Lexical Summary Dorkas: Dorcas Original Word: Δορκάς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Dorcas. Gazelle; Dorcas, a Christian woman -- Dorcas. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom derkomai (to see clearly) Definition "gazelle" (an animal with large bright eyes), Dorcas, a Christian woman NASB Translation Dorcas (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1393: ΔορκάςΔορκάς, δορκάδος, ἡ (properly, a wild she-goat a gazelle, "παρά τό δέρκω, τό βλέπω. Ὀξυδερκες γάρ τό ζοων καί ἐυομματον Etym. Magn. (284, 6)), Dorcas, a certain Christian woman: Acts 9:36, 39; see Ταβιθά. Topical Lexicon Biographical SummaryDorcas appears exclusively in Acts 9:36 and Acts 9:39, her Greek name rendering the Aramaic “Tabitha.” Identified as a “disciple” in Joppa, she is the only woman in the New Testament explicitly given that title. Her brief narrative records her notable charity, her death, and her miraculous restoration to life through the ministry of the Apostle Peter, resulting in widespread belief in the Lord (Acts 9:42). Context in Acts Luke situates Dorcas after Peter’s itinerant ministry in Lydda where Aeneas was healed. The rapid succession of these miracles underscores the divine authentication of the apostolic mission in Judea and the growing inclusion of Hellenistic believers within the Church. Character and Ministry “Full of good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36), Dorcas exemplifies practical discipleship: • She personally sewed tunics and garments for widows (Acts 9:39), meeting needs within a vulnerable demographic commended repeatedly in Scripture (James 1:27; 1 Timothy 5:3-10). Miraculous Restoration Peter’s presence in the upper room parallels earlier resurrection scenes (Mark 5:37-41; Luke 8:51-55): 1. Peter removes mourners, kneels, and prays—acknowledging divine agency. Theological Significance • Validation of Apostolic Ministry: Dorcas’s resurrection demonstrates continuity between Christ’s works and the church’s witness, reinforcing the gospel’s credibility in a largely Jewish environment. Impact on the Early Church “Many believed in the Lord” (Acts 9:42). Her account served evangelistic purposes, encouraging conversions in Joppa and preparing the narrative setting for Peter’s subsequent vision and the Gentile mission in Caesarea (Acts 10). Legacy in Christian Tradition Dorcas Societies—women’s service groups devoted to sewing, relief, and missions—trace their name and ethos to her example. She remains a patron figure for ministries to the poor and an enduring reminder that seemingly ordinary skills, consecrated to God, can become instruments for kingdom advancement. Practical Applications • Pursue skill-based service: leverage talents for tangible mercy. Related Passages for Study Proverbs 31:19-20; Matthew 5:16; Luke 8:51-55; Romans 12:6-8; Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Peter 4:10. Forms and Transliterations δόρασι δόρατα δόρατι δόρατος δοράτων δορκάδα δορκάδες δορκάδι δορκάδος δορκάδων Δορκας Δορκάς δόρκωνι δόρυ Dorkas DorkásLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 9:36 N-NFSGRK: διερμηνευομένη λέγεται Δορκάς αὕτη ἦν NAS: [in Greek] is called Dorcas); this woman KJV: is called Dorcas: this woman INT: translated is called Dorcas She was Acts 9:39 N-NFS |
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