Joshua 7:20

Authorized King James Version

And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֧עַן
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
עָכָ֛ן
And Achan
akan, an israelite
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
Joshua
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
#5
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אָמְנָ֗ה
Indeed
adverb, surely
#7
אָֽנֹכִ֤י
i
#8
חָטָ֙אתִי֙
I have sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#9
לַֽיהוָה֙
against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#10
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#12
וְכָזֹ֥את
this (often used adverb)
#13
וְכָזֹ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#14
עָשִֽׂיתִי׃
and thus and thus have I done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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