tabitha Summary and Overview

(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).

(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, #Mt 9:25; Mr 5:40| "Peter put them all forth," prayed for the divine assistance, and then commanded Tabitha to arise. Comp. #Mr 5:41; Lu 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. #Ac 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.

TAB'ITHA (gazelle), an exemplary disciple of Christ at Joppa, whose deeds of benevolence had greatly endeared her to the people. After she was dead and her body prepared for the grave, she was miraculously restored to life through the instrumentality of Peter. Acts 9:36-40.

Aramaic, corresponding to Hebrew tsebiah, "a female gazelle," Dorcas (Acts 9:36), the emblem of beauty. The Christian woman at Joppa, "full of good works and alms deeds" (as making coats and garments for poor widows, compare Job 31:19-20), who was raised from the dead by Peter's prayer and words under the Spirit, "Tabitha, arise." Many in consequence believed in the Lord. Peter's miraculous cure of Aeneas at Lydda was what led Tabitha's believing friends to send so far, that he should come to them, with the hope of God's power working by him even on the dead. After Christ's example in the case of Jairus' daughter, "Peter put them all forth," and prayed (compare John 11:41-42), and then when he felt he had obtained his request spoke the word of power, and gave her his hand to lift her up (Matthew 9:25; Mark 5:40-41).