DORCAS dôr’ kəs (Δορκάς, G1520; Aram. טָבִיתָא, meaning gazelle). A feminine name not uncommon to both Jews and Greeks, used in the NT to denote the Christian woman of Joppa who died and was raised from the dead by Peter (Acts 9:36-43). While Peter was healing Aeneas at Lydda, about ten m. distant from Joppa, the ailing Dorcas had died. She was held in high esteem for her outstanding service to others; and her example has inspired the founding of numerous “Dorcas societies” in congregations today. She was described as a μαθήτρια, G3413, the only citation in the NT where the feminine form of “disciple” is used. On the occasion of her death, two men were sent to Lydda to summon Peter. When Peter arrived the body already had been washed for burial and placed in an upper room. The widows were mourning and in deep appreciation were showing the handiwork of Dorcas as they displayed the garments she had made, perhaps for these very individuals. Like Jesus (Matt 9:25) Peter sent everyone out, and knelt and prayed. Upon the command to arise, Dorcas responded; and she was presented to the others alive. Because of this miracle many believed in the Lord.