And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

ACTS 9:37KJV
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Acts 9:37 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:37 mean?

Acts 9:37 describes how, during a certain period, a woman became ill and died; after her death, the people washed her body and placed her in an upstairs room. The verse simply reports the practical steps taken after her passing, setting the scene for what follows.

This verse is part of the story of Tabitha (also called Dorcas), a disciple in Joppa known for her good works. The narrative is told by the author of Acts, describing events to the reader. The mention of washing the body and laying it in an upper chamber reflects Jewish burial customs of the time and prepares for the arrival of Peter, who is about to be called to the scene.

The Greek behind Acts 9:37

  • The word for "washed" is ἔλουσαν (elousan), from the root meaning "to wash." This detail shows the care and respect given to the deceased, following the common practice of preparing a body for burial.
  • The word for "upper chamber" is ὑπερῷον (huperōon), meaning an upstairs room. This suggests the body was placed in a private, possibly honored space, not immediately buried, which hints at the hope or expectation of something more to come.

Why Acts 9:37 matters

  • Acts 9:37 sets up the miracle that follows, where Peter is called to Joppa and Tabitha is raised from the dead, highlighting the faith and hope of the early Christian community.
  • The verse shows the community’s respect for Tabitha, emphasizing her importance by the care shown after her death and the choice to lay her in an upper room rather than proceed directly to burial.
  • Understanding the customs described helps modern readers appreciate the cultural context of the early church and the significance of the events that unfold.

Where else these words appear

“chamber” Greek G5253 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
  • 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 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

“washed” Greek G3068 · used in 6 verses

  • John 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
  • Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
  • 2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

“sick” Greek G770 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
  • 1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

“laid” Greek G5087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.