Old Testament
Joshua 7:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan, the son of Zerah, along with the silver, the robe, the gold wedge, his sons, his daughters, his cattle, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and everything he owned, and brought them to the Valley of Achor.
Compare translations
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.
What Joshua 7:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua and the Israelites confront Achan, who had disobeyed God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho. The items included silver, a robe, and a gold wedge, along with Achan's family and possessions. This act of disobedience led to Israel's defeat in battle, highlighting the seriousness of sin and its consequences. The Valley of Achor, where they brought Achan and his belongings, symbolizes trouble and judgment. This moment serves as a reminder that individual actions can affect the entire community, and it emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. The gathering of Achan's family and possessions illustrates the gravity of his sin and the need for accountability. Ultimately, this passage underscores the theme of divine justice and the necessity of addressing sin within the community to restore favor with God.
How to apply Joshua 7:24 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of accountability in our actions. Just as Achan's sin affected the entire community, our choices can impact those around us. We should strive to live in obedience to God's commands and support one another in maintaining integrity.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:1–26)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 7:24
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 7:24
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 7:24 mean?
Joshua 7:24 describes the moment when Joshua and the Israelites confront Achan for taking forbidden items from Jericho. It highlights the consequences of Achan's disobedience, which affected the entire community, and emphasizes the importance of accountability and obedience to God's commands.
What is the significance of the Valley of Achor in Joshua 7:24?
The Valley of Achor symbolizes trouble and judgment in Joshua 7:24. It is where Achan and his possessions were brought as a consequence of his sin, serving as a reminder of the seriousness of disobedience and the need for communal accountability.
What items did Achan take according to Joshua 7:24?
In Joshua 7:24, Achan took silver, a robe, and a gold wedge from Jericho, along with his family and possessions. This act of theft led to severe consequences for both Achan and the Israelite community.
How does Joshua 7:24 relate to the theme of community accountability?
Joshua 7:24 illustrates that Achan's individual sin had repercussions for the entire Israelite community. It emphasizes that personal actions can impact others, highlighting the need for accountability and collective responsibility in maintaining obedience to God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.