Tabitha

Biblical Account

Tabitha appears only in Acts 9:36–43. Tabitha is an Aramaic name, and the text explains that its Greek equivalent is Dorcas. Both names mean "gazelle."

Tabitha was a disciple living in Joppa, a port city on the Mediterranean coast. The text describes her as a woman "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did" (Acts 9:36, KJV). When she fell ill and died, the people washed her body and laid it in an upper room. They then sent two men to Peter, who was staying in nearby Lydda, asking him to come. When Peter arrived, the widows wept and showed him the coats and garments that Dorcas had made for them. Peter put everyone out, knelt down, and prayed; then he said, "Tabitha, arise" (Acts 9:40, KJV). She opened her eyes and sat up. Peter called the saints and widows and presented her alive, and when this became known throughout Joppa, many believed in the Lord. Afterward Peter stayed many days in Joppa at the house of Simon, a tanner (one who works with hides).

Significance Within Scripture

The word "disciple" used of Tabitha here is a feminine form (Greek mathētria) found nowhere else in the New Testament. For this reason, the passage is often cited as evidence that women were called disciples in the early church. Her making garments for widows is read alongside the early church's practice of caring for widows.

The structure of the narrative is also noteworthy. This event leads Peter to remain in Joppa, where, in the immediately following chapter 10, he receives the invitation of Cornelius. The Tabitha narrative is therefore also read as a link in the transition to the mission to the Gentiles.

Interpretation and Debate

Many commentators see a resemblance between this scene and the raising of Jairus's daughter. In both accounts the onlookers are sent outside, and commentators also note that Peter's "Tabitha, arise" echoes the "Talitha cumi" of Jesus (Mark 5:41). The event is also compared with the raising of dead children by Elijah and Elisha.

Tabitha's return to life is generally classified as a "resuscitation," because, unlike the resurrection of the last day, it is understood as a return to a body that would die again. Views differ on whether such miracles continue today. Charismatic and Pentecostal traditions tend to read this event as a basis for divine healing and miracles in the present. Reformed interpreters who hold to cessationism often regard it as a sign that confirmed the gospel in the apostolic age (see Cessationism and Continuationism).

The text does not say whether Tabitha was a widow or married, nor how old she was. Descriptions of her as a widow are conjectures not supported by the text.

In the Korean Church

In the Korean church, Tabitha is frequently presented in preaching as a model of service and charity, especially in discussions of the service of women in the church. Some churches give names such as "Dorcas Society" or "Tabitha Society" to groups under the Women's Missionary Society or to other church service groups. In Sunday school, the story of Tabitha's restoration to life is taught as part of lessons on Peter's ministry.