Joshua 22:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֣וֹא׀
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא׀
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 19
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
of Zerah
H2226
זֶ֗רַח
of Zerah
Strong's:
H2226
Word #:
4 of 19
zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince
מָ֤עַל
commit
H4603
מָ֤עַל
commit
Strong's:
H4603
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
בַּחֵ֔רֶם
in the accursed thing
H2764
בַּחֵ֔רֶם
in the accursed thing
Strong's:
H2764
Word #:
7 of 19
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
וְעַֽל
H5921
וְעַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲדַ֥ת
on all the congregation
H5712
עֲדַ֥ת
on all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
10 of 19
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הָ֣יָה
fell
H1961
הָ֣יָה
fell
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְהוּא֙
H1931
וְהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
14 of 19
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
אִ֣ישׁ
and that man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
and that man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 19
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)
אֶחָ֔ד
not alone
H259
אֶחָ֔ד
not alone
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Joshua 7:5And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.Joshua 7:1But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.Joshua 7:24And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.Joshua 7:18And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.
Historical Context
Achan's execution occurred only months or years before this incident. The delegation consists of the very generation who witnessed his judgment, making it a fresh and terrifying memory that shapes their response to the Transjordan altar.
Questions for Reflection
- How should awareness of sin's corporate consequences make us more careful about our personal holiness?
- Does the New Testament maintain this principle of corporate responsibility (Acts 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 11:30)?
- How can we communicate concern about sin without creating a culture of fear or legalism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing—The second historical example after Peor. Achan's theft of devoted items (חֵרֶם, cherem) at Jericho brought defeat at Ai and cost 36 Israelite lives (Joshua 7). The same word ma'al ("trespass") is used here as in verse 16, creating a direct parallel between Achan's sin and the suspected altar violation.
That man perished not alone in his iniquity—Though Achan was individually guilty, his entire household was executed (Joshua 7:24-25), and the whole army suffered defeat. This reinforces the theme of corporate consequences for individual sin, making the delegation's fear of another altar entirely rational given Israel's recent history.