Joshua 22:20

Authorized King James Version

Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲל֣וֹא׀

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָכָ֣ן

H5912

Did not Achan

akan, an israelite

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

זֶ֗רַח

H2226

of Zerah

zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince

מָ֤עַל

H4603

commit

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

מַ֙עַל֙

H4604

a trespass

treachery, i.e., sin

בַּחֵ֔רֶם

H2764

in the accursed thing

physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination

וְעַֽל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

עֲדַ֥ת

H5712

on all the congregation

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

הָ֣יָה

H1961

fell

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

קָ֑צֶף

H7110

and wrath

a splinter (as chipped off)

#14

וְהוּא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#15

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

and that man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#16

אֶחָ֔ד

H259

not alone

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#17

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

גָוַ֖ע

H1478

perished

to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire

#19

בַּֽעֲוֹנֽוֹ׃

H5771

in his iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 22 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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