Tabitha

Etymology

From the Aramaic 'tabitha' (טביתא), meaning gazelle. The Greek translation is Dorcas (Δορκάς). Both names mean the same animal — graceful, swift, beautiful.

Who they were

Tabitha — also called Dorcas — is described in Acts as 'a disciple' in Joppa, a word Luke uses deliberately. She 'was always doing good and helping the poor,' specifically by making robes and clothing for widows. When she fell ill and died, the disciples washed her body and laid her in an upstairs room. They sent for Peter, who was nearby in Lydda. When Peter arrived, the widows stood around him weeping, showing him the clothes Tabitha had made for them — the evidence of her life's work held up in grieving hands. Peter sent everyone out of the room, knelt, and prayed. Then he said, 'Tabitha, get up.' She opened her eyes and sat up. The miracle echoed Jesus raising Jairus' daughter ('Talitha koum') — with near-identical Aramaic words. It is one of only two resurrections in Acts, and the only one of a woman. Her name — gazelle — evokes grace and gentleness, and her story proves that a life of quiet service can be too precious for God to let go.

Character qualities

• Constant practical generosity
• Service to widows
• Life so valued that the community begged for her return

Where they appear

Themes

Variants & related forms

Tabatha · Dorcas

Related names