New Testament

Acts 9:39

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this scene, Peter responds to a call for help and travels to a place where a woman named Dorcas has died.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 62
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him weeping, showing him the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made while she was with them.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this scene, Peter responds to a call for help and travels to a place where a woman named Dorcas has died. When he arrives, he finds a group of widows mourning her loss. They are deeply saddened and show Peter the beautiful clothes that Dorcas made for them. These garments represent not just her skill, but also her kindness and the impact she had on their lives. The widows' tears reflect their love and appreciation for Dorcas, highlighting how she cared for them during her life. This moment emphasizes the importance of community and the legacy we leave behind through our actions. It reminds us that our contributions can touch lives in profound ways, even after we are gone. Peter's presence signifies hope, as he is about to perform a miracle that will change everything for these grieving women. This story encourages us to cherish those who uplift us and to recognize the value of our own contributions to others' lives, no matter how small they may seem at the time.

Key themes

Related topics

community, kindness, legacy

How to apply Acts 9:39 to your life

Consider how your actions impact those around you. Like Dorcas, strive to leave a positive mark on your community through kindness and service. Reflect on the relationships you build and the legacy you create through your everyday choices. Every small act of love counts. Remember, you can make a difference in someone's life today.

Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Acts 9:39 mean?

Acts 9:39 describes Peter's visit to a grieving community mourning the death of Dorcas. The widows show Peter the garments she made, highlighting her kindness and the impact she had on their lives.

What is the significance of Dorcas in Acts 9:39?

Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, is significant in Acts 9:39 for her acts of charity and service to the widows. Her life and the mourning of the widows illustrate the deep connections formed through kindness and community support.

What does the weeping of the widows in Acts 9:39 represent?

The weeping of the widows in Acts 9:39 represents their profound grief and loss over Dorcas's death. It shows how much she meant to them and the void her absence creates in their lives.

What can we learn from Acts 9:39 about community?

Acts 9:39 teaches us about the importance of community and the impact one individual can have on many lives. It encourages us to contribute positively to our communities through acts of kindness and service.

The Book of Acts
Book Summary

The Book of Acts

Acts 1: The Ascension and the Choosing of Matthias

Jesus shows himself alive to the apostles after his suffering, speaking about the kingdom of God. He commands them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father, saying they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost soon. They ask if he will restore the kingdom to Israel, and he tells them it is not for them to know the times, but they will receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them and will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. As they watch, he is taken up, and a cloud receives him out of their sight. Two men in white apparel tell them that this same Jesus will return in the same way they have seen him go.

Premium

Unlock the full Acts summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Acts — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Acts summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.