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Joshua 7:20

Joshua 7:20 in Multiple Translations

“It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did:

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

And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Of a truth I have sinned against Jehovah, the God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:

And Achan, answering, said to Joshua, Truly I have done wrong against the Lord, the God of Israel, and this is what I have done:

“It's true!” Achan replied. “I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I did.

And Achan answered Ioshua, and saide, In deede, I haue sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus, and thus haue I done.

And Achan answereth Joshua, and saith, 'Truly I have sinned against Jehovah, God of Israel, and thus and thus I have done;

Achan answered Joshua, and said, “I have truly sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel, and this is what I have done.

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

And Achan answered Josue, and said to him: Indeed I have sinned against the Lord the God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done.

Achan replied, “It is true. I have sinned against Yahweh, the God whom we Israelis worship.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 7:20

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 7:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּ֧עַן עָכָ֛ן אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר אָמְנָ֗ה אָנֹכִ֤י חָטָ֨אתִי֙ לַֽ/יהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְ/כָ/זֹ֥את וְ/כָ/זֹ֖את עָשִֽׂיתִי
וַ/יַּ֧עַן ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עָכָ֛ן ʻÂkân H5912 Achan N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָמְנָ֗ה ʼomnâh H546 truly Adv
אָנֹכִ֤י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron
חָטָ֨אתִי֙ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לַֽ/יהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֣י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
וְ/כָ/זֹ֥את zôʼth H2063 this Conj | Prep | Pron
וְ/כָ/זֹ֖את zôʼth H2063 this Conj | Prep | Pron
עָשִֽׂיתִי ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 7:20

וַ/יַּ֧עַן ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
עָכָ֛ן ʻÂkân H5912 "Achan" N-proper
Achan was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah who disobeyed God's rules and was stoned to death, as recorded in Joshua 7:1.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.7.1; son of: Carmi (H3756H) Also named: a.khar (עָכָר "Achan" H5917) § Achan = "troubler" a Judaite who violated God's specific ban on taking any loot from the captured city of Jericho and was stoned to death along with his family for this violation
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Achan. Compare H5917 (עָכָר). See also: Joshua 7:1; Joshua 7:20; Joshua 22:20.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָמְנָ֗ה ʼomnâh H546 "truly" Adv
This word is an adverb that means 'truly' or 'indeed'. It's used in the Bible to emphasize the truth of something, like when God makes a promise or a prophet speaks on God's behalf. It's often translated as 'verily' or 'surely' in older versions of the Bible.
Definition: verily, truly, indeed
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: indeed. See also: Genesis 20:12; Joshua 7:20.
אָנֹכִ֤י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
חָטָ֨אתִי֙ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
לַֽ/יהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/כָ/זֹ֥את zôʼth H2063 "this" Conj | Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
וְ/כָ/זֹ֖את zôʼth H2063 "this" Conj | Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
עָשִֽׂיתִי ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

Study Notes — Joshua 7:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 38:18 Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
2 Job 33:27 Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved.
3 Genesis 42:21 Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.”
4 1 Samuel 15:24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.
5 Matthew 27:4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”
6 Job 7:20 If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You ?
7 Numbers 22:34 “I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.”
8 1 Samuel 15:30 “I have sinned,” Saul replied. “Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.”
9 Exodus 10:16 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you.

Joshua 7:20 Summary

[Joshua 7:20 shows us that when we are honest with God about our mistakes, we can start to make things right. Achan admits that he did something wrong and takes responsibility for his actions, which is an important step towards healing and restoration, as seen in Psalm 32:5 where it says 'Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity'. By acknowledging our sin, we can experience forgiveness and move forward in our relationship with God, just like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 who returns to his father and is welcomed back with open arms.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What led Achan to confess his sin in Joshua 7:20?

Achan's confession was prompted by Joshua's urging and the realization that he had been caught, as seen in Joshua 7:19, where Joshua encourages Achan to give glory to the Lord and make a confession, similar to the call to repentance in Proverbs 28:13.

Why is it significant that Achan says he sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel?

By acknowledging that he sinned against the Lord, Achan recognizes the divine authority and sovereignty of God, much like David does in Psalm 51:4 when he says 'Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight'.

How does Achan's response in Joshua 7:20 relate to the concept of accountability?

Achan's admission of guilt demonstrates the importance of personal accountability before God, as emphasized in Romans 14:12, where it is written that 'each of us will give an account of himself to God'.

What can we learn from Achan's example about the nature of sin?

Achan's actions and subsequent confession illustrate that sin is a violation of God's law and a personal offense against Him, as stated in 1 John 3:4, which defines sin as 'lawlessness'.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be hiding sin, and how can I come before the Lord with a humble and honest heart like Achan did in Joshua 7:20?
  2. In what ways can I, like Joshua, create an environment where others feel encouraged to confess their sins and seek forgiveness?
  3. How does recognizing that my sin is against the Lord, the God of Israel, impact my understanding of the severity and seriousness of sin?
  4. What role does accountability play in my spiritual journey, and how can I cultivate a sense of accountability before God and others?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:20

And Achan answered Joshua, and said,.... He made a free and open confession of his sin: indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel; against him who had been so good to Israel in many

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:20

And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:20

He seems to make a sincere and ingenuous confession, and loads his sin with all just aggravations. Against the Lord; against his express command, and just rights, and glorious attributes. The Lord God of Israel; the true God, who hath chosen me and all Israel to be the people of his peculiar love and care.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:20

Joshua 7:20 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:Ver. 20. Indeed I have sinned.] Now at length he confesseth. Nunquam sero si serio. Satan knoweth that there is no way to purge the sin sick soul but upwards. He therefore holdeth the lips close as long as he can, that the heart may not disburden itself.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 7:20

Verse 20. I have sinned against the Lord God] This seems a very honest and hearty confession, and there is hope that this poor culprit escaped perdition.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:20

20. Indeed I have sinned — The Hebrew original, as well as the Greek and Latin versions, make the I emphatic: I, and I only, have sinned.

Sermons on Joshua 7:20

SermonDescription
Steve Mays The Purposes of Confession by Steve Mays In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the story of Moses and the consequences of his disobedience. He emphasizes the importance of confession and taking responsibility for ou
C.H. Spurgeon Confession of Sin by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon on the 'Confession of Sin,' emphasizing its necessity for salvation and the different types of confessions found in Scripture. He illustrat
Erlo Stegen True Confession of Sin by Erlo Stegen Erlo Stegen emphasizes the necessity of true confession of sin, illustrating through six biblical examples that mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing is insufficient for forgiveness. H
Chuck Smith Exodus 9:27 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith discusses the theme of confession of sin, illustrating various types of confessions from the Bible, including the terror-driven confession of Pharaoh, the insincere con
R. Edward Miller Audio Sermon: No Tears by R. Edward Miller This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing God to break through our emotional barriers, encouraging the expression of genuine emotions before God. It highlights the signific
Tim Conway Deliberate Holiness by Tim Conway This sermon focuses on Psalms 119:57 where David declares, 'The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words.' The speaker emphasizes the importance of deliberate holiness, bei
Thomas a Kempis Confessing Our Weakness in the Miseries of Life by Thomas a Kempis Thomas a Kempis reflects on the struggles of a disciple who confesses his weaknesses, battles temptations, and laments the constant conflicts between the flesh and the spirit. He q

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