Acts 9:36

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐν
at
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
Ἰόππῃ
Joppa
joppe (i.e., japho), a place in palestine
#3
δέ
Now
but, and, etc
#4
τις
a certain
some or any person or object
#5
ἦν
there was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#6
μαθήτρια
disciple
a female pupil
#7
ὀνόματι
named
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#8
Ταβιθά
Tabitha
the gazelle; tabitha (i.e., tabjetha), a christian female
#9
ὧν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#10
διερμηνευομένη
by interpretation
to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate
#11
λέγεται
is called
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#12
Δορκάς·
Dorcas
gazelle; dorcas, a christian woman
#13
αὕτη
this woman
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#14
ἦν
there was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#15
πλήρης
full
replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete
#16
ἀγαθῶν
G18
of good
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#17
ἔργων
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#18
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἐλεημοσυνῶν
almsdeeds
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
#20
ὧν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#21
ἐποίει
she did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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