### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʻÂkân**, represented by `{{H5912}}`, is defined as **troublesome**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, exclusively in the book of Joshua. The name belongs to an Israelite from the tribe of Judah whose actions brought disaster upon the entire nation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʻÂkân** `{{H5912}}` is introduced as the man who **committed** `{{H4603}}` a **trespass** `{{H4604}}` by taking the **accursed thing** `{{H2764}}` after Israel's victory at Jericho. This single act **kindled** `{{H2734}}` the **anger** `{{H639}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` against all the children of Israel [[Joshua 7:1]]. When his sin was discovered, **Joshua** `{{H3091}}` commanded him, "tell me now what thou hast done; **hide** `{{H3582}}` it not from me" [[Joshua 7:19]]. **ʻÂkân** `{{H5912}}` then **answered** `{{H6030}}` and confessed, "Indeed I have **sinned** `{{H2398}}` against the LORD God of Israel" [[Joshua 7:20]]. For his crime, Joshua **took** `{{H3947}}` **ʻÂkân** `{{H5912}}`, his family, and all his possessions to be judged [[Joshua 7:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the gravity of Achan's story:
* `{{H4603}}` **mâʻal** (to act covertly, i.e. treacherously; transgress, (commit, do a) trespass(-ing)): This verb describes the specific sin Achan committed. His story is framed by the declaration that Israel **committed** `{{H4603}}` a trespass [[Joshua 7:1]].
* `{{H2764}}` **chêrem** (a doomed object; abstractly extermination; (ac-) curse(-d, -d thing), dedicated thing): This noun identifies the forbidden items Achan took. His transgression was specifically against the command concerning the **accursed thing** `{{H2764}}`, which brought judgment on the nation [[Joshua 22:20]].
* `{{H7110}}` **qetseph** (rage or strife; indignation, sore, wrath): This word describes the divine judgment that resulted from Achan's sin, as **wrath** `{{H7110}}` fell upon the entire congregation of Israel because of his actions [[Joshua 22:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of **ʻÂkân's** `{{H5912}}` actions is profound.
* **Corporate Sin:** Achan's individual act had national consequences. Though one man committed the **trespass** `{{H4604}}`, **wrath** `{{H7110}}` **fell** `{{H1961}}` on "all the congregation of Israel" [[Joshua 22:20]], and the Lord's **anger** `{{H639}}` was kindled against the entire nation [[Joshua 7:1]].
* **The Consequence of Disobedience:** The narrative demonstrates that violating a direct command from the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` carries severe consequences. Achan's sin led to his death, and it is explicitly stated that he did not **perish** `{{H1478}}` alone in his **iniquity** `{{H5771}}` [[Joshua 22:20]].
* **Accountability Before God:** Joshua urged **ʻÂkân** `{{H5912}}` to give **glory** `{{H3519}}` to **God** `{{H430}}` and make **confession** `{{H8426}}` [[Joshua 7:19]]. This highlights the principle that sin must be brought to light and acknowledged, even though judgment may still follow.
### Summary
In summary, **ʻÂkân** `{{H5912}}` is far more than a historical figure; he is a biblical archetype for the devastating effects of sin. His story, revolving around his **trespass** `{{H4604}}` involving the **accursed thing** `{{H2764}}`, serves as a stark warning about disobedience. The account powerfully illustrates that the sin of an individual can bring divine **wrath** `{{H7110}}` upon an entire community, underscoring the interconnectedness of God's people and the seriousness of every transgression.
TRV