Acts 9:40

KJV

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Peter {G4074} put {G1544} them all {G3956} forth {G1854}, and kneeled down {G5087}{G1119}, and prayed {G4336}; and {G2532} turning {G1994} him to {G4314} the body {G4983} said {G2036}, Tabitha {G5000}, arise {G450}. And {G1161} she opened {G455} her {G846} eyes {G3788}: and {G2532} when she saw {G1492} Peter {G4074}, she sat up {G339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Kefa put them all outside, kneeled down and prayed. Then, turning to the body, he said, “Tavita! Get up!” She opened her eyes; and on seeing Kefa, she sat up.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed, and turning toward her body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up.

American Standard Version

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:40 records the miraculous raising of Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead by the Apostle Peter in Joppa. After sending everyone out of the room, Peter humbly knelt in prayer, then turned to the deceased body and commanded, "Tabitha, arise." Immediately, she opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up, demonstrating God's sovereign power over death and validating the apostolic ministry, leading to widespread belief in the Lord throughout the city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful miracle occurs during Peter's extensive ministry tour through Judea, following his healing of Aeneas in Lydda, which led to many turning to the Lord ([Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas")). The narrative then shifts to Joppa, where a beloved disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), renowned for her "good works and almsdeeds" ([Acts 9:36](/acts/9-36 "Acts 9:36 - Tabitha's Character")), suddenly dies. The disciples, hearing Peter was nearby, urgently sent for him, implicitly hoping for divine intervention. Peter's actions in this verse—sending others out, kneeling in prayer, and issuing a direct command—echo similar patterns seen in Jesus' own miracles, particularly the raising of Jairus' daughter ([Mark 5:35-43](/mark/5-35-43 "Mark 5:35-43 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")), establishing a clear continuity of divine power working through His apostles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joppa (modern Jaffa) was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, a significant hub for trade and travel, and home to a nascent Christian community. In Jewish culture, the deceased were typically washed and prepared for burial, often laid out in an upper room, as Tabitha was ([Acts 9:37](/acts/9-37 "Acts 9:37 - Tabitha's Death and Preparation")). The disciples' act of sending for Peter, a prominent apostle, reflects a belief in the spiritual authority and miraculous power that God had vested in His chosen leaders. The presence of widows weeping and showing the garments Tabitha had made ([Acts 9:39](/acts/9-39 "Acts 9:39 - Widows Mourning Tabitha")) underscores her vital role in the community and the profound loss her death represented, highlighting the compassionate nature of the miracle.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 9:40 is pivotal in highlighting several major themes. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates the **resurrection power of God** working through His apostles, affirming that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is active in the early church. Secondly, it underscores the **centrality and efficacy of prayer** in accessing divine power; Peter's first action is to kneel and pray, emphasizing dependence on God rather than personal ability. Thirdly, the miracle serves as a profound **testimony to the Gospel**, leading to widespread belief in Joppa ([Acts 9:42](/acts/9-42 "Acts 9:42 - The Result of Tabitha's Resurrection")). Finally, it showcases God's **compassion and care** for His people, particularly for a beloved servant like Tabitha, whose life of good works was a testament to her faith, and whose restoration brought immense joy and spiritual fruit to the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put them all forth (Greek, _ekbállō_):** This verb means "to eject," "cast out," or "drive out." Peter's action of "putting them all forth" signifies a deliberate clearing of the space, creating an environment for private, focused prayer and divine intervention. This echoes the actions of Jesus in similar miraculous contexts, emphasizing a sacred space for God's work.
* **prayed (Greek, _proseúchomai_):** This word denotes a specific act of prayer directed to God, implying supplication and worship. Peter's immediate response to the desperate situation was not to attempt a miracle in his own strength, but to humble himself, kneel, and earnestly pray, indicating that the power for the miracle originated from God, accessed through fervent petition.
* **arise (Greek, _anístēmi_):** Meaning "to stand up," "lift up," or "raise up," this is a direct, authoritative command. Peter's simple declaration, "Tabitha, arise," is not a request to God but a declarative statement of power, demonstrating the authority given to him by Christ to command life back into the deceased, mirroring Jesus' own authoritative commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Peter put them all forth,"**: Peter, upon arriving and seeing the grieving widows and Tabitha's body, takes decisive action to clear the room of all the mourners. This act creates a private, solemn space, reminiscent of Jesus clearing the room before raising Jairus' daughter, signifying that this was a moment for divine, rather than human, intervention or spectacle.
* **"and kneeled down, and prayed;"**: Before attempting any miracle, Peter assumes a posture of humility and dependence, kneeling in prayer. This underscores that the power he wields is not his own, but God's, accessed through fervent supplication. His prayer is the essential conduit through which God's power is channeled.
* **"and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise."**: After prayer, Peter turns his attention directly to the deceased woman. His command, "Tabitha, arise," is a direct, authoritative declaration, not a hesitant plea. It demonstrates his faith in God's power and the authority vested in him as an apostle to speak life into death. The Aramaic name "Tabitha" is used, adding a personal and intimate touch to the command.
* **"And she opened her eyes:"**: The immediate and direct result of Peter's command is Tabitha's eyes opening. This is the first sign of life, indicating a sudden and complete restoration, a clear and undeniable miracle.
* **"and when she saw Peter, she sat up."**: Following the opening of her eyes, Tabitha's physical strength is fully restored, allowing her to sit up. This final action confirms her complete resurrection, moving from death to full consciousness and physical capability, a truly astounding display of God's power.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Tabitha's resurrection employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Allusion** or **Typology**, as Peter's actions—sending people out, kneeling in prayer, and issuing a direct command to the deceased—strongly echo Jesus' raising of Jairus' daughter in [Mark 5:40-41](/mark/5-40-41 "Mark 5:40-41 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter"). This parallel subtly yet powerfully links Peter's apostolic authority directly to Christ's own divine power, demonstrating the continuity of God's work through His chosen servants. The simple, direct command, "Tabitha, arise," is an example of **Authoritative Declaration**, conveying the immediate and undeniable power of God at work. Furthermore, the **Contrast** between the sorrowful, weeping widows and the sudden, joyful restoration of Tabitha creates a dramatic and emotionally resonant scene, highlighting the triumph of life over death through divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:40 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign power over death and His compassionate engagement with His people through His appointed servants. The resurrection of Tabitha is not merely a display of miraculous power but a theological affirmation of the life-giving nature of God, echoing the ultimate victory of Christ over the grave. It underscores that the authority and power demonstrated by the apostles were not inherent to them but flowed directly from God, accessed through humble prayer and unwavering faith. This miracle served not only to restore a beloved member to the community but also to validate the message of the Gospel, leading many to believe in the Lord. It reveals God's care for those who serve Him faithfully, as Tabitha had, and His willingness to intervene in extraordinary ways to bring glory to His name and expand His kingdom.

* [Mark 5:41](/mark/5-41 "Mark 5:41 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")
* [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Tabitha's resurrection in Acts 9:40 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It powerfully reminds us of the indispensable role of prayer, not as a last resort, but as the primary channel through which God's power is unleashed. Peter's example of kneeling and praying before issuing the command teaches us humility and absolute dependence on God, even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles like death. This passage encourages us to cultivate a life of fervent, believing prayer, trusting that God is capable of intervening in ways beyond our comprehension. Furthermore, Tabitha's life, characterized by "good works and almsdeeds," highlights the impact of a compassionate, service-oriented life. Her resurrection not only brought her back to life but also brought many to faith, underscoring that our lives of devotion and service can set the stage for God's glorious intervention, both in our personal circumstances and in the broader community, ultimately leading others to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's act of kneeling in prayer before commanding Tabitha to arise challenge my own approach to difficult or impossible situations?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I need to exercise greater faith and dependence on God's power, rather than relying on my own abilities?**
* **How does Tabitha's reputation for "good works and almsdeeds" inspire me to live a life that blesses others and prepares the way for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter put everyone out of the room before praying for Tabitha?**

Answer: Peter's action of "putting them all forth" ([Acts 9:40](/acts/9-40 "Acts 9:40 - Peter Raises Tabitha")) served multiple purposes. Firstly, it created a private and focused environment, free from the distractions of wailing mourners and emotional distress. This allowed Peter to concentrate fully on prayer and the divine task at hand. Secondly, it mirrored Jesus' own actions when raising Jairus' daughter ([Mark 5:40](/mark/5-40 "Mark 5:40 - Jesus Clears the Room")), establishing a pattern of sacred space for miraculous intervention. This privacy also prevented potential sensationalism or misinterpretation of the miracle, ensuring that the focus remained on God's power rather than human performance. It emphasized that the miracle was a direct act of God, not a public spectacle.

**What is the significance of Tabitha's name, and why is she also called Dorcas?**

Answer: The name "Tabitha" is Aramaic, and "Dorcas" is its Greek equivalent; both names mean "gazelle" ([Acts 9:36](/acts/9-36 "Acts 9:36 - Tabitha (Dorcas)")). This dual naming reflects the bilingual context of the early Christian community in Joppa, where both Aramaic (the local Semitic language) and Greek (the common language of the Roman Empire) were spoken. The meaning "gazelle" might subtly allude to her character—perhaps her grace, agility in serving others, or the swiftness with which she performed her "good works and almsdeeds." It's a beautiful and fitting name for a woman so beloved and impactful in her community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The resurrection of Tabitha by Peter, while a magnificent display of apostolic power, ultimately points beyond Peter to the ultimate source of all life and resurrection: Jesus Christ. Peter's ability to command life into a dead body was not inherent to him but was a manifestation of the power of the risen Christ working through His chosen apostle. This miracle serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the greater, spiritual resurrection that Christ offers to all who believe in Him, transforming spiritual death into eternal life ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). Just as Tabitha was physically raised, believers are spiritually raised with Christ through faith in His atoning death and glorious resurrection ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried and Raised with Christ")). Furthermore, Tabitha's physical resurrection anticipates the future bodily resurrection of all believers at Christ's return, when death will be swallowed up in victory ([1 Corinthians 15:54](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, Tabitha's story, while a historical event, ultimately magnifies the life-giving power of Jesus, the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), who conquered death once and for all.

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

Matthew 9:25

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Mark 5:40

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

Mark 5:42

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

2 Kings 4:32

And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, [and] laid upon his bed.

2 Kings 4:36

And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

Acts 7:60

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Luke 8:54

And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.