King James Version

What Does Acts 9:39 Mean?

Acts 9:39 in the King James Version says “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 9:39 · KJV

Context

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.

38

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there , they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. delay: or, be grieved

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.

40

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down , and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does practical service to vulnerable populations demonstrate authentic Christian faith?
  2. What role do tangible evidences of ministry play in authenticating gospel impact?
  3. In what ways should Christian communities structurally care for widows and vulnerable members?
  4. How does genuine grief over deceased believers reflect the depth of Christian community?
  5. What balance should exist between mourning death and maintaining resurrection hope?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ἀναστὰς1 of 30

“arose”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

δὲ2 of 30

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

Πέτρος3 of 30

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

συνῆλθεν4 of 30

“and went with”

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

αὐτῶν5 of 30

“him”

G846

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

ὃν6 of 30

“When he”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παραγενόμενον7 of 30

“was come”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

ἀνήγαγον8 of 30

“they brought him”

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

εἰς9 of 30

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ10 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπερῷον11 of 30

“the upper chamber”

G5253

a higher part of the house, i.e., apartment in the third story

καὶ12 of 30

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρέστησαν13 of 30

“stood by”

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

αὐτῶν14 of 30

“him”

G846

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

πᾶσαι15 of 30

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

αἱ16 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χῆραι17 of 30

“the widows”

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

κλαίουσαι18 of 30

“weeping”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

καὶ19 of 30

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπιδεικνύμεναι20 of 30

“shewing”

G1925

to exhibit (physically or mentally)

χιτῶνας21 of 30

“the coats”

G5509

a tunic or shirt

καὶ22 of 30

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἱμάτια23 of 30

“garments”

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

ὅσα24 of 30

“which”

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐποίει25 of 30

“made”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

μετ'26 of 30

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῶν27 of 30

“him”

G846

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

οὖσα28 of 30

“while she was”

G5607

being

ἡ29 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Δορκάς30 of 30

“Dorcas”

G1393

gazelle; dorcas, a christian woman

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 9:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 9:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:71 Thessalonians 1:3Ephesians 4:28Proverbs 31:30-31Acts 20:352 Corinthians 8:12

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