Bible Dictionary
Dorcas
Dorcas, also called Tabitha, was a Christian disciple in Joppa known for good works, charitable deeds, and making clothing for the poor. Peter prayed for her after her death, and God restored her to life.
Definition
Dorcas, the Greek equivalent of Tabitha, means “gazelle.” She was a Christian woman in Joppa known for good works, almsgiving, and making garments for the poor.
Biblical Usage
Dorcas is called a female disciple. After her death, Peter prayed and restored her to life, and many people in Joppa believed in the Lord as a result.
Historical Background
Dorcas appears to have had means and influence in the Christian community, which she used for charity. Her name has been perpetuated in charitable societies associated with clothing and care for the poor.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A female antelope, or gazelle, a pious Christian widow at Joppa whom Peter restored to life (Acts 9:36-41). She was a Hellenistic Jewess, called Tabitha by the Jews and Dorcas by the Greeks.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(gazelle). [Tabitha]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dor'-kas (Dorkas, the Greek equivalent of Aramaic tabitha, "a gazelle"): The name was borne by a Christian woman of Joppa. She is called a disciple (mathetria: Ac 9:36, the only place in the New Testament where the feminine form is used). She seems to have had some means and also to have been a leader in the Christian community. Dorcas was beloved for the manner in which she used her position and means, for she "was full of good works, and almsdeeds which she did." Among her charities was the clothing of the poor with garments she herself made (Ac 9:39), and by following her example, numerous "Dorcas societies" in the Christian church perpetuate her memory. There is a local memorial in the "Tabitha School" in Jaffa devoted to the care and education of poor girls.</p><p>Her restoration to life by Peter is recorded. At the time of her death Peter was in Lydda where he had healed Aeneas. Being sent for, he went to Joppa, and, by the exercise of the supernatural powers granted to him, "he presented her alive" to the mourning community. In consequence of this miracle "many believed on the Lord" (Ac 9:42).</p><p>S. F. Hunter</p>