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.

JOSHUA 7:19KJV
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Joshua 7:19 (KJV)

What does Joshua 7:19 mean?

Joshua 7:19 shows Joshua urging Achan to admit his wrongdoing honestly and openly before God and the people of Israel. Joshua asks Achan to give glory to the LORD by confessing what he has done and not hiding anything.

In this verse, Joshua is speaking directly to Achan after Israel's defeat at Ai, which was caused by someone breaking God's command. Joshua calls Achan "my son," a term of compassion, and asks him to honor God (the LORD, or יְהוָה, YHWH) by telling the truth. The verse highlights the importance of confession and honesty in restoring the relationship between the people and God.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 7:19

  • "Glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word often means honor or weightiness. Joshua is asking Achan to give proper honor to God by being truthful, not by hiding his sin.
  • "Confession" (תוֹדָה, todah): This word can mean an admission or acknowledgment, especially of wrongdoing. Here, it stresses that admitting fault is a way to honor God.
  • "Hide" (כָּחַד, kachad): Joshua tells Achan not to conceal anything, emphasizing that nothing should be kept secret from God or the community.

Why Joshua 7:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that confession is not just about admitting guilt, but about honoring God by being truthful, even when it is difficult.
  • Joshua’s approach shows both firmness and compassion, calling Achan "my son" while demanding honesty, which highlights the seriousness of the situation and the value of truth in the community.
  • The verse connects to the broader story by showing how hidden sin affects the whole community and how restoration begins with honest confession.

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 7:24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.

“confession” Hebrew H8426 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Nehemiah 12:38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
  • Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“hide” Hebrew H3582 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 47:18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
  • Job 4:7 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?
  • Psalms 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.