Dorcas Raised from the Dead
Peter prays in an upper room and Dorcas, a beloved disciple, is raised back to life.
In Joppa a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), full of good works and almsdeeds, fell sick and died. The widows showed Peter the coats and garments she had made. Peter put them all out, knelt down, prayed, and said, 'Tabitha, arise.' She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter sat up.
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
Spiritual Significance
The raising of Dorcas extends the resurrection power of Jesus through His apostles into the early church and brought many to faith in Joppa.
Lesson for Today
Quiet lives of kindness and good works are precious to God. He honors the faithful service of His saints in life — and in death.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dorcas?
A disciple in Joppa, called Tabitha in Aramaic and Dorcas in Greek (both meaning 'gazelle'), known for clothing the poor.
How is this like Jesus raising Jairus' daughter?
Peter put the mourners out and used few words — echoing Jesus' actions in Mark 5, showing the same power working through His servant.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Dorcas Raised from the Dead?
The miracle of Dorcas Raised from the Dead is recorded in Acts 9:40 (KJV), with additional references in Acts 9:42.
Related Bible Miracles
The Raising of Lazarus
After four days in the tomb, Lazarus came forth at the command of Jesus.
Elisha Raises the Shunammite's Son
Elisha stretched himself on a dead boy and the child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
Jairus's Daughter Raised
Jesus took a dead twelve-year-old girl by the hand and said, 'Talitha cumi' — and she rose.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreSatan, the Adversary
Satan is a created, fallen angel who accuses, tempts, and deceives — already defeated by Christ at the cross.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
- Medium · 10 Qs
Resurrection & Ascension Bible Quiz
Christ risen, seen by many, and taken up to heaven.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
Peter the Apostle Quiz
The fisherman who became a fisher of men.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
1 Peter Quiz
A study of the first epistle of Peter, focusing on hope, suffering, and holiness.
Start quiz
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Dorcas Raised from the Dead
Peter prays in an upper room and Dorcas, a beloved disciple, is raised back to l
Dorcas (Tabitha) in the Bible
The Charitable Seamstress
Tabitha (Dorcas) Bible Quiz
The disciple full of good works whom Peter raised in Joppa.
Jairus's Daughter Raised
Jesus took a dead twelve-year-old girl by the hand and said, 'Talitha cumi' — an
What Does the Bible Say About the Resurrection of the Dead?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Resurrection of the Dead in the Bible?
Heaven & Afterlife