Ταβιθά (Tabitha)
Tabitha
Tabitha
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Tabitha appears in Acts 9:36 and 40 to identify a disciple in Joppa who was known for her charitable works. The lexicon sources indicate that this is a Greek rendering of an Aramaic word, טַבְיְתָא, which literally means "gazelle" or "antelope." This etymology suggests a name chosen for its association with grace and agility, fitting for a woman described as full of good deeds and acts of charity.
While the name itself is brief in the text, its meaning adds a layer of character to the narrative. Tabitha is not merely a background figure; she is significant enough that her death causes great mourning among the widows, who show Peter the tunics she had made. The connection to the gazelle highlights a sense of lively virtue, contrasting with the stillness of her passing and the subsequent miracle where Peter restores her to life.
Translators typically retain the name Tabitha rather than translating it as "Gazelle," preserving the personal identity of the woman while allowing readers to discover its meaning. This approach respects the historical specificity of the account, where the focus remains on her role within the early Christian community and her impact on those around her in Joppa.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tabitha, which means gazelle, appears in Acts to describe a woman full of good works. Her life was marked by kindness and charity, especially toward widows who depended on her help. When she died, the community mourned deeply, showing Peter the garments she had made. This story reminds us that our daily acts of service matter greatly to God and to those we serve.
Tabitha’s resurrection through Peter’s prayer shows that God values the lives of His faithful followers. It is a powerful reminder that no situation is beyond God’s reach. We can find comfort in knowing that our efforts to love others are seen and cherished by Him, even when we feel unnoticed or tired.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Tabitha,2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ταβιθά,2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:36
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.
This verse introduces Tabitha as a disciple known for her consistent acts of mercy, establishing her character before the miracle occurs.
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Acts 9:40
Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Here Peter commands Tabitha to rise, demonstrating that God’s power works through the prayers of His servants to restore life.