Brief Overview of Δορκάς (G1393: Dorkás)

• Δορκάς (Dorkás) [dor-KAHS]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek word δόρκας (dórkas), which means “gazelle” or “doe.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Gazelle or Doe: The primary meaning of Δορκάς (Dorkás) is a “gazelle” or “doe,” which is a type of antelope known for its grace and beauty. The name is symbolic of elegance and swiftness.
• Personal Name: In the New Testament, Δορκάς (Dorkás) is also used as a proper noun, specifically as the name of a disciple in Joppa who was known for her good works and acts of charity (Acts 9:36).

Further Insights:

• Morphological Composition: The word Δορκάς (Dorkás) is derived directly from the Greek noun δόρκας (dórkas), with no additional prefixes or suffixes altering its meaning. The form is simple and direct, highlighting its use both as a common noun (gazelle) and a proper noun (a woman’s name).
• Cultural Connotations: In ancient Greek culture, the gazelle was often associated with qualities such as beauty, swiftness, and grace. These connotations are carried into the use of Δορκάς (Dorkás) as a personal name, implying that the person so named embodies these attributes.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: BDAG notes Δορκάς (Dorkás) as both a common noun for “gazelle” and a proper name in the New Testament. The emphasis in the New Testament context is on the name’s symbolic significance.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s highlights the dual usage of Δορκάς (Dorkás), particularly noting its occurrence in Acts 9:36 as the name of a charitable woman, also called Tabitha (the Aramaic equivalent).
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines Δορκάς (Dorkás) as a gazelle or doe and provides additional classical references where the word is used in this sense.
• Scripture References:
• 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.”
• 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.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Homer, Iliad: While the specific word Δορκάς (Dorkás) may not appear, the imagery of the gazelle or doe as a symbol of grace and beauty is common in Homeric poetry, often used to describe the fleetness of warriors or the beauty of women.
• Aeschylus, Agamemnon: Aeschylus uses the gazelle as a metaphor for innocence and vulnerability, qualities that may be linked to the character of Dorcas in Acts.
• Aristophanes, Lysistrata: The word δόρκας (dórkas) is used metaphorically to describe the swiftness and agility of the women in the play, reflecting the cultural perception of the gazelle as an emblem of these traits.

Summary of δόξα (G1393: Dorkás)

The Greek word Δορκάς (Dorkás), transliterated as Dorkás and pronounced [dor-KAHS], primarily means “gazelle” or “doe,” symbolizing grace and swiftness. It is used in the New Testament as a proper noun, specifically as the name of a charitable disciple in Joppa who was known for her good works (Acts 9:36). Derived from the Greek noun dórkas, the term carries connotations of beauty and elegance, often associated with the gazelle in ancient Greek culture. The usage of the name in the New Testament highlights the cultural and symbolic significance of this animal, further emphasizing the virtues of the woman named Dorcas. In classical literature, the gazelle was often used as a metaphor for various positive qualities, including speed, beauty, and innocence, which aligns with the attributes implied by the name Dorcas in the biblical narrative. The word reflects the broader Greek cultural appreciation for the natural world and its symbolic representations.