Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.

◄ Acts 9:36 ►

New International Version
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.

New Living Translation
There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.

English Standard Version
Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.

Berean Standard Bible
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.

Berean Literal Bible
Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which translated is called Dorcas. She was full of good works and of alms that she continually did.

King James Bible
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

New King James Version
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.

New American Standard Bible
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated means Dorcas); this woman was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually.

NASB 1995
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.

NASB 1977
Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated is called Dorcas). This woman was full of good works and charity which she continually did.

Amplified Bible
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, (which translated into Greek means Dorcas). She was rich in acts of kindness and charity which she continually did.

Christian Standard Bible
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas). She was always doing good works and acts of charity.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity.

American Standard Version
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Contemporary English Version
In Joppa there was a follower named Tabitha. Her Greek name was Dorcas, which means "deer." She was always doing good things for people and had given much to the poor.

English Revised Version
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A disciple named Tabitha lived in the city of Joppa. Her Greek name was Dorcas. She always helped people and gave things to the poor.

Good News Translation
In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, who was a believer. (Her name in Greek is Dorcas, meaning "a deer.") She spent all her time doing good and helping the poor.

International Standard Version
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was known for her good actions and acts of charity that she was always doing.

Majority Standard Bible
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.

NET Bible
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means Dorcas). She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity.

New Heart English Bible
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha (which when translated, means Dorcas). This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, who by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did.

Weymouth New Testament
Among the disciples at Jaffa was a woman called Tabitha, or, as the name may be translated, 'Dorcas.' Her life was wholly devoted to the good and charitable actions which she was constantly doing.

World English Bible
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And in Joppa there was a certain female disciple, by name Tabitha (which interpreted, is called Dorcas); this woman was full of good works and kind acts that she was doing;

Berean Literal Bible
Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which translated is called Dorcas. She was full of good works and of alms that she continually did.

Young's Literal Translation
And in Joppa there was a certain female disciple, by name Tabitha, (which interpreted, is called Dorcas,) this woman was full of good works and kind acts that she was doing;

Smith's Literal Translation
And in Joppa was a certain disciple by name Tabitha, which interpreted is called Dorcas: she was full of good works and alms which she did.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And in Joppe there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which in translation is called Dorcas. She was filled with the good works and almsgiving that she was accomplishing.

New American Bible
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving.

New Revised Standard Version
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Now there was in the city of Joppa a woman disciple called Tab’i-tha, which means gazelle and interpreted Dorcas; she was rich in good works and in charitable acts.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
There was a female disciple whose name was Tabitha, in the city, Joppa. She was rich in good works and in the charity which she was doing.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Now there was in Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which name, when translated, is Dorcas. She was full of good works and deeds of charity which she did.

Godbey New Testament
But there was a certain disciple in Joppa, by name Tabitha, who being interpreted is called Dorcas: and she was full of good works and alms which she was doing.

Haweis New Testament
But there was at Joppa a woman, a disciple, named Tabitha, (which by interpretation is called Dorcas:) this woman was full of good works and of alms which she did.

Mace New Testament
At Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, that is in Greek, Dorcas: this woman was very active in all the offices of benevolence and charity.

Weymouth New Testament
Among the disciples at Jaffa was a woman called Tabitha, or, as the name may be translated, 'Dorcas.' Her life was wholly devoted to the good and charitable actions which she was constantly doing.

Worrell New Testament
Now there was in Joppa a certain disciple, Tabitha by name, (which being translated means Dorcas): this woman was full of good works and alms which she was accustomed to do.

Worsley New Testament
And there was at Joppa a certain female disciple named Tabitha, who by interpretation is called in Greek Dorcas: and she was full of good works and alms-deeds.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Raising of Dorcas
35and all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. 37At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 31:20
She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Luke 8:2-3
as well as some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, / Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means.

1 Timothy 2:10
but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

Titus 2:7
In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Matthew 25:35-36
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1 Peter 4:9-10
Show hospitality to one another without complaining. / As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

2 Corinthians 9:8-9
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. / As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 10:33-34
But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

2 Kings 4:8-10
One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

Treasury of Scripture

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and giving of alms which she did.

Joppa.

Acts 10:5
And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

2 Chronicles 2:16
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

Ezra 3:7
They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Dorcas.

Proverbs 5:19
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

Song of Solomon 2:9
My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.

Song of Solomon 3:5
I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

full.

John 15:5,8
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing…

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Philippians 1:11
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

almsdeeds.

Acts 10:4,31
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God…

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Abounding Actions Acts Always Charitable Charity Constantly Deeds Devoted Disciple Disciples Dorcas Full Good Greek Helping Interpretation Jaffa Joppa Kindness Life Means Mercy Poor Tabitha Translated Wholly Works

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Acts 9

1. Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth,
8. and led blind to Damascus;
10. is called to the apostleship;
18. and is baptized by Ananias.
20. He preaches Christ boldly.
23. The Jews lay wait to kill him;
29. so do the Grecians, but he escapes both.
31. The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas;
36. and restores Tabitha to life.

Berean Study Bible

In Joppa
Joppa, known today as Jaffa, is an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Historically, it served as a significant maritime hub, mentioned in various Old Testament accounts, such as the account of Jonah. Its mention here situates the narrative in a real, bustling location, emphasizing the spread of the early Christian movement beyond Jerusalem. The city's historical significance as a gateway for trade and cultural exchange underscores the universality of the Gospel message.

there was a disciple
The term "disciple" (Greek: μαθητής, mathētēs) indicates a follower or learner, specifically of Jesus Christ. This highlights the early Christian community's inclusivity, as both men and women were recognized as disciples. The use of this term for Tabitha underscores her commitment and active role in the early Church, challenging cultural norms of the time regarding women's roles in religious life.

named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas)
Tabitha is an Aramaic name meaning "gazelle," while Dorcas is its Greek equivalent. The dual naming reflects the bilingual nature of the early Christian community, which often navigated between Aramaic and Greek cultures. The gazelle, known for its grace and beauty, metaphorically represents Tabitha's character and her graceful acts of service. This duality in naming also signifies the bridging of cultural divides through the Gospel.

who was always occupied
This phrase indicates a continuous, habitual action, suggesting that Tabitha's life was consistently dedicated to service. Her commitment serves as a model for Christian living, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and dedication in serving others. The constancy of her actions reflects the transformative power of faith in Christ, which compels believers to live out their faith actively.

with works of kindness and charity
The Greek word for "kindness" (ἐλεημοσύνη, eleēmosynē) often implies acts of mercy or almsgiving, while "charity" (ἀγάπη, agapē) denotes selfless love. Together, these terms encapsulate the essence of Christian service—acts motivated by love and compassion. Tabitha's life exemplifies the practical outworking of faith, as described in James 2:17, "faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Her legacy of love and service is a testament to the transformative impact of living out the Gospel.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(36) There was at Joppa. . . .--The Hebrew form of the name, Japho (pronounced Yapho), appears in Joshua 19:46, but the English version more commonly gives the better-known Joppa, as in 2Chronicles 2:16; Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3). It was famous in Greek legends as the spot where Andromeda had been bound when she was delivered by Perseus (Strabo, xvi., p. 759; Jos. Wars, i. 6, ? 2). The town stood on a hill so high that it was said (though this is not in conformity with the fact) that Jerusalem could be seen from its summit. It was the nearest port to that city, and though the harbour was difficult and dangerous of access, was used for the timber that, first under Solomon, and afterwards under Zerubbabel, was brought from Lebanon for the construction of the Temple (1Kings 5:9; 2Chronicles 2:16; Ezra 3:7). In the history of Jonah it appears as a port from which ships sail to Tarshish and Spain (Jonah 1:3). Under the Maccabean rulers the harbour and fortifications were restored (1 Maccabees 4:5; 1 Maccabees 4:34). By Augustus it was given to Herod the Great, and afterwards to Archelaus (Jos. Ant. xv. 7, ? 3; xvii. 11, ? 4), and on his deposition, became part of the Roman province of Syria. It was at this time and later on notorious as a nest of pirates. Here also we may, as in the case of Lydda (see Note on Acts 9:32), see the work of Philip as the probable founder of the Church. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 36. - Joppa; now Jaffa, the ancient seaport of Jerusalem (Jonah 1:3; 2 Chronicles 2:16). It was in the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:46). A certain disciple; a female disciple, as the word means; μαθήτρια only occurs here in the New Testament and rarely elsewhere. Tabitha; the Aramean form of the Hebrew צְבִי, a gazelle, or in Greek Dorcas. The beauty and grace of the gazelle made it an appropriate name for a woman. Some have thought, with probability, that she was a deaconess of the Church. The thirty-eighth verse shows that there was already a Church at Joppa About half the population of seven thousand are said to be still Christians. Compare the qualifications of a widow as set forth by St Paul (1 Timothy 5:10). The phrase, good works, is quite Pauline (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:10; Titus 2:7; 1 Timothy 2:10). Almsdeeds. The word alms (from ἐλεημοσυνή) is one of those Greek words which has been domiciled in the English language through the Church. So bishop, priest, deacon, Κύριε ἐλέητον, trisagion, stole, Paschal, Litany, Liturgy, and many others.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

In
Ἐν (En)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Joppa
Ἰόππῃ (Ioppē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2445: Joppa, a coast town of Judea, west-north-west of Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Joppe, a place in Palestine.

there was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

disciple
μαθήτρια (mathētria)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3102: A female disciple, female Christian. Feminine from mathetes; a female pupil.

named
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

Tabitha
Ταβιθά (Tabitha)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5000: Antelope; Tabitha, a Christian woman at Joppa. Of Chaldee origin; the gazelle; Tabitha, a Christian female.

(which
ἣ (hē)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

is translated
διερμηνευομένη (diermēneuomenē)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1329: To translate, interpret, explain. From dia and hermeneuo; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate.

as
λέγεται (legetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

Dorcas),
Δορκάς (Dorkas)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1393: Dorcas, the Greek name of Tabitha. Gazelle; Dorcas, a Christian woman.

who
αὕτη (hautē)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

always
ἐποίει (epoiei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

occupied with
πλήρης (plērēs)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4134: Full, abounding in, complete, completely occupied with. From pletho; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete.

works
ἔργων (ergōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

of kindness
ἀγαθῶν (agathōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 18: A primary word; 'good'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

charity.
ἐλεημοσυνῶν (eleēmosynōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1654: Abstr: alms-giving, charity; concr: alms, charity. From eleos; compassionateness, i.e. beneficence, or a benefaction.

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NT Apostles: Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain (Acts of the Apostles Ac)