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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} there was {G2258} at {G1722} Joppa {G2445} a certain {G5100} disciple {G3102} named {G3686} Tabitha {G5000}, which {G3739} by interpretation {G1329} is called {G3004} Dorcas {G1393}: this woman {G3778}{G846} was {G2258} full {G4134} of good {G18} works {G2041} and {G2532} almsdeeds {G1654} which {G3739} she did {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(which means “gazelle”); she was always doing tzedakah and other good deeds.

Berean Standard Bible

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:36 introduces Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, a devout Christian woman residing in Joppa. This verse highlights her profound commitment to practical godliness, describing her as "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." Her life exemplified active faith, demonstrating compassion and generosity through tangible acts of service to her community, particularly to the poor and widows, setting the stage for a miraculous intervention by the Apostle Peter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:36 is situated within a broader narrative of Peter's ministry following Saul's conversion and the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this verse, Peter has been ministering in Lydda, where he healed Aeneas (Acts 9:32-35), leading to many turning to the Lord. The mention of Joppa, a nearby coastal city, indicates the expanding reach of the early Christian community. Tabitha's story serves as a bridge, illustrating the impact of Christian discipleship in local communities and setting the stage for Peter's next significant miracle, which directly precedes his pivotal vision concerning Gentile inclusion in Acts 10.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joppa (modern Jaffa) was an ancient and strategically important port city on the Mediterranean coast. It served as a vital commercial hub, connecting Judea to the wider Roman world. Its diverse population included Jews and Gentiles, making it a significant location for the burgeoning Christian movement. In this period, charitable acts were highly valued, both within Jewish tradition (e.g., giving *tzedakah*) and among early Christians, who emphasized communal care for the needy, especially widows and orphans. Tabitha's "almsdeeds" would have been understood as a concrete expression of religious devotion and social responsibility, particularly crucial in a society without a formal welfare system.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the New Testament. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **practical Christian living**, emphasizing that genuine faith is expressed through tangible acts of love and service, echoing the principles found in [James 2:17, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead"](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"). Tabitha's story also highlights the **value of every believer's contribution** within the early church, regardless of their public role; her quiet acts of charity were so impactful that her death caused widespread grief and prompted a plea for apostolic intervention. Furthermore, it subtly foreshadows the **expanding mission of the church** beyond its Jewish roots, as Peter's presence in Joppa eventually leads to his groundbreaking encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile, in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **full (Greek, _plḗrēs'_):** This word signifies being "replete" or "complete," indicating that Tabitha's life was not merely marked by occasional good deeds but was entirely characterized by them. It suggests an overflowing, abundant, and consistent practice of charity, making these actions the defining essence of her character and daily existence.
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to toil" or "to work," this term refers to deeds, actions, or labors. In this context, "good works" (agathos ergon) denotes actions that are inherently beneficial, morally upright, and serve the well-being of others. It emphasizes the practical, active nature of her faith, contrasting with mere profession.
* **almsdeeds (Greek, _eleēmosýnē'_):** This word originates from "compassionateness" or "mercy" (eleos) and specifically refers to acts of charity or beneficence, particularly towards the poor and needy. It highlights the compassionate motivation behind Tabitha's "good works," indicating that her actions stemmed from a deep sense of pity and care for those less fortunate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas:"** This opening clause introduces the central figure, Tabitha, establishing her location in the port city of Joppa and her identity as a "disciple," marking her as a follower of Jesus Christ. The immediate provision of her Aramaic name (Tabitha) and its Greek equivalent (Dorcas), both meaning "gazelle" or "doe," indicates Luke's intention to make her story accessible to both Jewish and Gentile audiences, while also subtly hinting at her graceful and perhaps gentle character.
* **"this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."** This second, descriptive clause immediately characterizes Tabitha's life. The phrase "full of" (plērēs) emphasizes the pervasive and abundant nature of her charitable activities. Her "good works" (érgon agathós) encompass a broad range of beneficial actions, while "almsdeeds" (eleēmosýnē) specifically highlights her generosity towards the poor and needy. The concluding "which she did" underscores that these were not mere intentions or occasional acts, but consistent, active practices that defined her daily life and ministry within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** to portray Tabitha's character and significance. The primary device is **Direct Characterization**, where the narrator explicitly describes Tabitha as "full of good works and almsdeeds." This direct statement immediately establishes her moral and spiritual standing without requiring the reader to infer it from actions alone. Furthermore, there is subtle **Symbolism** in her name; both "Tabitha" (Aramaic) and "Dorcas" (Greek) mean "gazelle" or "doe." While not explicitly commented on by Luke, this name could subtly allude to qualities often associated with gazelles: grace, beauty, and perhaps swiftness or agility in her charitable endeavors. The repetition of her name in both languages also serves as a **Translational Device**, ensuring clarity and accessibility for Luke's diverse readership, highlighting the universal appeal and impact of her life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Tabitha's life provides a profound theological statement on the nature of true faith. Her "good works and almsdeeds" are not presented as a means to salvation, but rather as the natural, Spirit-empowered outflow of a transformed heart. She embodies the New Testament teaching that genuine discipleship is characterized by active love for others, particularly the vulnerable. Her story underscores the early church's commitment to social compassion, demonstrating that the gospel not only changes individuals internally but also compels them to engage externally in acts of mercy and justice, thereby reflecting God's character to a watching world. Her example reminds believers that every act of service, no matter how seemingly small, contributes significantly to the flourishing of the community and the witness of the church.

* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")
* [James 2:14-17](/james/2-14-17 "James 2:14-17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17-19 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Instructions to the Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Tabitha's life serves as a timeless paradigm for Christian discipleship, urging believers to move beyond mere intellectual assent to faith and into active, tangible expressions of love. Her commitment to "good works and almsdeeds" challenges us to examine the practical outworking of our own faith. In a world often characterized by self-interest and indifference, Tabitha's example calls us to cultivate a heart of compassion and to seek concrete opportunities to serve those in need around us, whether through acts of charity, practical assistance, or simply extending kindness. Her story reminds us that our service, however humble or unseen, is deeply valued by God and can have a profound impact on individuals and communities, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in everyday life. We are called not just to believe, but to live out our belief in ways that bless others and bring glory to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I be "full of good works and almsdeeds" in my current context?**
* **How does Tabitha's story challenge my understanding of what it means to be a "disciple" of Jesus?**
* **What specific needs in my community or church could I address with compassionate action, inspired by Tabitha's example?**

### FAQ

**Who was Tabitha, and why is she also called Dorcas?**

Answer: Tabitha was a Christian woman living in Joppa, a port city. Her name, Tabitha, is Aramaic, and Dorcas is its Greek equivalent. Both names mean "gazelle" or "doe." This dual naming convention likely reflects the bilingual nature of the early Christian community in Joppa, which included both Aramaic-speaking Jews and Greek-speaking Gentiles. Luke, the author of Acts, provides both names to ensure his account was clear and accessible to his diverse readership, highlighting the universality of her impact and the gospel message.

**What does it mean that Tabitha was "full of good works and almsdeeds"?**

Answer: This phrase describes Tabitha's character and lifestyle. "Good works" (Greek: _erga agatha_) refers to a broad range of morally upright and beneficial actions, while "almsdeeds" (Greek: _eleēmosynai_) specifically denotes acts of charity, generosity, and compassion towards the poor and needy. The word "full" (Greek: _plērēs_) emphasizes that these actions were not occasional but were the consistent, abundant, and defining characteristic of her life. She was devoted to actively serving others, particularly widows and those in distress, embodying the practical love that is a hallmark of Christian discipleship, as seen in passages like [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Do Good to All").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Tabitha's life, characterized by overflowing "good works and almsdeeds," finds its ultimate fulfillment and motivation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While her acts of charity were exemplary, they were not a means of earning salvation, but rather a reflection of the transformative power of the gospel. Jesus Himself was the epitome of one "full of good works," constantly ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, and showing compassion to the outcast, embodying the very love He commanded His followers to express (e.g., [Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus Ministers to Crowds")). Tabitha's selfless service foreshadows the church's ongoing mission to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, demonstrating His love and grace through tangible acts of mercy. Her story, culminating in Peter's miraculous intervention, points to Jesus as the Lord of life, who not only inspires such devotion but also has power over death, ultimately fulfilling the promise of resurrection for all who believe, as profoundly declared in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, Tabitha's life of service, her death, and her restoration all powerfully testify to the life-giving, transforming work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 3:8

[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

2 Chronicles 2:16

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

Titus 2:7

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ezra 3:7

They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Acts 10:31

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.