Devine Scripture

Acts 9:37

What does Acts 9:37 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 9:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 9:37 means

Tragically, Tabitha fell sick and died during those days. After her death, her body was washed in preparation for burial, and then laid in an upper chamber. This immediate action indicates the customary practices for the deceased, but it also reflects the hope of the disciples. The placement in an upper room might suggest a waiting period before ultimate burial, a detail that becomes significant in the context of Peter's arrival and the possibility of a miracle.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And it came about, in those days, that she got ill and came to her death: and when she had been washed, they put her in a room which was high up.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and it came to pass in those days she, having ailed, died, and having bathed her, they laid her in an upper chamber,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass in those days that she grew sick and died; and, having washed her, they put her in [the] upper room.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of Tabitha in verse 36, presenting the unfortunate event of her sickness and death. Her placement in an upper chamber, along with the news of Peter's proximity, sets up the disciples' desperate plea for his intervention. This tragic event establishes the dire circumstances that will lead to Peter's miraculous raising of her from the dead, further demonstrating God's power and compassion.

v.36Now 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.

v.37This passage

v.38And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, entreating him, Delay not to come on unto us.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 1:13

    And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

  • John 11:36

    The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him!

  • John 11:3

    The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

  • Acts 20:8

    And there were many lights in the upper chamber where we were gathered together.

  • Mark 14:15

    And he will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready: and there make ready for us.

  • Acts 9:39

    And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

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