Acts 9:40 Meaning and Explanation
“But 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Peter sends everyone out, kneels and prays, then turns to the body: “Tabitha, arise.” She opens her eyes, sees Peter, and sits up.
What Does Acts 9:40 Mean?
Peter follows the pattern he watched in the house of Jairus: the room cleared, the simple command to the dead (Mark 5:40–41). There Jesus said “Talitha cumi” — little girl, arise; here, in the tongue they shared, the command would differ by a single letter: Tabitha, arise. But first the apostle kneels.
The kneeling teaches as much as the rising. Peter does not perform; he petitions — power for this moment must be asked for, and God answers. Then the voice of the Lord, carried by his servant, reaches even the dead, as Jesus promised it would (John 5:25). Death keeps no one whom Christ calls.
Acts 9:40 in the Original Language
anistemi (ἀνίστημι), 'arise' -- the same verb the New Testament uses for resurrection itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 9:40
What does Acts 9:40 mean?
Peter sends everyone out, kneels and prays, then turns to the body: “Tabitha, arise.” She opens her eyes, sees Peter, and sits up.