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Δορκάς

Dorkás

G1393 noun

SILEX Entry

Root δορκ- gazelle, antelope

Definition

A personal name meaning 'gazelle' or 'antelope'; used exclusively as a feminine proper name in the New Testament, referring to an individual woman. The primary sense is the animal name 'gazelle,' appropriated as a personal name, likely connoting grace and beauty, in keeping with ancient naming tradition. In the New Testament, it is also translated as 'Tabitha' (the Aramaic equivalent) and may carry symbolic connotation related to gentleness or attractiveness.

Semantic Range

gazelle (animal); feminine personal name; symbolically: associated qualities of grace or beauty (in naming); used for Judean women in Greek-speaking communities

Root / Etymology

The word Δορκάς (Dorkás) is of Greek origin, directly meaning 'gazelle.' It is a loanword used as a personal name, corresponding to the Aramaic/Hebrew name טְבִיתָא (Tabitha), which is translated as Δορκάς in Acts 9:36, 39. No evidence suggests a derivation from another Greek verbal root beyond the animal name.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Δορκάς occurs in the New Testament only in Acts 9:36, 39, as the Greek equivalent of the Aramaic name Tabitha. In Greco-Roman naming traditions, animal names (such as 'gazelle' or 'dove') were sometimes given as personal names, often to women, likely because of the perceived traits of the animal (e.g., beauty, grace, swiftness). The Septuagint uses Δορκάς to translate references to the gazelle in the Hebrew Bible. In Acts, the parallel identification of Tabitha and Δορκάς suggests a culturally bilingual Judean woman, whose philanthropic activity is highlighted. English translations historically render Δορκάς as 'Dorcas,' preserving it as a personal name, with some versions noting the underlying meaning 'gazelle.' The usage does not indicate any broader meaning beyond this role as a proper noun.

Root Family

Δορκάς (Dorkas) — gazelle, antelope

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1393-01 Δορκάς dorkas N NOM F SG Dorcas Gazelle 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1393-01 Acts 9:36 Δορκάς dorkas N NOM F SG Dorcas Gazelle
G1393-01 Acts 9:39 Δορκάς dorkas N NOM F SG Dorcas Gazelle
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