"Dorcas, pr. name, signifying a gazelle or antelope, Acts 9:36, 39*"
Definition and meaning
Dorcas, pr. name, signifying a gazelle or antelope, Acts 9:36, 39*
In the original Greek the word is written: Δορκάς
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of dorkas (G1393) across the King James Bible.
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.
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.
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Common questions
Strong's G1393 (dorkas) is a Greek word that means: Dorcas, pr. name, signifying a gazelle or antelope, Acts 9:36, 39* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word dorkas (G1393) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1393 is dorkas, a Greek word defined as: Dorcas, pr. name, signifying a gazelle or antelope, Acts 9:36, 39*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
dorkas is a Greek word found in the New Testament.