Dorcas
femaleNew TestamentMeaning: “Gazelle (Tabitha in Aramaic)”
A beloved disciple of Joppa "full of good works," renowned for clothing the poor, whom Peter raised from the dead.
Biography
Dorcas — called Tabitha in Aramaic — was a disciple in the seaside town of Joppa, beloved for her practical charity. Her death and miraculous restoration through Peter became a sign that strengthened the early church.
Full of good works
Dorcas "was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did" (Acts 9:36), especially making coats and garments for the widows of her city. When she fell sick and died, the grieving widows gathered, showing the clothes she had made.
Raised by Peter
The disciples sent for Peter, who was nearby in Lydda. Kneeling and praying, he said, "Tabitha, arise," and she opened her eyes and sat up (Acts 9:40). Peter presented her alive to the saints and widows. "And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord" (Acts 9:42). Her quiet ministry of mercy left a legacy still echoed by "Dorcas societies" of charitable women.
Life Timeline
Known in Joppa for clothing the poor and widows
Raised from the dead by Peter
Themes & lessons from Dorcas
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Dorcas appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
3 verses in 1 bookActs3 verses
Acts 9:36
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. Dorcas: or, Doe, or, Roe
Acts 9:39
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
Acts 9:40
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.
Frequently asked about Dorcas
Who was Dorcas in the Bible?
A beloved disciple of Joppa "full of good works," renowned for clothing the poor, whom Peter raised from the dead.
What does the name Dorcas mean?
The name Dorcas means “Gazelle (Tabitha in Aramaic)”.
Where does Dorcas appear in the Bible?
Dorcas is mentioned 3 times across 1 book: Acts.
What can we learn from Dorcas?
The story of Dorcas touches on themes of dorcas, joppa, miracles, peter — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Dorcas's life.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Dorcas?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →