works" or "deeds."

• καὶ (kai): And.

• ἐλεημοσύναις (eleēmosynais): Dative plural of ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosynē), meaning "alms," "charities," or "acts of mercy." This highlights her compassionate actions toward the poor and needy.

• αἷς (hais): Dative plural relative pronoun, referring to "works" and "charities."

• ποιοῦσεν (poioūsen): Imperfect active participle of ποιέω (poieō), "to make" or "to do." It stresses the ongoing nature of her giving and creation of garments.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "a disciple named Tabitha": Establishes her identity as a follower of Christ.
  • "which, translated, is Dorcas": Clarifies the meaning and cultural significance of her names.
  • "full of good works and charitable deeds": A powerful descriptor of her character, emphasizing active compassion.
  • "she was making tunics and garments": Specifies the tangible nature of her charity, showing her hands-on involvement in helping others.

Acts 9 37 Bonus Section

The double naming (Tabitha/Dorcas) is significant, reflecting the Aramaic culture of Palestine and the wider Greek-speaking world. This demonstrates the seamless integration of Jewish and Gentile believers within the early church. The focus on "making tunics and garments" is a specific and detailed example of good works, grounding her charity in practical, everyday needs. This verse, preceding Peter's resurrection of Dorcas, powerfully illustrates the profound loss felt by the church and their immediate resort to apostolic authority for divine intervention. It underscores the reality of supernatural power working through believers to impact life and death.

Acts 9 37 Commentary

Dorcas stands as a prime example of a Christian woman whose faith was demonstrated through tangible, consistent acts of kindness and charity. Her name, "gazelle," often associated with grace and alertness, perfectly describes her active and compassionate spirit. The emphasis on "good works and charitable deeds" highlights that her discipleship wasn't passive but expressed through active service to the community, particularly the poor, whom she aided by creating clothing. Her death wasn't just a personal loss; it was a communal tragedy because her absence meant the loss of essential support and love, prompting the entire group of believers to seek Peter's intervention, showcasing the deep impact of her faithful living and ministry.