King James Version

What Does Joshua 7:18 Mean?

Joshua 7:18 in the King James Version says “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 o...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 7:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Finally: 'Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.' The full genealogy emphasizes individual responsibility within communal identity. Achan is simultaneously an individual and a member of multiple corporate structures—tribe, clan, family. His full identification shows that no one is anonymous before God—He knows not just our names but our lineage, context, and choices. The phrase 'was taken' reaches its climax—the guilty party is definitively identified. The genealogical recitation also highlights the tragedy: Achan descended from an honorable line within Judah, the premier tribe. His sin shamed not just himself but generations of faithful ancestors and descendants. This illustrates how sin dishonors not only ourselves but those connected to us—family, church, community. The identification also meant Achan could no longer hide behind collective identity—the corporate ('Israel has sinned') must become personal ('I have sinned'). Both realities coexist: sin is corporate problem and personal responsibility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The specification of four generations (Achan, son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah) follows standard ancient Near Eastern genealogical practice. Genealogies established identity, inheritance rights, and social standing. Zerah was Judah's son through Tamar—the line from which Achan descended had complex origins involving Judah's failure and Tamar's righteous subterfuge (Genesis 38). The irony: Tamar risked death to preserve Judah's line; Achan brought death upon himself through greed. The identification process likely took the entire morning, creating mounting dread throughout the camp. By the time Achan stood identified, all Israel knew that one man's sin had caused their defeat and thirty-six deaths. The historical lesson proved unforgettable—the generation that conquered Canaan would remember Achan's folly and its consequences. Indeed, Achan is referenced later as warning (Joshua 22:20). His name became synonymous with covenant violation and its devastating effects.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does being known by name and lineage before God comfort or challenge you?
  2. What does Achan's full identification teach about the impossibility of hiding from God?
  3. How might considering the effect of your sin on family, church, and community influence your choices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיַּקְרֵ֥ב1 of 14

“And he brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

בֵּית֖וֹ3 of 14

“his household”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לַגְּבָרִ֑ים4 of 14

“by man”

H1397

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

וַיִּלָּכֵ֗ד5 of 14

“was taken”

H3920

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

עָכָ֞ן6 of 14

“and Achan”

H5912

akan, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 14

“the son”

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

כַּרְמִ֧י8 of 14

“of Carmi”

H3756

karmi, the name of three israelites

בֶּן9 of 14

“the son”

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

זַבְדִּ֛י10 of 14

“of Zabdi”

H2067

zabdi, the name of four israelites

בֶּן11 of 14

“the son”

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

זֶ֖רַח12 of 14

“of Zerah”

H2226

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

לְמַטֵּ֥ה13 of 14

“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),

יְהוּדָֽה׃14 of 14

“of Judah”

H3063

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

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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 32:23Acts 5:1-10Proverbs 13:211 Samuel 14:42Jeremiah 2:26

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