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Dorcas

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Devout disciple in Joppa known for her charitable works, raised by Peter

Detailed Definition
Also called Tabitha (Acts 9:36–42), Dorcas was renowned for making clothes for widows; her resurrection by Peter confirmed the apostolic mission. In poetry, she embodies compassionate service, the dignity of women’s labor in the church, and the hope of restoration—often symbolizing charity as a living faith.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Dorcas’s almsgiving (Acts 9) illustrates practical charity; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Dorcas’s resurrection models the power of good works; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "The Seraphim," Dorcas symbolizes the seamstress of mercy; In John Keble’s "Lyra Apostolica," Dorcas represents the dignity of women’s service; In Christina Rossetti’s "Goblin Market," Dorcas’s garments prefigure acts of love; In T.S. Eliot’s "The Rock," Dorcas’s hands weave the fabric of community.
Additional Notes
Dorcas: Also called Tabitha; disciple in Joppa known for charity, raised by Peter (Acts 9:36–42). In poetry, Dorcas embodies practical love, the dignity of women’s work, and resurrection hope in community. Her Greek (Dorcas) and Aramaic (Tabitha) names reflect cultural duality—ideal for poems on service, memory, or the tangible impact of kindness. The widows showing her garments is a poignant image.
Also Known As
Dorcas the Almsgiver Tabitha
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