Acts 9:40
What does Acts 9:40 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:40 means
Peter, taking control of the emotionally charged situation, put everyone out of the room. He then knelt down and prayed, demonstrating his dependence on God. Turning to the body, he commanded, "Tabitha, arise!" Immediately, she opened her eyes and, upon seeing Peter, sat up. This direct command, followed by instantaneous obedience from the dead, showcases the extraordinary power of God working through Peter, mirroring Jesus' own ability to raise the dead.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Peter made them all go outside, and went down on his knees in prayer; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, get up. And, opening her eyes, she saw Peter and got up.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Peter having put them all forth without, having bowed the knees, did pray, and having turned unto the body said, `Tabitha, arise;' and she opened her eyes, and having seen Peter, she sat up,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they all being put forth, Peter, kneeling down, prayed. And turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes and, seeing Peter, sat up.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Peter, putting them all out, and kneeling down, prayed. And, turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and, seeing Peter, sat up.
Context
In this pivotal verse, Peter takes action in the midst of the grief described in verse 39. His clear actions—clearing the room, praying, and directly commanding Tabitha to rise—lead to her miraculous resurrection. This powerful demonstration of life over death is the climax of this segment, directly leading to her presentation to the saints and widespread belief throughout Joppa, further expanding the church.
v.39And 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.
v.40This passage
v.41And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:36
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.
- John 11:43
And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
- Luke 8:54
But he, taking her by the hand, called, saying, Maiden, arise.
- Matthew 9:25
But when the crowd was put forth, he entered in, and took her by the hand; and the damsel arose.
- Luke 22:41
And he was parted from them about a stone’s cast; and he kneeled down and prayed,
- Acts 7:60
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
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