Joshua 7:1

Authorized King James Version

But 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּמְעֲל֧וּ

H4603

committed

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

בִּבְנֵ֥י

H1121

But the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

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

מַ֖עַל

H4604

a trespass

treachery, i.e., sin

הַחֵ֔רֶם

H2764

in the accursed thing

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

וַיִּקַּ֡ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עָכָ֣ן

H5912

for Achan

akan, an israelite

בִּבְנֵ֥י

H1121

But the children

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

כַּרְמִי֩

H3756

of Carmi

karmi, the name of three israelites

#10

בִּבְנֵ֥י

H1121

But the children

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

#11

זַבְדִּ֨י

H2067

of Zabdi

zabdi, the name of four israelites

#12

בִּבְנֵ֥י

H1121

But the children

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

#13

זֶ֜רַח

H2226

of Zerah

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

#14

לְמַטֵּ֤ה

H4294

of the tribe

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

#15

יְהוּדָה֙

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#16

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#17

הַחֵ֔רֶם

H2764

in the accursed thing

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

#18

וַיִּֽחַר

H2734

was kindled

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

#19

אַ֥ף

H639

and the anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

#20

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#21

בִּבְנֵ֥י

H1121

But the children

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

#22

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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