Now 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.
Now there was at Joppa - the modern Jaffa, the ancient sea-port of Palestine, and still the sea-port of Jerusalem, from which it lies distant 45 miles to the northwest.
A certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas - the one the Syro-Chaldaic, the other the Greek name for an antelope or gazelle, which, from the grace of its motions and the beauty of its eyes, was frequently employed as a proper name for women. The interpretation of the name is given by the historian, to signify that it expressed the character which she bore among the Christians of the place.
This woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did - eminent for the active generosities of the Christian character.