Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.

JOSHUA 22:20KJV
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Joshua 22:20 (KJV)

What does Joshua 22:20 mean?

Joshua 22:20 reminds the Israelites that when Achan, the son of Zerah, sinned by taking things that were under a curse, God's anger affected the entire community, not just Achan himself. The verse points out that Achan did not die alone for his wrongdoing; others suffered consequences because of his actions.

In this verse, Joshua is speaking to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, warning them about the serious impact of unfaithfulness to God. He uses the story of Achan from earlier in Israel’s history to show that one person's sin can bring trouble on many, emphasizing the shared responsibility and consequences within the community.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 22:20

  • "trespass" (מָעַל, ma‘al): This word means to act unfaithfully or to break trust, especially in a way that violates a sacred agreement. Joshua uses it to highlight the seriousness of Achan’s disobedience.
  • "the accursed thing" (חֵרֶם, ḥerem): This refers to items that were devoted to destruction or set apart for God, not to be taken for personal use. Taking from the ḥerem was a direct violation of God’s command.
  • "wrath" (קֶצֶף, qeṣep̄): This word describes a sudden outburst of anger, especially God’s anger in response to disobedience. The verse stresses that God’s wrath was not limited to the individual but affected the whole congregation.
  • "perished" (גָּוַע, gāva‘): This word means to die or be destroyed. The verse notes that Achan’s death was not isolated—his sin led to the suffering and loss of others as well.

Why Joshua 22:20 matters

  • Joshua 22:20 clarifies that in Israel’s community, individual actions could have far-reaching effects, challenging the idea that sin is only a private matter.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of violating what God has set apart, showing that unfaithfulness can endanger the whole group, not just the person who sinned.
  • By recalling Achan’s story, Joshua warns the eastern tribes not to repeat past mistakes, connecting their current choices to the lessons learned from Israel’s earlier failures.

Where else these words appear

“Achan” Hebrew H5912 · used in 6 verses

  • Joshua 7:1 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.
  • Joshua 7:18 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.
  • 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:

“Zerah” Hebrew H2226 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 36:13 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
  • Numbers 26:20 And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:6 And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.

“perished” Hebrew H1478 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
  • Numbers 17:13 Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
  • Job 27:5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.

“trespass” Hebrew H4604 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 5:15 If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering:
  • Joshua 22:22 The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD,(save us not this day,)
  • Ezra 9:4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.