TRV
Acts 9:37
Bible Versions
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.
It happened that just at that time, she took sick and died. After washing her, they laid her in a room upstairs.
At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room.
And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.
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Acts 1:13
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James. -
Acts 20:8
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. -
Mark 14:15
And he will shew you a large upper room furnished [and] prepared: there make ready for us. -
John 11:3
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. -
John 11:4
When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. -
John 11:36
Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! -
John 11:37
And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Context of Acts 9:37
Acts 9:37 describes a somber moment in the early Christian community, immediately following the introduction of Dorcas, also known as Tabitha. She was a devout disciple in Joppa, renowned for her good works and acts of charity, especially making coats and garments for the poor. This verse tragically records her illness and death, setting the stage for a remarkable display of God's power through the Apostle Peter.
Historical and Cultural Insights
The practices mentioned in this verse reflect common Jewish customs regarding the deceased. The act of washing the body was a respectful and hygienic preparation for burial, typically performed by women within the community. It was not embalming, but a cleansing ritual. Laying the body in an "upper chamber" (Greek: hyperōon) was also customary. This was a private room, often on the upper floor of a house, used for temporary storage of the deceased before burial. It allowed mourners to gather and pay their respects, and in this specific case, it provided a quiet space where Peter would later perform a miraculous act.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Nuance
The Greek term for "upper chamber," hyperōon (ὑπερῷον), refers to an elevated room, often a spacious attic or a room on the second story. These rooms were sometimes used for prayer, meetings, or as guest rooms, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., Acts 1:13 for the disciples). Its use here for the deceased body underscores the community's care and perhaps their hope, as they delayed immediate burial.
Practical Application and Reflection
Acts 9:37 reminds us that death is a profound reality, even for those who live lives of service and faith. It illustrates the natural human response of grief and the respectful customs surrounding the passing of a loved one. For believers, this verse also serves as a poignant setup for the hope that God can intervene in even the most final circumstances. It encourages us to live lives that, like Dorcas', are rich in good works, leaving a legacy of love and charity, knowing that even in death, God's power can be revealed, as it was when Peter raised Dorcas from the dead.