The Name Tabitha And It's Connections With Norway And Lutherans

[Markxxx]

I was doing a project for old Chicago Hospitals and the current Norwegian-American Hospital in Chicago dates back to the late 1800s when something called the Norwegian Tabitha Society was founded.

I see references in other papers called, Lutheran Tabitha Society and such.

They seem to revolve around hospitals and deaconess, throughout the Chicago and suburbs in the early 1900s. I also see mentioning founding of Tabitha societies in Nebraska and “out west.”

Outside of the sitcom Betwitched, I rarely hear the name mentioned though I believe it was mentioned in the bible as a woman was was brought back to life.

So what is the connection betweens Lutherans and/or Norwegians and the name Tabitha? Was it a famous person in Norway or with the Luterans?

[Inner_Stickler]

Tabitha (aka Dorcas) was one of the original deacons of the early christian church and was well known for her charity. I suspect it’s a matter of simply using the name of someone whose attributes they wanted their society to emulate.

[Polycarp]

The little girl who was brought back to life by Jesus is unnamed. What he said to her in Aramaic is quoted verbatim as “Talitha, kumi,” which means, roughly, “Little girl, get up.” No connection beyond a phonological concidence to the name Tabitha.

[Northern_Piper]

From the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, 9:36-42

36 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.

37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40 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.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

[Polycarp]

@Polycarp

The little girl who was brought back to life by Jesus is unnamed. What he said to her in Aramaic is quoted verbatim as “Talitha, kumi,” which means, roughly, “Little girl, get up.” No connection beyond a phonological concidence to the name Tabitha.

Since the Piper has identified the Tabitha revivification in Acts, here’s the one I mentioned above (Mark 5:35-42):

While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”

36Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

37He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” ). 42Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old).

[In_Winnipeg]

Correct me if I am wrong, but Stephen King’s wife’s name is Tabitha and she was born pre-Bewitched.

[Markxxx]

So I would say if you’re dealing with hospitals and sick people it’s good to be named after somene who died then came back to life