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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀναστὰς
arose
G450
ἀναστὰς
arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
1 of 30
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 30
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
συνῆλθεν
and went with
G4905
συνῆλθεν
and went with
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
4 of 30
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 30
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὃν
When he
G3739
ὃν
When he
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 30
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παραγενόμενον
was come
G3854
παραγενόμενον
was come
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
7 of 30
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
ἀνήγαγον
they brought him
G321
ἀνήγαγον
they brought him
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
8 of 30
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 30
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπερῷον
the upper chamber
G5253
ὑπερῷον
the upper chamber
Strong's:
G5253
Word #:
11 of 30
a higher part of the house, i.e., apartment in the third story
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρέστησαν
stood by
G3936
παρέστησαν
stood by
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
13 of 30
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 30
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χῆραι
the widows
G5503
χῆραι
the widows
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
17 of 30
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
κλαίουσαι
weeping
G2799
κλαίουσαι
weeping
Strong's:
G2799
Word #:
18 of 30
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίει
made
G4160
ἐποίει
made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
25 of 30
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
26 of 30
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῶν
him
G846
αὐτῶν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
27 of 30
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Proverbs 10:7The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.Ephesians 4:28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.1 Thessalonians 1:3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Historical Context
Ancient widows faced severe economic vulnerability—no social security, pensions, or systematic support. Extended family provided primary care, but widows without family fell into desperate poverty. Christian communities accepted responsibility for widow care (Acts 6:1-6, 1 Timothy 5:3-16), following biblical justice mandates.
Tabitha's garment-making addressed urgent practical needs while providing dignity through quality handmade clothing. The widows' testimony served dual purpose: honoring Tabitha while potentially requesting Peter attempt restoration. Their grief and testimony occurring around 38-39 CE provides window into early Christian community life—mutual care, practical love, deep relationships transcending mere Sunday assembly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does practical service to vulnerable populations demonstrate authentic Christian faith?
- What role do tangible evidences of ministry play in authenticating gospel impact?
- In what ways should Christian communities structurally care for widows and vulnerable members?
- How does genuine grief over deceased believers reflect the depth of Christian community?
- What balance should exist between mourning death and maintaining resurrection hope?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The widows' grief and testimony to Tabitha's ministry establish the miracle's authentication while demonstrating genuine Christian community and practical love.
Peter arose and went shows immediate, willing response to pastoral need. Apostolic ministry involves availability and responsiveness to community crisis. No hesitation, no calculation of personal convenience—servant leadership prioritizes others' needs.
All the widows stood...weeping depicts profound grief—mourning exceptional benefactor. Their presence testifies to Tabitha's impact—these women knew her personally, experienced her care directly. The weeping wasn't performance but genuine sorrow over beloved sister's death.
Shewing the coats and garments provides tangible evidence of Tabitha's ministry. These weren't abstract testimonies but physical proofs—handmade clothing still worn. The phrase while she was with them (imperfect tense) indicates ongoing, habitual activity. Tabitha consistently served; her death left void in community care structure. Reformed theology values such concrete expressions of faith—love demonstrated through practical service.