Acts 9:36

¶ 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.

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}.

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

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

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

Acts 9:36 introduces us to a remarkable woman named Tabitha, also known by her Greek name, Dorcas, who resided in the coastal city of Joppa. This verse sets the stage for a significant event in the early church, highlighting her character and contributions.

Historical and Cultural Context

The city of Joppa (modern Jaffa) was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, a crucial hub for trade and travel in biblical times. It was here that the apostle Peter stayed after his ministry in Lydda, and it was also the place where he later received his transformative vision that led to the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:9-16), opening the door for Gentile inclusion in the church. Tabitha's presence in Joppa underscores the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem into significant coastal communities.

Key Themes and Messages

  • A Life of Practical Love and Service: The central theme is Tabitha's unwavering commitment to "good works and almsdeeds." This phrase signifies a life dedicated to acts of charity, compassion, and practical assistance to others, especially the poor and widows. Her actions exemplify the call for believers to demonstrate their faith through tangible love, echoing the teachings found throughout the New Testament.
  • Valued Members of the Early Church: Tabitha, though not an apostle or preacher, was clearly a highly valued member of the Christian community in Joppa. Her service was so impactful that her death caused great distress, leading the disciples to seek Peter's intervention. This highlights that every believer's contribution, no matter how humble, is significant in God's eyes and within the body of Christ.
  • An Example of Christian Discipleship: As a "disciple," Tabitha embodies the active faith that accompanies genuine belief. Her life serves as a powerful example of how followers of Jesus should live—not just hearing the word, but doing it (James 1:22).

Linguistic Insights

The verse explicitly states that "Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas." Tabitha is an Aramaic name, and Dorcas is its Greek equivalent. Both names mean "gazelle" or "doe." This dual naming convention suggests Luke's intention to make the account accessible to both Aramaic-speaking (Jewish) and Greek-speaking (Gentile) audiences. The meaning of her name, "gazelle," might subtly allude to grace, beauty, or perhaps even swiftness in her charitable endeavors.

The phrase "full of good works and almsdeeds" (Greek: plērēs ergōn agathōn kai eleēmosynōn) emphasizes that these actions were not occasional but were the defining characteristic of her life. She was literally "filled" with them, indicating a consistent and abundant outpouring of kindness and generosity.

Practical Application

Tabitha's story reminds us that true faith is active and visible through our deeds. We are called to be "rich in good works" (1 Timothy 6:18), not for salvation, but as an overflow of our transformed hearts. Her example encourages believers today to look for practical ways to serve those around them, demonstrating God's love through tangible acts of kindness and charity. Our service, however small it may seem, is noticed by God and can have a profound impact on our communities and the spread of the gospel.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
3 Key Turning Points in the Book of Acts An Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles: The Birth of the Church The Conversion of Saul on the Road to Damascus Paul's Defense Before King Agrippa Paul (Saul of Tarsus): From Persecutor to Apostle to the Gentiles

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.
← Back