Acts 9:40 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:40 mean?

Acts 9:40 describes how Peter, after sending everyone else out of the room, knelt down and prayed, then spoke directly to the dead woman’s body, telling her to get up. In response, Tabitha opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up, showing that she had been brought back to life.

Peter is the main figure in this scene, and he is in the house of Tabitha (also called Dorcas), a disciple who had died. The verse highlights Peter’s actions: he creates a private moment, prays, and then addresses Tabitha by name, commanding her to rise. The immediate result is a miraculous restoration of life, witnessed first by Peter.

The Greek behind Acts 9:40

• The word for "put...forth" is ἐκβαλὼν (ekbalōn), which means to cast or send out. This shows Peter deliberately clearing the room, likely to focus on prayer or to avoid distractions.
• The command "arise" is ἀνάστηθι (anastēthi), a direct and simple word meaning "get up" or "rise." Peter’s use of this word is brief and authoritative, echoing similar miracles performed by Jesus.
• The Greek word for "body" is σῶμα (sōma), which emphasizes that Tabitha was truly dead, not just unconscious, making the event a clear resurrection.

Why Acts 9:40 matters

• Acts 9:40 clarifies that Peter’s miracle was not performed in front of a crowd, but in a private, prayerful setting, highlighting humility and dependence on God rather than showmanship.
• The verse connects Peter’s actions to earlier miracles of Jesus, showing continuity in the power and authority given to the apostles.
• This moment sets up the wider impact in the community, as Tabitha’s restoration leads many to believe, which is described in the following verses.