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 9:39KJV
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Acts 9:39 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:39 mean?

Acts 9:39 describes Peter responding to a request by getting up and going with some people to an upper room, where he finds a group of widows mourning and showing him the clothing that Dorcas had made for them while she was alive. This scene highlights the impact Dorcas had on her community and sets the stage for what Peter will do next.

In this verse, Peter is called to the house where Dorcas (also called Tabitha) has died. The widows, who were likely recipients of Dorcas’s kindness, are gathered in grief, displaying the coats and garments she made. Their actions show both their sorrow and the practical ways Dorcas cared for them, helping us see her importance in their lives.

The Greek behind Acts 9:39

  • The word for "widows" (χήρα, chēra) points to a vulnerable group in society, emphasizing that Dorcas’s acts of kindness were directed toward those most in need.
  • "Weeping" (κλαίω, klaiō) is a strong word for open, heartfelt mourning, showing the depth of loss the community felt.
  • The word for "coats" (χιτών, chitōn) and "garments" (ἱμάτιον, himation) refer to different types of clothing, suggesting Dorcas’s generosity was practical and varied, not just symbolic.

Why Acts 9:39 matters

  • This verse shows the real, tangible impact one person’s kindness can have on a community, especially among those who are often overlooked.
  • The grief of the widows and their display of Dorcas’s handiwork underline how faith can be lived out through everyday acts of service.
  • The scene prepares the reader for the miracle Peter is about to perform, highlighting the loss and setting up the significance of what is to come.

Where else these words appear

“Dorcas” Greek G1393 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“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 9:37 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 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

“shewing” Greek G1925 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
  • Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
  • Luke 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

“coats” Greek G5509 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
  • Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.