Graceful Service: Ταβιθά (Strong’s G5000: Tabitha) Exemplifies Resurrection Power

Strong’s G5000: A feminine proper name meaning “gazelle” in Aramaic, Ταβιθά (translated as Dorcas in Greek) exemplifies early Christian service and discipleship. Her resurrection through Peter’s ministry demonstrates divine power working through faithful servants.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ταβιθά represents the beautiful intersection of faithful service and divine power in the early church. This Aramaic name, translated as Dorcas in Greek, means “gazelle,” symbolizing grace and beauty. In its New Testament context, it identifies a disciple whose life and resurrection became a powerful testimony to the Messiah’s ongoing work through His apostles. The early church celebrated her story as an example of how practical service and supernatural power combine in authentic discipleship. Her dual naming (Aramaic and Greek) also exemplifies the church’s bridge-building between Jewish and Gentile cultures. Today, she continues to inspire believers to combine practical service with unwavering faith in God’s resurrection power.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ταβιθά, Tabitha, /ta-bee-THAH/
• Phonetic Guide: “ta” as in “father,” “bee” as in “bee,” “thah” as in “father”
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• From Aramaic טביתא (tabitha) meaning “gazelle”
• Equivalent to Greek Δορκάς (Dorkas) with the same meaning

D – Defining Meanings

• Gazelle (literal meaning)
• Grace, beauty (symbolic associations)
• Faithful servant (contextual meaning)

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but a transliteration from Aramaic

Translation Options:

• Tabitha – preserves Aramaic original
• Dorcas – Greek equivalent
• Gazelle – literal meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Δορκάς (Dorkas) /dor-KAHS/ – Greek equivalent meaning “gazelle”
• צְבִי (tsvi) – Hebrew word for gazelle, showing linguistic connection
  See H6643

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative fixed form
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

As a proper name, it maintains its form in Greek usage, though it may take case endings in certain grammatical constructions. In English, it remains “Tabitha” with only possessive form changing (“Tabitha’s”).

• Cross-references: None in biblical Greek, as this is a unique proper name

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes Ταβιθά’s significance as a bilingual name, noting how Luke provides both Aramaic and Greek forms to bridge cultural gaps. Thayer’s explores the etymology connecting it to “gazelle,” highlighting ancient near eastern appreciations of these animals’ grace. LSJ documents similar animal names in Greek culture, providing context for the Greek translation. Vine’s notes the significance of her being called a “disciple,” the only time this feminine form appears in the New Testament. Strong’s connects the name to its Semitic roots, while Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of similar name patterns in contemporary documents, showing the cultural practice of using animal names.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 9:36: “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named [Ταβιθά] Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”

Additional References:
Acts 9:39
Acts 9:40

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ταβιθά embodies the beautiful harmony of practical service and miraculous power in the early church. Her story proclaims that the Messiah’s resurrection power continues to work through faithful disciples who serve others sacrificially. The good news shines through her narrative as we see how the King transforms both life and death through His servants. Her dual naming reminds us that the gospel bridges cultural divides, while her resurrection demonstrates that divine power authenticates humble service.

D – Did You Know?

1. Tabitha is the only woman explicitly called a “disciple” (μαθήτρια) in the New Testament.
2. Her story represents the first resurrection performed through an apostle after the Messiah’s ascension.
3. The dual naming (Aramaic/Greek) represents early Christian efforts to bridge cultural gaps.

Strong’s G5000: A feminine proper name meaning “gazelle” in Aramaic, Ταβιθά (translated as Dorcas in Greek) exemplifies early Christian service and discipleship. Her resurrection through Peter’s ministry demonstrates divine power working through faithful servants.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (Feminine)

Tags: resurrection miracles, women disciples, early church, service, cultural bridge, Peter’s ministry, Joppa, divine power, faithful service, Christian women​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​