📖 Biblical Definition
Dorcas (also called by her Aramaic name Tabitha) was a disciple of Joppa described in Acts 9:36-42 as "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did" — particularly making coats and garments for the widows of the city. She fell sick and died; the widows of Joppa gathered around her body weeping, showing Peter the very coats and garments she had made for them. Peter sent them all out, knelt by the body, prayed, and said, "Tabitha, arise." She opened her eyes and sat up; Peter gave her his hand, lifted her up, and presented her alive to the saints and widows. "And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord" (9:42). Quiet faithfulness produced loud witness.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
DORCAS_(, n.
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A scriptural proper name; in the New Testament, a disciple of Joppa noted for charitable works.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 9:36 — "There was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds."
Acts 9:39 — "All the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made."
Acts 9:40 — "Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes."
Acts 9:42 — "It was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity rewards platform; the Lord publicly raised a seamstress.
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Acts 9 is the only resurrection in Acts before Eutychus, and the subject is not an apostle, governor, or teacher. The Lord raises a woman who made coats. The widows holding up the garments is one of the most touching scenes in Scripture; the Lord saw every stitch.
Modern Christianity rewards visibility — podcasts, platforms, conferences. The Lord still has a soft spot for Dorcases. If your ministry is sewing for widows, feeding the poor, quietly serving the small church, do not assume the Lord overlooks the work. Joppa believed because a seamstress was raised. Be a Dorcas.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew/Greek roots below.
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G1393 — Dorkas — Dorcas; gazelle
G5000 — Tabitha — Tabitha (Aramaic)
Usage
"Modern Christianity rewards platform; the Lord publicly raised a seamstress."
"Joppa believed because a seamstress was raised; quiet ministry has resurrection power."
"Be a Dorcas; the Lord saw every stitch."