Old Testament
Joshua 7:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In the morning, you will come forward tribe by tribe. The tribe the LORD chooses will come forward family by family. The family the LORD chooses will come forward household by household. The household the LORD chooses will come forward man by man.
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In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.
What Joshua 7:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites on how to identify the person responsible for sinning against Him. The process involves a systematic approach where the tribes are called forward one by one. First, the entire nation is divided into tribes, then each tribe is further divided into families, and finally, each family is broken down into households and individual men. This methodical selection emphasizes the seriousness of the sin and the need for accountability. It shows that God is involved in the process of revealing the guilty party, ensuring that justice is served. The verse highlights the importance of communal responsibility and the consequences of individual actions within a community. It also reflects God's desire for purity among His people, as sin can affect the entire nation. This passage sets the stage for the eventual discovery of Achan's sin, which had dire consequences for Israel.
How to apply Joshua 7:14 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of accountability in our communities. Just as the Israelites were called to confront sin collectively, we too should support one another in maintaining integrity and righteousness. It encourages us to address wrongdoing openly and seek God's guidance in resolving conflicts.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:1–26)
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Joshua
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Joshua 7:14
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 7:14 mean?
Joshua 7:14 describes God's method for identifying the individual responsible for sin among the Israelites. It outlines a step-by-step process where tribes, families, and households are called forward until the guilty person is revealed.
What is the meaning of accountability in Joshua 7:14?
In Joshua 7:14, accountability refers to the collective responsibility of the Israelites to confront sin within their community. The verse emphasizes that individual actions can impact the entire group, highlighting the need for communal integrity.
How does Joshua 7:14 relate to community responsibility?
Joshua 7:14 illustrates community responsibility by showing that the Israelites must work together to address sin. The process of calling forward tribes and families highlights that each person's actions affect the whole community.
What themes are present in Joshua 7:14?
Key themes in Joshua 7:14 include divine justice, accountability, community responsibility, and the consequences of sin. The verse underscores God's desire for purity among His people and the importance of addressing wrongdoing.
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