King James Version

What Does Joshua 7:20 Mean?

Joshua 7:20 in the King James Version says “And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 7:20 · KJV

Context

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:

21

When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. wedge: Heb. tongue

22

So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.

Read Joshua 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Achan's confession begins: 'Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel.' The Hebrew אָמְנָם (omnnam—indeed, truly) expresses acknowledgment without excuse. Achan admits the sin, identifies it correctly as against God (not merely against Israel or Joshua), and uses the covenant name 'LORD God of Israel.' His confession is theologically accurate—all sin is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4). The phrase 'thus and thus have I done' prepares to detail the specifics. Genuine confession requires particularity—naming what was done, not vague admission of 'mistakes.' Achan's willingness to confess publicly shows some degree of conscience or resignation. Yet the confession comes only after divine exposure, not from voluntary repentance. This raises questions about motives—is it genuine contrition or pragmatic admission when caught? The text doesn't indicate pleading for mercy or expressions of remorse, only factual acknowledgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern confessions often preceded execution, serving both religious and legal purposes. The confession validated the justice system, acknowledged the deity's righteousness, and theoretically allowed the guilty party to make peace with their god before death. Achan's public confession before all Israel served to educate the community and validate God's judgment. His use of the full title 'LORD God of Israel' showed orthodox theological understanding—he knew whom he'd sinned against. The contrast is tragic: Achan confessed correct doctrine while violating it through greed. This pattern repeats throughout history—orthodoxy without obedience, profession without practice. James 2:19 later observes: 'the devils also believe, and tremble.' Achan's confession came too late for reprieve, illustrating that while confession is always right, consequences may remain. Church discipline literature notes this tension—restoration of relationship with God while temporal consequences continue.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between confession that comes from conviction versus confession that comes from being caught?
  2. How does Achan's accurate theology combined with disobedient behavior speak to your own inconsistencies?
  3. What does it mean that all sin is 'against the LORD,' not merely against rules or people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיַּ֧עַן1 of 14

“answered”

H6030

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,

עָכָ֛ן2 of 14

“And Achan”

H5912

akan, an israelite

אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ4 of 14

“Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר5 of 14

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָמְנָ֗ה6 of 14

“Indeed”

H546

adverb, surely

אָֽנֹכִ֤י7 of 14
H595

i

חָטָ֙אתִי֙8 of 14

“I have sinned”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

לַֽיהוָה֙9 of 14

“against the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י10 of 14

“God”

H430

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל11 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְכָזֹ֥את12 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְכָזֹ֖את13 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עָשִֽׂיתִי׃14 of 14

“and thus and thus have I done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 38:18Job 7:20Genesis 42:211 Samuel 15:30Exodus 10:161 Samuel 15:24

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