Joshua 7:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Achan {H5912} answered {H6030} Joshua {H3091}, and said {H559}, Indeed {H546} I have sinned {H2398} against the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, and thus and thus have I done {H6213}:

Complete Jewish Bible

'Akhan answered Y'hoshua, "It is true: I have sinned against ADONAI, the God of Isra'el. Here is exactly what I did:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 7:20 captures the pivotal moment of Achan's confession, where he admits his transgression to Joshua after being divinely identified as the singular cause of Israel's humiliating defeat at Ai. This verse serves as the direct, albeit compelled, acknowledgement of the profound sin that had brought God's judgment upon the community, revealing the hidden disobedience that had defiled the camp and disrupted Israel's covenant relationship with the LORD, thereby paving the way for the restoration of divine favor and military success.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 7:20 stands as the dramatic climax of a narrative arc that begins immediately after Israel's triumphant, divinely orchestrated victory at Jericho. While [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") highlights God's power and Israel's corporate obedience, [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat") abruptly shifts to a devastating and unexpected defeat at Ai. This reversal prompts Joshua's desperate lament and inquiry to God, who reveals that "Israel has sinned" by taking some of the "devoted things" (Hebrew: _ḥerem_) from Jericho, thus incurring divine wrath ([Joshua 7:10-12](/joshua/7-10-12 "Joshua 7:10-12 - God Reveals Israel's Sin and Its Consequences")). The subsequent, meticulous process of elimination by lot—moving from tribe to clan, family, and finally individual—divinely narrows down the culprit to Achan ([Joshua 7:16-18](/joshua/7-16-18 "Joshua 7:16-18 - Achan Identified by Divine Lot")). Achan's confession in verse 20, therefore, is the direct and necessary response to Joshua's solemn command to him to "give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make confession to him" ([Joshua 7:19](/joshua/7-19 "Joshua 7:19 - Joshua's Exhortation to Achan")), providing the crucial explanation for Israel's recent suffering and setting the immediate stage for the swift execution of justice and the cleansing of the camp.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Joshua 7 unfold during Israel's conquest of Canaan, a period uniquely characterized by divine commands for total devotion and absolute separation from the idolatrous practices and material possessions of the pagan inhabitants. Central to this conquest was the concept of _ḥerem_, or "devoted things," which stipulated that certain spoils from conquered cities were to be utterly destroyed or consecrated exclusively to God. This command underscored God's absolute sovereignty, Israel's complete reliance on Him, and the purity required for His presence among them. Taking _ḥerem_ for personal gain was not merely an act of theft but a profound act of sacrilege, a direct violation of God's covenant, and a grave affront to His holiness. Such an act was understood to bring a corporate curse upon the entire community, as explicitly warned in [Deuteronomy 7:26](/deuteronomy/7-26 "Deuteronomy 7:26 - The Curse of Devoted Things"). Achan's actions, therefore, were perceived as a corporate defilement, requiring a corporate response to cleanse the camp and restore God's favor and blessing. The method of identifying the transgressor through the casting of lots was a recognized and legitimate divine means of revelation in ancient Israel, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and God's direct involvement in uncovering hidden sin.

* **Key Themes:** This pivotal moment in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat") powerfully illuminates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it starkly highlights the **gravity of disobedience** and the far-reaching **corporate consequences of individual sin**. Achan's private act of covetousness, detailed in [Joshua 7:21](/joshua/7-21 "Joshua 7:21 - Achan's Confession of Taken Items"), brought divine judgment upon the entire nation, resulting in military defeat and the tragic loss of thirty-six Israelite lives. Secondly, the narrative unequivocally underscores **God's absolute holiness and unwavering justice**. The LORD's intolerance for sin among His covenant people is vividly displayed; He demands that sin be exposed and dealt with decisively before His blessing and presence can be fully restored. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God is "of purer eyes than to see evil" ([Habakkuk 1:13](/habakkuk/1-13 "Habakkuk 1:13 - God's Purity")). Finally, the passage profoundly explores the **nature of confession**. Achan's confession, though compelled by divine exposure, acknowledges the offense as being "against the LORD God of Israel," emphasizing the fundamental truth that all sin, ultimately, is an offense against a holy God and a breach of one's covenant relationship with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinned (Hebrew, חָטָא, _ḥāṭāʼ_):** This primitive root literally means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to go astray from a prescribed standard." In a theological context, as used by Achan, it signifies a deviation from God's revealed will or command, particularly the explicit prohibition regarding the _ḥerem_ from Jericho. Achan's use of this word acknowledges that his action was not merely a mistake or a social transgression, but a direct and culpable violation of a divine prohibition. It carries the full weight of moral culpability and indicates a profound breach of the covenant relationship with God, signifying a failure to meet God's righteous and holy standard.
* **LORD God of Israel (Hebrew, יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהִים יִשְׂרָאֵל, _Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym Yisrâʼêl_):** This composite divine title is profoundly significant in Achan's confession. "LORD" (YHWH) refers to the covenant God, the personal, holy, and faithful God who revealed Himself uniquely to Israel and entered into covenant with them. "God" (_ʼĕlôhîym_) is the more general term for deity, emphasizing His supreme power, authority, and sovereignty over all creation. "of Israel" explicitly ties Him to the chosen nation, highlighting His unique and intimate relationship with them as their deliverer, protector, and lawgiver. By confessing his sin "against the LORD God of Israel," Achan acknowledges that his transgression was not merely against Joshua, the community, or human law, but a direct and personal offense against the very God who had delivered Israel from bondage and established a sacred covenant with them. This underscores the profound theological truth that all sin, regardless of its immediate target, is ultimately an offense against a holy God ([Psalm 51:4](/psalm/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - Against You Only Have I Sinned")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Achan answered Joshua, and said,"**: This opening clause sets the immediate scene for the confession. Achan's response is not a spontaneous act of remorse but occurs after a meticulous, divinely guided process of elimination and Joshua's direct, solemn confrontation and exhortation to "give glory to the LORD" ([Joshua 7:19](/joshua/7-19 "Joshua 7:19 - Joshua's Exhortation to Achan")). It marks the inescapable end of his concealment and the beginning of compelled truth-telling, highlighting the futility of hiding sin from divine knowledge and the inescapable nature of God's exposure.
* **"Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel,"**: This is the profound core of Achan's confession. The emphatic adverb "Indeed" (Hebrew: _ʼomnâh_, H546) reinforces the truthfulness and certainty of his admission, leaving no room for doubt or evasion. Crucially, Achan identifies the ultimate party offended: "the LORD God of Israel." This demonstrates an understanding, however belated or coerced, that his private act of covetousness and theft was not just a breach of community rules or a military blunder, but a direct and grievous affront to the holy, covenant-keeping God who had commanded strict adherence to the _ḥerem_ as a test of faith and obedience.
* **"and thus and thus have I done:"**: This concluding phrase, often rendered as "this is what I have done" or "this is how I did it," serves as an immediate follow-up to the general confession of sin. It signals Achan's readiness to detail the specific nature and extent of his transgression, which he proceeds to do in the very next verse ([Joshua 7:21](/joshua/7-21 "Joshua 7:21 - Achan's Detailed Confession")), describing the specific Babylonish garment, silver, and gold he took and buried. The repetition ("thus and thus") is a common Hebrew idiom indicating "as follows" or "in this manner," effectively setting the stage for the detailed account of his deliberate and specific actions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 7:20 is **Confession**. This verse marks the explicit admission of guilt by Achan, serving as the narrative turning point from the divine investigation and identification of sin to its subsequent resolution and judgment. It provides the crucial missing piece of information, explaining the reason for Israel's defeat at Ai and validating God's earlier revelation to Joshua. The confession, though compelled by divine exposure, powerfully highlights the inescapable nature of divine justice and the ultimate futility of attempting to hide sin from God. There is also an element of **Irony** present, as Achan's desperate attempt to secretly bury his ill-gotten gains ([Joshua 7:21](/joshua/7-21 "Joshua 7:21 - Achan's Secret Cache")) is brought into the full light of public scrutiny and divine revelation. The phrase "thus and thus have I done" can be seen as a form of **Repetition** or a common Hebrew idiom, which in this context emphasizes the deliberate and specific nature of his actions, setting the stage for the detailed account that immediately follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Achan's confession in Joshua 7:20 serves as a stark and enduring reminder of the pervasive and devastating nature of sin, particularly within a covenant community. It underscores the profound theological truth that sin is never truly private; even a hidden transgression can have far-reaching corporate consequences, disrupting God's blessing and bringing judgment upon the collective. This narrative powerfully illustrates God's absolute holiness, His unwavering justice, and His non-negotiable demand for purity among His people. For God to dwell among Israel and actively fight on their behalf, the "accursed thing" (the _ḥerem_) had to be exposed and removed. Achan's confession, though compelled by the weight of divine revelation, was a necessary step in acknowledging the offense against God Himself, paving the way for the restoration of the covenant relationship and God's favor upon Israel, allowing them to resume their mission of conquest.

* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Consequences of Hiding Sin")
* [Numbers 16:20-35](/numbers/16-20-35 "Numbers 16:20-35 - The Judgment of Korah's Rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Achan's confession serves as a timeless mirror for believers today, compelling us to examine the hidden corners of our own hearts and lives. His story vividly demonstrates that sin, even when seemingly private or concealed, has far-reaching consequences, not only for the individual but potentially for the wider community of faith. It challenges us to recognize that our actions, whether in obedience or disobedience, contribute significantly to the spiritual health and vitality of the body of Christ. Just as God demanded holiness from ancient Israel for His presence to remain and His blessing to flow, He calls His New Covenant people to live lives separated from sin, actively putting away "accursed things"—whether covetousness, deceit, idolatry, or any form of disobedience—that hinder His work and grieve His Holy Spirit. True spiritual health, corporate blessing, and effective ministry are predicated on individual integrity and a humble willingness to confess and repent when we fall short. This narrative reminds us that God sees all, and His desire is for transparency, purity, and genuine repentance, leading to true restoration and renewed fellowship with Him and with one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be harboring "accursed things" or hidden sins that could be hindering God's blessing in my life or in my community?**
* **How does Achan's story challenge my understanding of the corporate impact of individual sin within the church today, and what is my responsibility in maintaining the purity of the body of Christ?**
* **What does Achan's compelled confession teach me about the nature of true confession, both to God and, where appropriate, to those I have wronged?**

### FAQ
**Was Achan's confession genuine repentance, or merely an admission under duress?**

Answer: While Achan's confession in [Joshua 7:20](/joshua/7-20 "Joshua 7:20 - Achan's Confession") is direct and acknowledges his sin "against the LORD God of Israel," the text does not explicitly state that it was accompanied by genuine repentance in the sense of a change of heart leading to a transformed life. His confession occurs only after he has been divinely identified through the casting of lots and directly confronted by Joshua, suggesting it was an admission made under duress and the undeniable weight of exposure, rather than a spontaneous act of remorse driven by godly sorrow. True biblical repentance involves not just acknowledging sin but also a turning away from it and a turning toward God in faith and obedience ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repentance for the Forgiveness of Sins")). The narrative primarily focuses on the necessary exposure and removal of sin from the camp to restore God's favor and presence, rather than on Achan's personal spiritual state beyond his admission of guilt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Achan's story, with its stark portrayal of corporate judgment for individual sin, finds its ultimate resolution and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Achan's transgression brought a curse upon Israel, necessitating his death and the removal of the accursed things to cleanse the camp and restore God's presence and blessing. This Old Testament event powerfully foreshadows the profound truth that humanity's sin brought a universal curse upon all creation, and that a perfect, unblemished sacrifice was needed to remove it. Jesus, the true and obedient Israelite, uniquely bore the corporate sin of humanity, becoming the "accursed thing" for us on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). He, unlike Achan, was perfectly innocent and without sin, yet He willingly took upon Himself the judgment and curse due to our disobedience, so that we might be reconciled to God and receive His blessing. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ cleanses His people, not by removing individuals from the camp through judgment, but by drawing them into Himself, making them part of a new covenant community where sin is not merely exposed but fully forgiven, and God's Spirit dwells without hindrance ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Cleansing Blood")). Thus, Achan's compelled confession under judgment points forward to the glorious truth that in Christ, we find not just the exposure of sin, but its ultimate defeat, and the provision of true, lasting cleansing, and eternal restoration.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 38:18

For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

1 Samuel 15:30

Then he said, I have sinned: [yet] honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.

Matthew 27:4

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What [is that] to us? see thou [to that].

Exodus 10:16

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.

1 Samuel 15:24

¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Job 33:27

He looketh upon men, and [if any] say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not;

Job 7:20

I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?