King James Version

What Does Joshua 7:1 Mean?

Joshua 7:1 in the King James Version says “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, th...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 7:1 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.

3

And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. about: Heb. about two thousand men, or, about three thousand men

Read Joshua 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse marks a tragic turning point from Jericho's victory to Ai's defeat. The phrase 'committed a trespass' (maal maal, מַעַל מַעַל) uses intensified language—maal means treacherous violation of sacred trust. The 'accursed thing' (cherem, חֵרֶם) refers to items devoted to God or destruction that humans must not touch (Joshua 6:17-19). Achan's taking what belonged to God was sacrilege and theft combined. The genealogy— 'son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of Judah'—establishes historical precision while showing sin affects entire families and tribes. The phrase 'the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel' (vayichar-af Yahweh bivnei Yisrael, וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה בִּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) reveals corporate accountability—one man's sin brought divine wrath on the entire nation. This demonstrates covenant solidarity: Israel wasn't merely individuals but a corporate body where one member's sin affected all. Reformed theology recognizes both individual responsibility (Achan sinned) and corporate consequences (Israel suffered). This pattern continues in the church—'a little leaven leavens the whole lump' (1 Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 5:9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This sin occurred immediately after Jericho's conquest, Israel's first major victory in Canaan. The cherem (devoted ban) required total destruction of Jericho's population and dedication of precious metals to God's treasury (Joshua 6:17-19). Achan violated this command by taking a Babylonian garment, 200 shekels of silver, and a gold wedge, hiding them under his tent (7:21). Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically included plunder distribution to victorious soldiers, making God's cherem command unusual and testing Israel's obedience. Achan's sin brought immediate consequences: defeat at Ai with 36 Israelites killed (7:4-5), devastating morale and raising existential questions about God's presence. The corporate nature of guilt reflects ancient Near Eastern and Semitic concepts of family/tribal solidarity where one member's actions affected the entire group. This wasn't arbitrary collective punishment but recognition of social reality: sin's consequences spread beyond individuals. Archaeological evidence suggests Jericho's destruction was thorough and complete, confirming Joshua's account of total conquest and devoted destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'accursed things'—sins you're hiding or tolerating—might be preventing spiritual victory in your life or church?
  2. How does the principle of corporate accountability challenge individualistic Western Christianity that ignores communal responsibility?
  3. What does God's anger against Israel despite one man's sin teach about the seriousness of hidden sin within covenant communities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּמְעֲל֧וּ1 of 22

“committed”

H4603

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

בִּבְנֵ֥י2 of 22

“But the children”

H1121

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׃3 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

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

מַ֖עַל4 of 22

“a trespass”

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

הַחֵ֔רֶם5 of 22

“in the accursed thing”

H2764

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

וַיִּקַּ֡ח6 of 22

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עָכָ֣ן7 of 22

“for Achan”

H5912

akan, an israelite

בִּבְנֵ֥י8 of 22

“But the children”

H1121

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

כַּרְמִי֩9 of 22

“of Carmi”

H3756

karmi, the name of three israelites

בִּבְנֵ֥י10 of 22

“But the children”

H1121

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

זַבְדִּ֨י11 of 22

“of Zabdi”

H2067

zabdi, the name of four israelites

בִּבְנֵ֥י12 of 22

“But the children”

H1121

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

זֶ֜רַח13 of 22

“of Zerah”

H2226

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

לְמַטֵּ֤ה14 of 22

“of the tribe”

H4294

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

יְהוּדָה֙15 of 22

“of Judah”

H3063

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

מִן16 of 22
H4480

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

הַחֵ֔רֶם17 of 22

“in the accursed thing”

H2764

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

וַיִּֽחַר18 of 22

“was kindled”

H2734

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

אַ֥ף19 of 22

“and the anger”

H639

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

יְהוָ֖ה20 of 22

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בִּבְנֵ֥י21 of 22

“But the children”

H1121

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׃22 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 7:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 7:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 22:20Ecclesiastes 9:181 Chronicles 2:6-7Joshua 7:20-21Joshua 22:181 Chronicles 21:7

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