King James Version

What Does Joshua 7:17 Mean?

Joshua 7:17 in the King James Version says “And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites ma...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:”

Joshua 7:17 · KJV

Context

15

And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel. folly: or, wickedness

16

So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:

17

And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:

18

And 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.

19

And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The process narrows: from Judah's tribe to the Zarhites' family, then to Zabdi's household. Each stage increases tension and specificity. The mention of specific names (Zabdi, Carmi) gives historical particularity—this isn't allegory but real people facing real judgment. The progression from broader (tribe) to narrower (household) demonstrates exhaustive thoroughness—God leaves no ambiguity. Every household in the selected clan stood before the Lord; every man in the selected household was examined. This process, while time-consuming, ensured justice. No one could claim arbitrary selection or rushed judgment. The repeated phrase 'was taken' (three times in verses 16-18) emphasizes divine agency—God is actively revealing the guilty. The narrowing also builds dramatic tension, teaching Israel (and us) that sin will be uncovered. Hebrews 4:13 states: 'all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.' This public process makes private sin public, fulfilling the principle that hidden things will be revealed (Luke 8:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The clan system (mishpachah, מִשְׁפָּחָה) organized Israel's social structure between tribe and household. The Zarhites descended from Zerah, Judah's son through Tamar (Genesis 38:30). The genealogical specificity roots this account in Israel's actual family history. The process might have taken hours as each stage required gathering the appropriate group, conducting the lot selection, and moving to the next level. Archaeological discoveries of ancient Israelite settlements show the clan-based residential patterns—related families living in proximity. This meant Achan's extended family and neighbors would have been present as his guilt became increasingly apparent. The shame would have been profound—not just Achan's but his entire family's and clan's. This public identification served as powerful deterrent against covenant violation. The specificity also prevents later disputes—no one could claim Achan was scapegoated or the process was flawed. Multiple witnesses observed each stage of divine selection.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the thoroughness of God's process teach about His justice and patience?
  2. How does the progression from general to specific mirror how God often brings hidden sin to light?
  3. What pastoral wisdom can we learn from the careful, methodical process rather than hasty judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּקְרֵ֞ב1 of 15

“And he brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת2 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת3 of 15

“the family”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

יְהוּדָ֔ה4 of 15

“of Judah”

H3063

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

וַיִּלָּכֵ֖ד5 of 15

“and he took”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

אֵ֖ת6 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת7 of 15

“the family”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַזַּרְחִי֙8 of 15

“of the Zarhites”

H2227

a zarchite or descendant of zerach

וַיַּקְרֵ֞ב9 of 15

“And he brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת10 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת11 of 15

“the family”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַזַּרְחִי֙12 of 15

“of the Zarhites”

H2227

a zarchite or descendant of zerach

לַגְּבָרִ֔ים13 of 15

“by man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

וַיִּלָּכֵ֖ד14 of 15

“and he took”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

זַבְדִּֽי׃15 of 15

“and Zabdi”

H2067

zabdi, the name of four israelites

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 7:17 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 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:20Genesis 38:301 Chronicles 2:4-7

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