Joshua 7:17
Joshua 7:17 in Multiple Translations
He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the clan of the Zerahites was selected. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward, and the family of Zabdi was selected.
And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:
and he brought near the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zerahites: and he brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:
Then he made Judah come forward, and the family of the Zerahites was taken; and he made the family of the Zerahites come forward man by man; and Zabdi was taken;
The tribe of Judah was chosen. The clans of Judah came forward and the Zerahites were chosen. The clan of Zerahites came forward, and the family of Zabdi was chosen.
And he brought the families of Iudah, and tooke the familie of the Zarhites, and he brought the familie of the Zarhites, man by man, and Zabdi was taken.
and he bringeth near the family of Judah, and he captureth the family of the Zarhite; and he bringeth near the family of the Zarhite by men, and Zabdi is captured;
He brought near the family of Judah, and he selected the family of the Zerahites. He brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man, and Zabdi was selected.
And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:
Which being brought by its families, it was found to be the family of Zare. Bringing that also by the houses, he found it to be Zabdi.
Then the clans of Judah presented themselves, and Yahweh indicated that someone from the clan of Zerah was the guilty one. Then the families of Zerah’s clan presented themselves, and Yahweh indicated that someone from the family of Zabdi was the guilty one.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 7:17
BAB
Word Study
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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 7:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּקְרֵב֙
אֶת
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
יְהוּדָ֔ה
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֕ד
אֵ֖ת
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
הַ/זַּרְחִ֑י
וַ/יַּקְרֵ֞ב
אֶת
מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת
הַ/זַּרְחִי֙
לַ/גְּבָרִ֔ים
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד
זַבְדִּֽי
וַ/יַּקְרֵב֙
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fs
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֕ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fs
הַ/זַּרְחִ֑י
Zarchîy
H2227
Zerahite
Art | Ngmsa
וַ/יַּקְרֵ֞ב
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fs
הַ/זַּרְחִי֙
Zarchîy
H2227
Zerahite
Art | Ngmsa
לַ/גְּבָרִ֔ים
geber
H1397
great man
Prep | N-mp
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
זַבְדִּֽי
Zabdîy
H2067
Zabdi
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 7:17
וַ/יַּקְרֵב֙
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
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.
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fs
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֕ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
אֵ֖ת
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.
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fs
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
הַ/זַּרְחִ֑י
Zarchîy
H2227
"Zerahite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Zerahite is a descendant of Zerach, a man from the tribe of Simeon. The Zerahites are mentioned in the Bible as a family group. In the KJV, they're referred to as 'Zarchites'.
Definition: Someone descended from Zerah who was a man of the tribe of Simeon living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; son of: Simeon (H8095); brother of: Jemuel (H3223), Jamin (H3226), Ohad (H0161), Jachin (H3199) and Shaul (H7586H); also called Zerah at Num.26.13,20; 2x27.11,13; Group of ze.rach (זֶ֫רַח "Zerah" H2226L) § Zarhites , of Zerah descendants of Zerah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Zarchite. See also: Numbers 26:13; Joshua 7:17; 1 Chronicles 27:13.
וַ/יַּקְרֵ֞ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
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.
מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fs
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
הַ/זַּרְחִי֙
Zarchîy
H2227
"Zerahite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Zerahite is a descendant of Zerach, a man from the tribe of Simeon. The Zerahites are mentioned in the Bible as a family group. In the KJV, they're referred to as 'Zarchites'.
Definition: Someone descended from Zerah who was a man of the tribe of Simeon living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; son of: Simeon (H8095); brother of: Jemuel (H3223), Jamin (H3226), Ohad (H0161), Jachin (H3199) and Shaul (H7586H); also called Zerah at Num.26.13,20; 2x27.11,13; Group of ze.rach (זֶ֫רַח "Zerah" H2226L) § Zarhites , of Zerah descendants of Zerah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Zarchite. See also: Numbers 26:13; Joshua 7:17; 1 Chronicles 27:13.
לַ/גְּבָרִ֔ים
geber
H1397
"great man"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֖ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
זַבְדִּֽי
Zabdîy
H2067
"Zabdi"
N-proper
Zabdi means endowment, the name of four Israelites, including a Levite and an officer of King David. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and Nehemiah. Zabdi lived during the time of Exile and Return.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.15; son of: Asaph (H0623I); father of: Mica (H4316); also called Zabdi at Neh.11.17; Another name of zikh.ri (זִכְרִי "Zichri" H2147K) § Zabdi = "endowment" 1) son of Zerah and grandson of Judah; grandfather of Achan 2) one of the sons of Shimhi, a Benjamite 3) an officer of David, in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine-cellars 4) son of Asaph the minstrel; also called 'Zaccur' and 'Zichri'
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Zabdi. See also: Joshua 7:1; 1 Chronicles 8:19; Nehemiah 11:17.
Study Notes — Joshua 7:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 7:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
Context — The Sin of Achan
15The one who is caught with the things devoted to destruction must be burned, along with all that belongs to him, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrage in Israel.’”
16So Joshua arose early the next morning and had Israel come forward tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was selected.
17He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the clan of the Zerahites was selected. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward, and the family of Zabdi was selected.
18And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. 19So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 26:20 | These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 2:4–7 | Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, bore to him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara —five in all. The son of Carmi: Achar, who brought trouble upon Israel by violating the ban on devoted things. |
| 3 | Genesis 38:30 | Then his brother came out with the scarlet thread around his wrist, and he was named Zerah. |
Joshua 7:17 Summary
[Joshua 7:17 shows us that when God is searching for sin, He will narrow it down until the source is found. This process can be uncomfortable, but it's necessary for restoration and healing. As seen in Psalm 139:23-24, God desires to search our hearts and minds, and He calls us to surrender to His will. By surrendering to God's search, we can experience forgiveness and cleansing, as promised in 1 John 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua have the clans of Judah come forward in Joshua 7:17?
Joshua had the clans of Judah come forward because the LORD had identified Judah as the tribe that had disobeyed His command, as seen in Joshua 7:16, and he was following God's lead to find the one responsible for the sin, as instructed in Deuteronomy 29:24-25.
What is the significance of the clan of the Zerahites being selected in this verse?
The selection of the clan of the Zerahites is significant because it narrows down the search for the one who has sinned against God, and it ultimately leads to the identification of Achan, who had taken things devoted to destruction, as seen in Joshua 7:18-19 and Joshua 6:18-19.
How does this process of selection relate to the concept of corporate responsibility in the Bible?
The process of selection in Joshua 7:17 illustrates the concept of corporate responsibility, where the actions of one individual can affect the entire community, as seen in Joshua 7:1 and 1 Corinthians 12:26, and it highlights the importance of accountability and repentance.
What can we learn from Joshua's methodical approach to finding the source of Israel's sin?
Joshua's methodical approach teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His lead in times of uncertainty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:12-13, and it demonstrates the value of patience and diligence in seeking to please God.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God is searching for sin in my life, and what are the consequences of hiding or denying it?
- In what ways can my individual actions affect the community around me, and how can I be more mindful of this responsibility?
- What role does accountability play in my walk with God, and how can I cultivate a spirit of humility and repentance?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance, as seen in Joshua 7:17, to my daily decisions and challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:17
And he brought the family of Judah,.... That is, the tribe of Judah, as Kimchi and Ben Melech interpret it, (z); or rather, the several families in that tribe, even the heads of them: and he took the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:17
And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
The family of Judah; either, 1. The tribe or people, as the word family sometimes signifies, as , compared with . Or, 2. The families, as , the singular number for the plural, the chief of each of their five families, ,21. Man by man; not every individual person, as is evident from , but every head of the several houses or lesser families of that greater family of the Zarhites, of which see .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
Joshua 7:17 And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:Ver. 17. And Zabdi was taken.] Yet all this while Achan repenteth not, confesseth not his fault. The devil had gagged him, and his heart was hardened by the deceitfulness of that cursed sin of covetousness, the property whereof is first to turn men’ s hearts into earth and mud, and afterwards to freeze and congeal them into steel and adamant.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
(14-18) In the morning therefore ye shall be brought.—That is, brought near, or presented. The word used here, and throughout the passage, is the same that is commonly used for the presentation of an offering.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
Verse 17. And he brought the family of Judah] Dr. Kennicott observes, "All Israel came near by TRIBES, and one tribe was fixed on; then that tribe came by its FAMILIES, and one family was fixed on; then came that family by its HOUSEHOLDS, and one household was fixed on, and then that household, coming MAN by MAN, one man was fixed on. Yet according to the present text, in the execution of this command, all Israel came, and the tribe of Judah was fixed on; secondly came the families of Judah, and the family of the Zarhites was fixed on; thirdly came the family of the Zarhites MAN by MAN, and Zabdi was fixed on; and fourthly came the household of Zabdi MAN by MAN, and Achan was fixed on. So that in the third article the word for by households is most certainly left out; and the fourth article, man by man, is improperly expressed twice. Instead of לגברים laggebarim, MAN by MAN, in Joshua 7:17, the true word לבתים labbottim, by HOUSEHOLDS, is preserved in six Hebrew copies, and the Syriac version. By this method was discovered Achan, as he is here five times called, though the valley in which he was stoned is called Achor. He is also called Achar in the text, and in all the versions, in 1 Chronicles 2:7. He is called Achar in the five places of Joshua in the Syrian version; also in all five in the Greek of the Vatican MS., and twice in the Alexandrian MS., and so in Josephus." - Kennicott's Observat.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:17
17. The family of Judah — Some codices read families of Judah, but the singular is to be preferred. The meaning is the tribe, or collective family.