Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Joshua, Chapter 7יהושע 7

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Joshua 7 turns from conquest to crisis: Achan's secret theft from Jericho's ban brings defeat at Ai, exposing Israel's fate as bound to corporate holiness, not military strength. Lament, diagnosis, ordeal, confession, and judgment at the Valley of Achor dramatize how one hidden sin implicates and nearly unravels the covenant community.

Translation & textual notes

The MT of Joshua 7 is textually stable, with no major variants affecting sense, but two name-spellings reward attention. Achan is spelled עָכָן throughout this chapter, while 1 Chronicles 2:7 (and many LXX witnesses, which read Achar) spell the same figure עָכָר — almost certainly a deliberate or scribal assimilation to the root עכר 'to trouble' that the chapter itself exploits in its wordplay (v. 25, 'you have troubled us'; v. 26, 'Valley of Achor'). Whether Achan or Achar is original is unrecoverable, but the assonance was clearly felt as meaningful early in the transmission history. V. 21 preserves a rare Ketiv-Qere doublet on the verb 'and I saw' (consonantal ואראה beside pointed וָאֵרֶא), where the Masoretes wrote out both forms rather than silently correcting — an unusual scribal choice, though not sense-altering. The place name 'Beth-aven' (v. 2) shares OSHB's Strong's tagging (H1007, 'house') across both elements of the toponym, a scaffold quirk rather than a text-critical issue. No LXX pluses/minuses of substance affect this chapter's narrative, though LXX's 'Achar' throughout (matching Chronicles) shows the wordplay-driven spelling already competed with an alternate tradition by the time of the Greek translation. The genealogy in v. 24 abbreviates Achan's ancestry to 'son of Zerah,' skipping Carmi and Zabdi given in full at vv. 1 and 18 — narrative compression, not a text-critical problem.

1

וַיִּמְעֲל֧וּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל מַ֖עַל בַּחֵ֑רֶם וַיִּקַּ֡ח עָכָ֣ן בֶּן כַּרְמִי֩ בֶן זַבְדִּ֨י בֶן זֶ֜רַח לְמַטֵּ֤ה יְהוּדָה֙ מִן הַחֵ֔רֶם וַיִּֽחַר אַ֥ף יְהוָ֖ה בִּבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

But the sons of Israel broke faith regarding the devoted things: Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things — and the anger of YHWH burned against the sons of Israel.

Disjunctive/asyndetic scene-openingasyndeton
Asyndeton (no vav before the fronted subject 'sons of Israel') signals a jarring reversal from ch. 6's triumph. The verse moves in three tight beats — corporate description (the breach), individual identification (Achan's four-generation genealogy), and divine reaction (YHWH's anger) — establishing before any plot event that the whole nation is already implicated in one man's secret theft.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיִּמְעֲל֧וּbroke faithQal wayyiqtol 3mp · מָעַל (H4603)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, ominous chapter-opening)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the decisive opening actמָעַל (H4603) 'to act unfaithfully, breach faith, commit sacrilege'; used of trespass against sancta/covenant; paired with its cognate noun מַעַל next (figura etymologica). Source id 06cbT.
בְנֵֽיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival) — subject, first memberבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural בְּנֵי 'sons of', the standard idiom for members of a people. Source id 06u2m.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing the construct chain — subjectיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), covenant name of the nation descended from Jacob; frames the chapter's theme of corporate solidarity. Source id 06mwg.
מַ֖עַלa breach of faithN m sg abs · מַעַל (H4604)Cognate/adverbial accusative of manner modifying וַיִּמְעֲלוּמַעַל (H4604) 'unfaithful act, sacrilege, trespass'; cognate to the verb מָעַל — the sin is literally 'they broke-faith a breach-of-faith', emphasizing its severity. Source id 06YcV.
בַּחֵ֑רֶםregarding the devoted thingsprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Prepositional phrase specifying the sphere of the trespassחֵרֶם (H2764) 'that which is banned/devoted to destruction', from חרם 'to devote irrevocably'; the plunder of Jericho placed under absolute prohibition (6:17-19) — the chapter's key term. Source id 06Yny.
וַיִּקַּ֡חand tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, names the culprit's act)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the concrete deed behind the abstract מַעַללָקַח (H3947) 'to take, seize'; the specific, culpable act that instantiates the general 'breach of faith' of v. 1a. Source id 06orY.
עָכָ֣ןAchanproper noun · עָכָן (H5912)Subject of וַיִּקַּחעָכָן (H5912), personal name; 1 Chr 2:7 spells it עָכָר ('Achar'), assimilating it to the root עכר 'to trouble' that the narrative itself exploits in v. 25 (עֲכַרְתָּנוּ) and the place-name עֵמֶק עָכוֹר. Source id 062jV.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, patronymic), apposition to Achanבֶּן, construct of בֵּן 'son'; opens the four-generation genealogy identifying Achan precisely. Source id 06w3o.
כַּרְמִי֩Carmiproper noun · כַּרְמִי (H3756)Genitive — father's nameכַּרְמִי (H3756), personal name, perhaps related to כֶּרֶם 'vineyard'. Source id 06qch.
בֶןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, patronymic)בֶּן construct of בֵּן 'son'; continues the genealogy to the grandfather. Source id 06VmY.
זַבְדִּ֨יZabdiproper noun · זַבְדִּי (H2067)Genitive — grandfather's nameזַבְדִּי (H2067) 'my gift', from זבד 'to give, endow'. Source id 06uLw.
בֶןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, patronymic)בֶּן construct of בֵּן 'son'; continues the genealogy to the great-grandfather. Source id 06eWY.
זֶ֜רַחZerahproper noun · זֶרַח (H2226)Genitive — clan-founder's nameזֶרַח (H2226) 'rising (of light)', son of Judah and Tamar (Gen 38:30); eponym of the Zerahite clan named in v. 17. Source id 06BaQ.
לְמַטֵּ֤הof the tribe ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Prepositional phrase — tribal affiliationמַטֶּה (H4294) 'staff, tribe'; a tribe pictured as a rod/staff of authority. Source id 0698x.
יְהוּדָה֙Judahproper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Genitive — tribe nameיְהוּדָה (H3063), the leading tribe; the irony that treachery erupts in Judah's own ranks, so soon after Jericho, sharpens the chapter's warning. Source id 06jFf.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase — partitive sourceמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; partitive — Achan took only some of the devoted things. Source id 06GR3.
הַחֵ֔רֶםthe devoted thingsart + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Object of preposition מִןחֵרֶם (H2764), see v. 1a; article makes it definite — the specific ban placed on Jericho's plunder. Source id 06qQN.
וַיִּֽחַרand burnedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, result/response clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — divine response follows the sin without delayחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be kindled'; idiom חָרָה אַף, lit. 'the nose burned' = 'anger was kindled'. Source id 06aee.
אַ֥ףthe anger (lit. nose) ofN m sg abs · אַף (H639)Subject of וַיִּחַראַף (H639) 'nose, nostril'; by extension 'anger' — flaring nostrils as the somatic sign of wrath; construct with יְהוָה. Source id 06CqB.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive — whose angerיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant Tetragrammaton, Israel's God. Source id 06UWF.
בִּבְנֵ֥יagainst the sons ofprep בְּ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional phrase — object of divine angerבְּ here bears hostile force, 'against'; construct בְּנֵי 'sons of' — the whole nation, not Achan alone, bears the anger; the chapter's theology of corporate solidarity. Source id 062Ha.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'sons of Israel'יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the verse closes with the same phrase that opened it (בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל), an inclusio framing v. 1 as a statement about the whole nation's guilt and jeopardy. Source id 06EnP.
2

וַיִּשְׁלַח֩ יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ אֲנָשִׁ֜ים מִֽירִיח֗וֹ הָעַ֞י אֲשֶׁ֨ר עִם בֵּ֥ית אָ֨וֶן֙ מִקֶּ֣דֶם לְבֵֽית אֵ֔ל וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר עֲל֖וּ וְרַגְּל֣וּ אֶת הָאָ֑רֶץ וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙ הָאֲנָשִׁ֔ים וַֽיְרַגְּל֖וּ אֶת הָעָֽי

Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, "Go up and spy out the land." So the men went up and spied out Ai.

Sequential narrative actionasyndeton
The chapter pivots at once from the theological verdict of v. 1 to routine military procedure. Joshua, unaware of Achan's theft, proceeds exactly as before Jericho (cf. 2:1) — the reader now knows what the commander does not, producing dramatic irony that will detonate in vv. 4-5.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
וַיִּשְׁלַח֩sentQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Joshua dispatches scouts exactly as before Jericho (2:1) — routine procedure, unaware of the hidden sin. Source id 06nb6.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלַחיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091) 'YHWH is salvation'; Moses' successor, commander of the conquest. Source id 06YMF.
אֲנָשִׁ֜יםmenN m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלַחאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural 'men' — scouts, cf. the two spies of ch. 2. Source id 06BAm.
מִֽירִיח֗וֹfrom Jerichoprep מִן + proper noun · יְרִיחוֹ (H3405)Prepositional phrase — point of departureיְרִיחוֹ (H3405), the just-conquered city, now Israel's staging base. Source id 06xLv.
הָעַ֞יAiart + proper noun · עַי (H5857)Adverbial accusative — destination of the reconnaissance, parallel to 'from Jericho'עַי (H5857) lit. 'the ruin/heap'; the article is inherent to the name's meaning, not a separately added definite article. Source id 06ENs.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker introducing the locating clause for Aiאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative particle 'who, which, that'. Source id 06f29.
עִםbesideprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase locating Ai relative to Beth-avenעִם (H5973) 'with, beside, near'. Source id 06nbb.
בֵּ֥יתBeth-proper noun (construct) · בַּיִת (H1007)First element of the place name בֵּית אָוֶן (construct chain)בַּיִת (H1007) 'house'; forms the toponym Beth-aven, 'House of Trouble/Idolatry', near Ai. Source id 063zy.
אָ֨וֶן֙-avenproper noun · אָוֶן (H1007, tagged with the toponym)Second element of the place name בֵּית אָוֶןאָוֶן ordinarily 'wickedness, trouble' (H205); here completes Beth-aven, east of Bethel near Ai (cf. 18:12) — a name that ironically anticipates the chapter's own 'trouble' (עכר) wordplay. Source id 06UBC.
מִקֶּ֣דֶםeast ofprep מִן + N m sg abs · קֶדֶם (H6924)Prepositional phrase locating Beth-aven relative to Bethelקֶדֶם (H6924) 'east, front, antiquity'; spatial 'east of' here. Source id 062Bp.
לְבֵֽיתBeth-prep לְ + proper noun (construct) · בַּיִת (H1008)First element of the place name בֵּית אֵל, object of preposition לְבַּיִת 'house'; forms Beth-el. Source id 06YVx.
אֵ֔ל-elproper noun · אֵל (H1008, tagged with the toponym)Second element of the place name בֵּית אֵלאֵל ordinarily 'God' (H410); completes Bethel 'House of God', the ancient sanctuary site of Gen 28:19. Source id 062iX.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, introduces speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard speech-introduction verb. Source id 06kav.
אֲלֵיהֶם֙to themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase — addressees of the commandאֶל (H413) 'to, toward' + 3mp suffix; refers to the men just commissioned. Source id 06enN.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingQal inf constr with לְ · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct marking direct discourse to follow→ Infinitive: introduces reported speech, non-finiteאָמַר (H559) infinitive construct with לְ, the standard Hebrew quotation formula. Source id 06vBq.
עֲל֖וּgo upQal impv 2mp · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional (imperative), main command of the direct speech→ Volitional: imperative commandעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up'; standard verb for approaching hill-country targets, recurring ominously through vv. 3-5 (the people go up, then flee). Source id 06xhr.
וְרַגְּל֣וּand spy outPiel impv 2mp · רָגַל (H7270)Volitional (imperative), coordinate with עֲלוּ→ Volitional: imperative command, Piel intensive of careful reconnaissanceרָגַל (H7270) Piel 'to spy out, reconnoiter' (denominative from רֶגֶל 'foot'); the same verb used of the Jericho spies in 2:1. Source id 0692H.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06xhx.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Direct object of וְרַגְּלוּאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the territory around Ai to be reconnoitered. Source id 06TLE.
וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙and went upQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, compliance)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the men obey immediatelyעָלָה (H5927), see above; the men's action mirrors Joshua's command verbatim. Source id 066mu.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיַּעֲלוּאִישׁ (H376), now definite, referring back to the men just commissioned. Source id 06zyy.
וַֽיְרַגְּל֖וּand spied outPiel wayyiqtol 3mp · רָגַל (H7270)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, compliance)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — thorough Piel reconnaissanceרָגַל (H7270) Piel, see above. Source id 06KhN.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06zbv.
הָעָֽיAiart + proper noun · עַי (H5857)Direct object of וַיְרַגְּלוּעַי (H5857), see above; the target city, closing the inclusio begun at the verse's start. Source id 06nXx.
3

וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָיו֮ אַל יַ֣עַל כָּל הָעָם֒ כְּאַלְפַּ֣יִם אִ֗ישׁ א֚וֹ כִּשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֣ים אִ֔ישׁ יַעֲל֖וּ וְיַכּ֣וּ אֶת הָעָ֑י אַל תְּיַגַּע שָׁ֨מָּה֙ אֶת כָּל הָעָ֔ם כִּ֥י מְעַ֖ט הֵֽמָּה

So they returned to Joshua and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up. Let about two thousand or about three thousand men go up and strike Ai; do not weary all the people there, for they are few."

Direct discourse — the scouts' report and recommendationasyndeton
The scouts' confident troop-arithmetic ('two or three thousand... they are few') is the chapter's tragic irony: they diagnose Ai's weakness in purely military terms, unaware that the real vulnerability is Israel's own, caused by hidden sin. Their well-meant advice to spare the people effort will instead cost thirty-six lives in the very next scene.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּand returnedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; the scouts return bearing their (fatally overconfident) assessment. Source id 06RhB.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase — goal of the returnאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'. Source id 06HmR.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 06XWV.
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, introduces speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'. Source id 06jR8.
אֵלָיו֮to himprep אֶל + 3ms suffix · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase — addresseeאֶל + 3ms suffix, referring to Joshua. Source id 067jg.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle governing the jussive יַעַלאַל (H408), negative particle used with jussive/volitive forms ('do not', as opposed to indicative לֹא). Source id 06m9m.
יַ֣עַלlet ... go upQal jussive 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional (negated jussive), main verb of the recommendation→ Volitional: jussive — the scouts' advice against mobilizing everyoneעָלָה (H5927), see v. 2; jussive expressing the scouts' recommendation. Source id 06aDj.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct — quantifier modifying הָעָםכֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole, every'. Source id 06oib.
הָעָם֒the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of יַעַל (genitive completing כָּל)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the whole nation encamped at Gilgal. Source id 06sBE.
כְּאַלְפַּ֣יִםabout two thousandprep כְּ + numeral (dual) · אֶלֶף (H505)Prepositional phrase of approximation, adverbial quantifier of אִישׁאֶלֶף (H505) 'thousand'; כְּ 'about, approximately' betrays the scouts' casual, unverified estimate. Source id 064BE.
אִ֗ישׁmenN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Noun of measure, distributive after the numeralאִישׁ (H376) 'man', used distributively after numerals. Source id 06t8g.
א֚וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Coordinating conjunction (disjunctive) linking the two troop estimatesאוֹ (H176) 'or'. Source id 06gsX.
כִּשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתabout threeprep כְּ + numeral constr · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Prepositional phrase of approximation, parallel to כְּאַלְפַּיִםשָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; כְּ again marks approximation. Source id 06yBx.
אֲלָפִ֣יםthousandnumeral (plural) · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral in construct relation with שְׁלֹשֶׁתאֶלֶף (H505), see above. Source id 06vE1.
אִ֔ישׁmenN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Noun of measureאִישׁ (H376), see above. Source id 06896.
יַעֲל֖וּlet ... go upQal jussive 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Volitional (jussive), the scouts' actual proposal→ Volitional: jussive — a positive recommendationעָלָה (H5927), see above. Source id 06Xy3.
וְיַכּ֣וּand let them strikeHiphil jussive 3mp · נָכָה (H5221)Volitional (jussive), coordinate with יַעֲלוּ→ Volitional: jussive, Hiphil causative 'strike down, defeat'נָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite, defeat'; standard verb for battle victory — bitterly ironic given the coming rout. Source id 06TH8.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 065Ve.
הָעָ֑יAiart + proper noun · עַי (H5857)Direct object of וְיַכּוּעַי (H5857), see v. 2. Source id 06t5T.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle governing the jussive תְּיַגַּעאַל (H408), see above. Source id 06ssX.
תְּיַגַּעwearyPiel jussive 2ms · יָגַע (H3021)Volitional (negated jussive/prohibition), addressed to Joshua→ Volitional: negated jussive — a prohibition/advice of economyיָגַע (H3021) Piel 'to weary, exhaust'; the scouts urge sparing effort — the chapter's central irony, since the true problem is hidden sin, not troop numbers. Source id 067TK.
שָׁ֨מָּה֙thereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial — locative complement of תְּיַגַּעשָׁם (H8033) 'there' + directional ה, 'to there, thither'; refers back to Ai. Source id 06wiu.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06gBQ.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct — quantifier modifying הָעָםכֹּל (H3605), see above. Source id 06gVx.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of תְּיַגַּע (genitive completing כָּל)עַם (H5971), see above. Source id 06Q1t.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the scouts' rationaleכִּי (H3588) 'for, because, that'; introduces the (fatally mistaken) justification. Source id 06pZm.
מְעַ֖טfewN/adj m sg abs · מְעַט (H4592)Predicate adjective — the scouts' verdict on Ai's strengthמְעַט (H4592) 'little, few'; the scouts' fatal miscalculation — they weigh troop numbers, not the nation's spiritual standing. Source id 06qGV.
הֵֽמָּהtheyindependent pronoun 3mp · הֵמָּה (H1992)Subject pronoun, emphatic, referring to the men of Aiהֵמָּה (H1992) independent 3mp pronoun 'they'; emphatic — 'they [are] few'. Source id 06TBs.
4

וַיַּעֲל֤וּ מִן הָעָם֙ שָׁ֔מָּה כִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים אִ֑ישׁ וַיָּנֻ֕סוּ לִפְנֵ֖י אַנְשֵׁ֥י הָעָֽי

So about three thousand men from the people went up there, but they fled before the men of Ai.

Sequential narrative action — the reversalasyndeton
The verse deploys exactly the smaller of the scouts' two estimates, then undercuts it in the same breath with a single devastating verb: 'they fled' (נוּס), the very word that had described Canaanite panic before Israel (2:9-11, 24). The role-reversal is the theological crux — Israel's power was never numerical but was tied entirely to YHWH's favor, now forfeited by Achan's secret sin.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּעֲל֤וּand went upQal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the plan is executedעָלָה (H5927), see v. 2; the detachment sets out exactly as recommended. Source id 06sYk.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase — partitive sourceמִן (H4480), see v. 1; only part of the people goes up. Source id 06yZ9.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of preposition מִןעַם (H5971), see v. 3. Source id 06Ee6.
שָׁ֔מָּהthereadverb + directional ה · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial — locative complement, 'thither' (toward Ai)שָׁם (H8033) + directional ה, see v. 3. Source id 06LvK.
כִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁתabout threeprep כְּ + numeral constr · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Prepositional phrase of approximation, adverbial quantifierשָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969), see v. 3; the narrator confirms the smaller of the two proposed figures was actually sent. Source id 06NsV.
אֲלָפִ֖יםthousandnumeral (plural) · אֶלֶף (H505)Numeral in construct relation with כִּשְׁלֹשֶׁתאֶלֶף (H505), see v. 3. Source id 06spB.
אִ֑ישׁmenN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Noun of measureאִישׁ (H376), see v. 3. Source id 06QM1.
וַיָּנֻ֕סוּand they fledQal wayyiqtol 3mp · נוּס (H5127)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the reversal→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the shocking turn from confident advance to routנוּס (H5127) 'to flee'; the very verb category that had marked Canaanite terror (cf. Rahab's report, 2:9-11) now describes ISRAEL — a deliberate narrative inversion signaling something is badly wrong. Source id 06WMi.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי (construct 'faces') · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase — before whom Israel fledפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; construct לִפְנֵי 'before, in front of' — idiom for retreating in the face of an enemy. Source id 06p5C.
אַנְשֵׁ֥יthe men ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival) — object of לִפְנֵיאִישׁ (H376), construct plural 'men of'. Source id 06pLh.
הָעָֽיAiart + proper noun · עַי (H5857)Genitive completing 'the men of Ai'עַי (H5857), see v. 2; the tiny outpost Israel's scouts had dismissed as negligible. Source id 065n2.
5

וַיַּכּ֨וּ מֵהֶ֜ם אַנְשֵׁ֣י הָעַ֗י כִּשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים וְשִׁשָּׁה֙ אִ֔ישׁ וַֽיִּרְדְּפ֞וּם לִפְנֵ֤י הַשַּׁ֨עַר֙ עַד הַשְּׁבָרִ֔ים וַיַּכּ֖וּם בַּמּוֹרָ֑ד וַיִּמַּ֥ס לְבַב הָעָ֖ם וַיְהִ֥י לְמָֽיִם

And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, and pursued them from before the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent — and the heart of the people melted and became like water.

Consequential narrative — the rout and its psychological tollasyndeton
The verse applies the verb מָסַס ('melt') that Rahab used of Canaanite hearts in 2:11 to Israel itself — a signal that the spiritual advantage secured at Jericho has been squandered. The casualty count is modest in absolute terms, but the demoralizing effect is total, setting up Joshua's despair in vv. 6-9.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיַּכּ֨וּand struck downHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the tables turnנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil, see v. 3; now it is the men of Ai, not Israel, who 'strike' — an exact reversal of the scouts' plan. Source id 06WG2.
מֵהֶ֜םsome of themprep מִן + 3mp suffix · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase — partitive objectמִן (H4480) + 3mp suffix, 'from them'; partitive — not all, but thirty-six died. Source id 06ddN.
אַנְשֵׁ֣יthe men ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Construct chain (genitival) — subjectאִישׁ (H376), construct plural. Source id 06oga.
הָעַ֗יAiart + proper noun · עַי (H5857)Genitive completing 'the men of Ai'עַי (H5857), see v. 2. Source id 06yLm.
כִּשְׁלֹשִׁ֤יםabout thirtyprep כְּ + numeral · שְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970)Prepositional phrase of approximation, quantifies אִישׁשְׁלֹשִׁים (H7970) 'thirty'. Source id 06mAF.
וְשִׁשָּׁה֙and sixconj + numeral · שֵׁשׁ (H8337)Coordinate numeral completing 'thirty-six'שֵׁשׁ (H8337) 'six'. Source id 0693w.
אִ֔ישׁmenN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Noun of measureאִישׁ (H376), see above. Source id 06XGn.
וַֽיִּרְדְּפ֞וּםand pursued themQal wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · רָדַף (H7291)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the men of Ai take the offensiveרָדַף (H7291) 'to pursue, chase'; the defenders of Ai chase Israel's own scouting force. Source id 06gnt.
לִפְנֵ֤יfrom beforeprep לִפְנֵי (construct 'faces') · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase — starting point of the chaseפָּנִים (H6440), construct, marks the point from which the fleeing Israelites were driven. Source id 06Ycp.
הַשַּׁ֨עַר֙the gateart + N m sg abs · שַׁעַר (H8179)Object of preposition לִפְנֵי — Ai's city gateשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; Ai's city gate, the launch point of the pursuit. Source id 06kGw.
עַדas far asprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase — terminus of the chaseעַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'. Source id 068xG.
הַשְּׁבָרִ֔יםShebarimproper noun · שְׁבָרִים (H7671)Object of preposition עַד — place name marking the chase's extentשְׁבָרִים (H7671) 'the breaks/quarries', an otherwise-unattested place name near Ai. Source id 06X9f.
וַיַּכּ֖וּםand struck them downHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the fatal blowsנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil, see v. 3; the same verb Israel had planned to use on Ai, now used against Israel. Source id 06gBY.
בַּמּוֹרָ֑דat the descentprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מוֹרָד (H4174)Prepositional phrase — location of the killingמוֹרָד (H4174) 'descent, slope'; the steep terrain where the fleeing men were overtaken. Source id 06JSS.
וַיִּמַּ֥סand meltedNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · מָסַס (H4549)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, result — psychological collapse)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the moral/psychological aftermath of the routמָסַס (H4549) Niphal 'to melt, dissolve'; the SAME verb Rahab used of Canaanite hearts before Israel (2:11) — now describing Israel's own heart, a deliberate and devastating inversion. Source id 06hzi.
לְבַבthe heart ofN m sg constr · לֵבָב (H3824)Subject of וַיִּמַּסלֵבָב (H3824) 'heart, mind, inner self'; seat of courage and resolve in Hebrew anthropology. Source id 06xKZ.
הָעָ֖םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing 'the heart of the people'עַם (H5971); the whole community's morale collapses, not only the detachment's. Source id 06GD6.
וַיְהִ֥יand becameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, completes the metaphor)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; completes the melting metaphor: the heart 'became like water'. Source id 06e1w.
לְמָֽיִםas waterprep לְ + N m pl abs · מַיִם (H4325)Prepositional phrase — predicate complement of וַיְהִימַיִם (H4325) 'water'; the heart 'became like water' — total loss of courage, a vivid idiom for despair. Source id 06fK1.
6

וַיִּקְרַ֨ע יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ שִׂמְלֹתָ֗יו וַיִּפֹּל֩ עַל פָּנָ֨יו אַ֜רְצָה לִפְנֵ֨י אֲר֤וֹן יְהוָה֙ עַד הָעֶ֔רֶב ה֖וּא וְזִקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיַּעֲל֥וּ עָפָ֖ר עַל רֹאשָֽׁם

Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell on his face to the ground before the ark of YHWH until evening, he and the elders of Israel, and they put dust on their heads.

Sequential narrative — mourning-ritual responseasyndeton
Joshua's posture (torn clothes, prostration before the ark, dust, silence until evening) is the full Israelite mourning ritual, but directed at God rather than at the dead — an act of intercessory protest that sets up the accusatory prayer of vv. 7-9. The elders' presence marks this as a national, not merely personal, crisis.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּקְרַ֨עand toreQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרַע (H7167)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרַע (H7167) 'to tear, rend'; the standard Israelite mourning gesture (cf. Gen 37:29; Job 1:20). Source id 06UV1.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיִּקְרַעיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 06pJ8.
שִׂמְלֹתָ֗יוhis garmentsN f pl constr + 3ms suffix · שִׂמְלָה (H8071)Direct object of וַיִּקְרַעשִׂמְלָה (H8071) 'garment, cloak'; plural 'his clothes'. Source id 06d2D.
וַיִּפֹּל֩and fellQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָפַל (H5307)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; here a deliberate posture of mourning and supplication before God. Source id 06pY9.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase — locates the fallingעַל (H5921) 'on, upon'. Source id 06GAq.
פָּנָ֨יוhis faceN c pl constr + 3ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of preposition עַלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face' + 3ms suffix; idiom 'fell on his face' = prostrated himself. Source id 06ViK.
אַ֜רְצָהto the groundN c sg abs + directional ה · אֶרֶץ (H776)Adverbial accusative of directionאֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, ground' + directional ה, 'groundward'. Source id 06bs2.
לִפְנֵ֨יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי (construct 'faces') · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase — locates the prostrationפָּנִים (H6440), construct 'before, in front of'. Source id 0665v.
אֲר֤וֹןthe ark ofN c sg constr · אָרוֹן (H727)Construct chain (genitival) — object of לִפְנֵיאָרוֹן (H727) 'ark, chest'; the ark of the covenant, symbol of YHWH's presence. Source id 06ULQ.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing 'the ark of YHWH'יְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1. Source id 06B9j.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase — temporal extentעַד (H5704) 'until'. Source id 06bWi.
הָעֶ֔רֶבthe eveningart + N m sg abs · עֶרֶב (H6153)Object of preposition עַד — temporal endpointעֶרֶב (H6153) 'evening'; Joshua remains prostrate the whole day. Source id 06xoF.
ה֖וּאheindependent pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Independent pronoun, resumptive — subject in apposition with the eldersהוּא (H1931), emphatic resumption of Joshua as subject alongside the elders. Source id 06hCv.
וְזִקְנֵ֣יand the elders ofconj + N/adj m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Coordinate subject, construct chainזָקֵן (H2205) 'old, elder'; plural construct 'elders of'. Source id 06Mci.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'the elders of Israel'יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the elders' presence signals a national, not merely personal, crisis. Source id 06f9n.
וַיַּעֲל֥וּand putHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Hiphil causativeעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring up, cause to ascend'; idiomatically 'put (dust) on (the head)'. Source id 064Rf.
עָפָ֖רdustN m sg abs · עָפָר (H6083)Direct object of וַיַּעֲלוּעָפָר (H6083) 'dust, dry earth'; a mourning gesture alongside torn clothes. Source id 06Qyd.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase — locates the dustעַל (H5921), see above. Source id 06C76.
רֹאשָֽׁםtheir headsN m sg constr + 3mp suffix · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of preposition עַלרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head' + 3mp suffix. Source id 06CYo.
7

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ אֲהָ֣הּ אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֗ה לָ֠מָה הֵעֲבַ֨רְתָּ הַעֲבִ֜יר אֶת הָעָ֤ם הַזֶּה֙ אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן לָתֵ֥ת אֹתָ֛נוּ בְּיַ֥ד הָאֱמֹרִ֖י לְהַאֲבִידֵ֑נוּ וְלוּ֙ הוֹאַ֣לְנוּ וַנֵּ֔שֶׁב בְּעֵ֖בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּֽן

And Joshua said, "Alas, O Lord GOD, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? If only we had been content to dwell on the other side of the Jordan!"

Direct discourse — lament and accusatory prayer, openingasyndeton
Joshua's outburst echoes the wilderness generation's murmuring (Exod 14:11-12; Num 14:2-3) and Moses' own intercessory complaints (Exod 32:11-12) — a recognized biblical prayer-form that dares to question God's purposes in crisis. The intensifying infinitive absolute (הַעֲבִיר) captures raw anguish rather than doctrinal precision; Joshua does not yet know about Achan.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, introduces lament)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'. Source id 06Bra.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 0659X.
אֲהָ֣הּAlas!interjection · אֲהָהּ (H162)Interjection opening the lamentאֲהָהּ (H162), cry of grief/distress, 'Alas!'; opens a formal lament (cf. Judg 6:22; Jer 1:6; 4:10; 32:17). Source id 06j6b.
אֲדֹנָ֣יLorddivine title (honorific plural) · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Vocative, divine titleאֲדֹנָי (H136) 'my Lord', honorific plural of אָדוֹן; reverential divine address. Source id 06KgL.
יְהוִ֗הYHWHproper noun (pointed as אֱלֹהִים after אֲדֹנָי) · יְהוִה (H3069)Vocative in apposition with אֲדֹנָי — combined divine titleיְהוִה (H3069), the Tetragrammaton pointed with Elohim's vowels when following אֲדֹנָי (avoiding a doubled 'Adonai' when read aloud); together 'Sovereign LORD'. Source id 06BFU.
לָ֠מָהwhyprep לְ + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative — opens the accusatory questionמָה (H4100) 'what' + לְ, 'why, for what reason'; the classic lament-question (cf. Exod 32:11; Num 14:3). Source id 06Js9.
הֵעֲבַ֨רְתָּdid you bring acrossHiphil perf 2ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb of the rhetorical/accusatory question, reinforced by the following infinitive absolute→ Perfective: a completed act now bitterly challengedעָבַר (H5674) Hiphil 'to cause to cross over'; refers to the Jordan crossing of chs. 3-4, now seemingly for nothing. Source id 068Do.
הַעֲבִ֜ירbring acrossHiphil inf abs · עָבַר (H5674)Infinitive absolute reinforcing/intensifying הֵעֲבַרְתָּ→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic intensification — 'did you REALLY bring...'עָבַר (H5674) Hiphil infinitive absolute; paronomastic construction intensifying the finite verb, expressing raw anguish. Source id 06m6D.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06agh.
הָעָ֤םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of הֵעֲבַרְתָּעַם (H5971), see v. 3. Source id 06xGb.
הַזֶּה֙thisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative adjective modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088) 'this'. Source id 06Vmg.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (second object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06GWL.
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Second direct object of הֵעֲבַרְתָּיַרְדֵּן (H3383), the river Israel had miraculously crossed (chs. 3-4). Source id 06adp.
לָתֵ֥תto giveQal inf constr with לְ · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitive construct expressing purpose ('in order to give')→ Infinitive: purpose clause, non-finiteנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the stated purpose of the crossing — possession of the land — now bitterly questioned. Source id 06mEM.
אֹתָ֛נוּusobj marker + 1cp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of לָתֵתאֵת (H853) + 1cp suffix, object marker 'us'. Source id 06t5b.
בְּיַ֥דinto the hand ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · יָד (H3027)Prepositional phrase — destination/recipientיָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom 'into the hand of' = into the power of. Source id 06MmC.
הָאֱמֹרִ֖יthe Amoriteart + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Object of preposition בְּיַדאֱמֹרִי (H567), gentilic; general term for Canaanite hill-country peoples, here representing Ai's inhabitants. Source id 06VtE.
לְהַאֲבִידֵ֑נוּto destroy usHiphil inf constr with לְ + 1cp suffix · אָבַד (H6)Infinitive construct expressing (feared) purpose/result, parallel to לָתֵת→ Infinitive: purpose/result clause — the outcome Joshua fears was intendedאָבַד (H6) Hiphil 'to destroy, cause to perish'; Joshua's accusation escalates — did God bring them over only to destroy them? Source id 068yT.
וְלוּ֙if onlyconj + particle of wishing · לוּ (H3863)Conjunction introducing a counterfactual wishלוּ (H3863) 'if only, would that'; introduces an unreal/counterfactual condition expressing regret. Source id 06YE4.
הוֹאַ֣לְנוּwe had been contentHiphil perf 1cp · יָאַל (H2974)Predicate verb of the counterfactual wish→ Perfective (counterfactual): expresses a wish contrary to factיָאַל (H2974) Hiphil 'to be willing, resolve, be content'; idiom 'if only we had been content to...'. Source id 06gwY.
וַנֵּ֔שֶׁבand had stayedQal wayyiqtol 1cp (irrealis) · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol continuing the counterfactual wish→ Wayyiqtol (in counterfactual sequence): continues the wished-for alternativeיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, remain'; Joshua wishes they had simply stayed east of the Jordan. Source id 06um2.
בְּעֵ֖בֶרon the side ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · עֵבֶר (H5676)Prepositional phrase — locationעֵבֶר (H5676) 'side, region across'. Source id 06WPk.
הַיַּרְדֵּֽןthe Jordanart + proper noun · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive completing 'the side of the Jordan'יַרְדֵּן (H3383); i.e. the Transjordan territory already settled by Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh. Source id 06J9S.
8

בִּ֖י אֲדֹנָ֑י מָ֣ה אֹמַ֔ר אַ֠חֲרֵי אֲשֶׁ֨ר הָפַ֧ךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל עֹ֖רֶף לִפְנֵ֥י אֹיְבָֽיו

O Lord, what shall I say, since Israel has turned its back before its enemies?

Direct discourse — lament continues, deepens into speechlessnessasyndeton
Joshua's admission ('what shall I say') marks the emotional low point of the prayer. The idiom 'turned the neck' (showing the back of the neck to pursuers) recurs at v. 12 as YHWH's own diagnosis of the same event, linking Joshua's grief directly to the divine explanation still to come.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
בִּ֖יPleaseparticle of entreaty · בִּי (H994)Particle of entreaty opening the continued addressבִּי (H994), particle of entreaty, 'O, please'; often precedes אֲדֹנָי in urgent petition (cf. Exod 4:10, 13). Source id 06Uh6.
אֲדֹנָ֑יLorddivine title (honorific plural) · אֲדֹנָי (H136)Vocative, continuing address to Godאֲדֹנָי (H136), see v. 7. Source id 06kWu.
מָ֣הwhatinterrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative — object of אֹמַרמָה (H4100) 'what'. Source id 06r5S.
אֹמַ֔רshall I sayQal impf 1cs (deliberative) · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb, deliberative imperfect (rhetorical question)→ Yiqtol: deliberative/modal — Joshua's admission of speechlessnessאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; deliberative imperfect, 'what can I possibly say' — no words suffice. Source id 06q8B.
אַ֠חֲרֵיafterprep · אַחַר (H310)Prepositional phrase — temporal, introduces the causal circumstanceאַחַר/אַחֲרֵי (H310) 'after, behind'. Source id 06HNg.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle completing the compound conjunction 'after that'אֲשֶׁר (H834), here forming אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר 'after that, since'. Source id 06hZZ.
הָפַ֧ךְhas turnedQal perf 3ms · הָפַךְ (H2015)Predicate verb of the temporal/causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive reversalהָפַךְ (H2015) 'to turn, overturn'; idiom 'turned the neck' = fled, the opposite of standing firm. Source id 06n3Z.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of הָפַךְיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1. Source id 06nVk.
עֹ֖רֶףneckN m sg abs · עֹרֶף (H6203)Direct object of הָפַךְ; idiom 'turned neck' = fledעֹרֶף (H6203) 'back of the neck, nape'; idiom for retreat, showing one's back to pursuers — the same idiom recurs as YHWH's own diagnosis in v. 12. Source id 06cwR.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי (construct 'faces') · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase — before whom Israel fledפָּנִים (H6440), construct, see v. 4. Source id 06JQf.
אֹיְבָֽיוits enemiesQal ptc m pl constr + 3ms suffix · אֹיֵב (H341)Substantival participle, object of לִפְנֵי→ Participle: durative/characteristic — those in ongoing hostility, functioning as the noun 'enemies'אֹיֵב (H341), Qal participle of אָיַב 'to be hostile', frequently substantized as 'enemy'. Source id 06aoK.
9

וְיִשְׁמְע֣וּ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֗י וְכֹל֙ יֹשְׁבֵ֣י הָאָ֔רֶץ וְנָסַ֣בּוּ עָלֵ֔ינוּ וְהִכְרִ֥יתוּ אֶת שְׁמֵ֖נוּ מִן הָאָ֑רֶץ וּמַֽה תַּעֲשֵׂ֖ה לְשִׁמְךָ֥ הַגָּדֽוֹל

The Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and they will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will you do for your great name?

Direct discourse — climax of the lament, appeal to YHWH's own reputationasyndeton
Joshua's argument pivots from Israel's survival to YHWH's honor among the nations, the same rhetorical strategy Moses used in Exod 32:12 and Num 14:15-16. The chained weqatal verbs (hear...surround...cut off) trace an escalating catastrophe from rumor to encirclement to national extinction, ending in a question that leaves the theological burden with God himself.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְיִשְׁמְע֣וּthen will hearQal weqatal/yiqtol 3mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Weqatal opening the feared-consequence chain→ Yiqtol: future/consequential — the first link in a dreaded chain of eventsשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; opens the chain of catastrophes Joshua envisions following the defeat's report. Source id 06HF8.
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֗יthe Canaanite(s)art + gentilic N m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Subject of וְיִשְׁמְעוּכְּנַעֲנִי (H3669), gentilic 'Canaanite', collective singular for the peoples of the land. Source id 06WMt.
וְכֹל֙and all ofconj + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate subject, constructכֹּל (H3605), see v. 3. Source id 06tCm.
יֹשְׁבֵ֣יthe inhabitants ofQal ptc m pl constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Substantival participle, construct — coordinate subject→ Participle: durative/characteristic — those who dwell in the landיָשַׁב (H3427) Qal participle construct, 'dwellers of, inhabitants of'; substantized. Source id 06ibj.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive completing 'inhabitants of the land'אֶרֶץ (H776), see v. 2. Source id 06KiT.
וְנָסַ֣בּוּand will surroundNiphal weqatal 3cp · סָבַב (H5437)Weqatal continuing the feared-consequence chain→ Weqatal: sequential future — the chain of catastrophe advancesסָבַב (H5437) Niphal 'to be surrounded, turn about'; here 'surround us' — encirclement for attack. Source id 06ovU.
עָלֵ֔ינוּagainst usprep עַל + 1cp suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase — object of the surroundingעַל (H5921) + 1cp suffix, hostile sense 'against us'. Source id 06H8i.
וְהִכְרִ֥יתוּand will cut offHiphil weqatal 3cp · כָּרַת (H3772)Weqatal continuing the feared-consequence chain — climactic verb→ Weqatal: sequential future — the climactic feared outcomeכָּרַת (H3772) Hiphil 'to cut off, exterminate'; used of erasing a name or lineage entirely. Source id 06kBK.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 068p9.
שְׁמֵ֖נוּour nameN m sg constr + 1cp suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וְהִכְרִיתוּשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; standing for reputation, lineage, continued existence — erasure of the name is erasure of the nation's memory. Source id 06Vib.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase — source/extentמִן (H4480), see v. 1. Source id 06FXw.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe earthart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of preposition מִןאֶרֶץ (H776); here 'the earth' in the broadest sense — total annihilation, not merely local defeat. Source id 06ZWD.
וּמַֽהand whatconj + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative opening the climactic rhetorical questionמָה (H4100), see v. 8; opens the prayer's rhetorical climax. Source id 06roj.
תַּעֲשֵׂ֖הwill you doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question, addressed to God→ Yiqtol: future/deliberative — a direct challenge invoking God's own honorעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Joshua's argument pivots from Israel's fate to God's own reputation. Source id 06dta.
לְשִׁמְךָ֥for your nameprep לְ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase — the stakes of the rhetorical questionשֵׁם (H8034) + 2ms suffix, 'your name'; God's own reputation among the nations — the same intercessory logic Moses used in Exod 32:12 and Num 14:15-16. Source id 06vv9.
הַגָּדֽוֹלgreatart + adj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying שִׁמְךָגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; underscores the magnitude of what is at stake — YHWH's great reputation among the nations. Source id 06bPu.
10

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יְהוָ֛ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ קֻ֣ם לָ֑ךְ לָ֣מָּה זֶּ֔ה אַתָּ֖ה נֹפֵ֥ל עַל פָּנֶֽיךָ

And YHWH said to Joshua, "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face like this?"

Direct discourse — YHWH's abrupt reply, rebuke before explanationasyndeton
YHWH's response is startlingly brusque: no comfort, no answer to 'why did you bring us here,' only a command to rise and a counter-question. The tone signals that lament, however sincere, is not the appropriate response to this crisis — sin, not divine abandonment, is the problem, and it demands action (vv. 13-15), not further prostration.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, introduces YHWH's reply)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'. Source id 06t52.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1; God finally answers Joshua directly. Source id 062qG.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase — addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'. Source id 06naz.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 06QW6.
קֻ֣םget upQal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Volitional (imperative), YHWH's opening command — an abrupt reversal of tone→ Volitional: imperative — a sharp summons out of mourning into actionקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand up'; YHWH's answer begins not with comfort but with a command to rise, implicitly rebuking the prostration. Source id 06vQm.
לָ֑ךְ(get) yourselfprep לְ + suffix (ethical dative) · לְEthical dative (reflexive-emphatic), reinforcing קֻםלְ + pronominal suffix, ethical dative idiom intensifying the imperative, 'arise!' — cf. Gen 12:1 לֶךְ־לְךָ. Source id 06gSo.
לָ֣מָּהwhyprep לְ + interrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative — opens YHWH's rhetorical rebukeמָה (H4100) + לְ, 'why'. Source id 06ToF.
זֶּ֔הthisdemonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative particle reinforcing the interrogative (idiom 'why THIS')זֶה (H2088), used idiomatically after an interrogative for emphasis, 'why on earth'. Source id 06R76.
אַתָּ֖הyouindependent pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Independent pronoun, emphatic subject of נֹפֵלאַתָּה (H859), emphatic — 'YOU, of all people, lying prostrate'. Source id 065TM.
נֹפֵ֥לlying fallenQal ptc m sg abs · נָפַל (H5307)Predicative participle, predicate of the rhetorical question→ Participle: durative — describes Joshua's ongoing posture at this momentנָפַל (H5307), Qal participle, describing Joshua's continuing prostrate state (contrast the punctual perfect fall of v. 6). Source id 06cH4.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase — locates the prostrationעַל (H5921), see above. Source id 06ygk.
פָּנֶֽיךָyour faceN c pl constr + 2ms suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of preposition עַלפָּנִים (H6440) + 2ms suffix. Source id 0672b.
11

חָטָא֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְגַם֙ עָבְר֣וּ אֶת בְּרִיתִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּ֖יתִי אוֹתָ֑ם וְגַ֤ם לָֽקְחוּ֙ מִן הַחֵ֔רֶם וְגַ֤ם גָּֽנְבוּ֙ וְגַ֣ם כִּֽחֲשׁ֔וּ וְגַ֖ם שָׂ֥מוּ בִכְלֵיהֶֽם

Israel has sinned; indeed, they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have both stolen and lied, and they have put them among their own belongings.

Direct discourse — YHWH's diagnosis, the fourfold indictmentasyndeton
YHWH answers Joshua's 'why' not with comfort but with a verdict cast in the corporate voice — 'Israel has sinned,' not 'Achan has sinned' — reaffirming the chapter's theology of solidarity (v. 1). The fourfold anaphora of גַּם ('also... also... also... also') builds an escalating legal indictment — taking, stealing, lying, hiding — recasting Achan's private crime as a breach of the Sinai covenant itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
חָטָא֙has sinnedQal perf 3ms · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb — YHWH's diagnosis, opening the explanation→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the root cause now namedחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; the verdict Joshua's lament never suspected — a theological, not military, failure. Source id 06Qs2.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of חָטָאיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the corporate charge — the whole nation is named guilty for Achan's private act, resuming the chapter's opening theme (v. 1). Source id 06X1j.
וְגַם֙and alsoconj + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Coordinating/emphatic conjunction introducing an intensifying restatementגַּם (H1571) 'also, even, indeed'; escalates from the general charge to specifics. Source id 06pMk.
עָבְר֣וּthey have transgressedQal perf 3cp · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb, restates/intensifies חָטָא→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actעָבַר (H5674) 'to cross over, transgress'; here 'violate' (a covenant) — the same root as v. 7's 'bring across', now describing moral overstepping. Source id 06E9Z.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06DJR.
בְּרִיתִ֔יmy covenantN f sg constr + 1cs suffix · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of עָבְרוּבְּרִית (H1285) 'covenant'; YHWH's own covenant, specifically the ban terms concerning Jericho's חֵרֶם (ch. 6). Source id 06ov1.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifier of בְּרִיתִיאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle. Source id 06wXN.
צִוִּ֖יתִיI commandedPiel perf 1cs · צָוָה (H6680)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, authoritative actצָוָה (H6680) Piel 'to command, charge'; refers to the explicit ban instructions of 6:18-19. Source id 06Nnf.
אוֹתָ֑םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of צִוִּיתִיאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, referring to the people. Source id 06eJu.
וְגַ֤םand alsoconj + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Coordinating/emphatic conjunction, first item of the sin-listגַּם (H1571), see above; anaphoric repetition begins the fourfold list. Source id 06uoD.
לָֽקְחוּ֙they have takenQal perf 3cp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb, first item in the list of specific violations→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actלָקַח (H3947), see v. 1; the same verb as Achan's original act, now generalized to Israel. Source id 06vu4.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase — partitive sourceמִן (H4480), see v. 1. Source id 06YQo.
הַחֵ֔רֶםthe devoted thingsart + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Object of preposition מִןחֵרֶם (H2764), see v. 1. Source id 06f8m.
וְגַ֤םand alsoconj + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Coordinating/emphatic conjunction, second item of the sin-listגַּם (H1571), see above. Source id 06BZr.
גָּֽנְבוּ֙they have stolenQal perf 3cp · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate verb, second item in the list→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actגָּנַב (H1589) 'to steal'; echoes the eighth commandment (Exod 20:15) — Achan's act reframed as a violation of Sinai's law itself. Source id 06k2R.
וְגַ֣םand alsoconj + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Coordinating/emphatic conjunction, third item of the sin-listגַּם (H1571), see above. Source id 06cC4.
כִּֽחֲשׁ֔וּthey have deceivedPiel perf 3cp · כָּחַשׁ (H3584)Predicate verb, third item in the list→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actכָּחַשׁ (H3584) Piel 'to deceive, deny, lie'; the concealment aspect — Achan hid the goods and said nothing until confronted. Source id 06f6y.
וְגַ֖םand alsoconj + adverb · גַּם (H1571)Coordinating/emphatic conjunction, fourth and final item of the sin-listגַּם (H1571), see above. Source id 06Gy9.
שָׂ֥מוּthey have putQal perf 3cp · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb, fourth item in the list→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; the concrete act of concealment among Achan's own possessions. Source id 06etw.
בִכְלֵיהֶֽםamong their belongingsprep בְּ + N m pl constr + 3mp suffix · כְּלִי (H3627)Prepositional phrase — location of concealment, object of שָׂמוּכְּלִי (H3627) 'vessel, container, implement'; here 'their gear' — the devoted things mixed into ordinary household goods, compounding the desecration. Source id 06GQd.
12

וְלֹ֨א יֻכְל֜וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לָקוּם֙ לִפְנֵ֣י אֹיְבֵיהֶ֔ם עֹ֗רֶף יִפְנוּ֙ לִפְנֵ֣י אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֔ם כִּ֥י הָי֖וּ לְחֵ֑רֶם לֹ֤א אוֹסִיף֙ לִֽהְי֣וֹת עִמָּכֶ֔ם אִם לֹ֥א תַשְׁמִ֛ידוּ הַחֵ֖רֶם מִֽקִּרְבְּכֶֽם

Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted to destruction themselves. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.

Direct discourse — YHWH's verdict, consequence and ultimatumasyndeton
The verse turns Joshua's own vocabulary against him: the 'turning of the neck' lamented in v. 8 is now explained as YHWH's direct verdict, and Israel — by harboring the חֵרֶם — has itself BECOME חֵרֶם, liable to the same fate as Jericho. The chilling ultimatum ('I will not be with you') makes covenant presence, not military tactics, the real issue at stake.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וְלֹ֨אand notconj + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle governing יֻכְלוּלֹא (H3808), the standard indicative negative. Source id 06tAQ.
יֻכְל֜וּare ableQal impf 3mp · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb, main clause — result of the covenant breach→ Yiqtol: present/ongoing consequence — an incapacity, not merely a future punishmentיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; the immediate, present-tense consequence of the breach — Israel's strength has already left them. Source id 06Yrt.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival) — subjectבֵּן (H1121), see v. 1. Source id 06SbN.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'sons of Israel'יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1. Source id 06B2y.
לָקוּם֙to standQal inf constr with לְ · קוּם (H6965)Infinitive construct, complement of יֻכְלוּ→ Infinitive: complementary, non-finite — what Israel is now unable to doקוּם (H6965), see v. 10; here 'stand firm' in battle. Source id 06PYY.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי (construct 'faces') · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase — before whomפָּנִים (H6440), construct. Source id 06bZi.
אֹיְבֵיהֶ֔םtheir enemiesQal ptc m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֹיֵב (H341)Substantival participle, object of לִפְנֵי→ Participle: durative/characteristic — those in ongoing hostility, functioning as a nounאֹיֵב (H341), see v. 8. Source id 06fXs.
עֹ֗רֶףtheir backsN m sg abs · עֹרֶף (H6203)Adverbial accusative, object of יִפְנוּ — idiom for fleeingעֹרֶף (H6203), see v. 8; the very idiom Joshua used in his lament now restated as YHWH's own verdict. Source id 06dHg.
יִפְנוּ֙they will turnQal impf 3mp · פָּנָה (H6437)Predicate verb, explanatory restatement of the preceding clause→ Yiqtol: future/characteristic — describes the ongoing pattern until the sin is removedפָּנָה (H6437) 'to turn'; idiom 'turn the back' = flee. Source id 06Cdu.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי (construct 'faces') · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase — before whomפָּנִים (H6440), construct. Source id 06s9p.
אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֔םtheir enemiesQal ptc m pl constr + 3mp suffix · אֹיֵב (H341)Substantival participle, object of לִפְנֵי→ Participle: durative/characteristic — those in ongoing hostilityאֹיֵב (H341), see v. 8. Source id 06Bxx.
כִּ֥יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the reason for Israel's defeatכִּי (H3588), see v. 3. Source id 06wPL.
הָי֖וּthey have becomeQal perf 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed state — the reason for Israel's defeatהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'. Source id 06YXi.
לְחֵ֑רֶםdevoted to destructionprep לְ + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Prepositional phrase — predicate complement of הָיוּחֵרֶם (H2764), see v. 1; the shocking reversal — by harboring the ban, Israel itself has become liable to the ban's fate. Source id 066gk.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle governing אוֹסִיףלֹא (H3808), indicative negative. Source id 06YsR.
אוֹסִיף֙I will continueHiphil impf 1cs · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb, main clause — YHWH's own solemn resolve→ Yiqtol: future, first-person divine resolve — a solemn declarationיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, continue, do again'; idiom 'I will not continue to be' = 'I will no longer be'. Source id 06YJ7.
לִֽהְי֣וֹתto beQal inf constr with לְ · הָיָה (H1961)Infinitive construct, complement of אוֹסִיף→ Infinitive: complementary, non-finiteהָיָה (H1961), see above. Source id 06xNg.
עִמָּכֶ֔םwith youprep עִם + 2mp suffix · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase — complement of לִהְיוֹתעִם (H5973), see v. 2; here 'with you (pl.)' — the entire nation. Source id 06SPi.
אִםunlessconj (conditional) · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the negative condition (with לֹא)אִם (H518) 'if'; with following לֹא, 'unless, if not'. Source id 06dr4.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle within the conditional clauseלֹא (H3808), see above. Source id 06ynz.
תַשְׁמִ֛ידוּyou destroyHiphil impf 2mp · שָׁמַד (H8045)Predicate verb of the conditional clause→ Yiqtol: conditional/future — the stipulated remedyשָׁמַד (H8045) Hiphil 'to destroy, exterminate'; the required purgation of the ban from the community. Source id 06oiU.
הַחֵ֖רֶםthe devoted thingsart + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Direct object of תַשְׁמִידוּחֵרֶם (H2764), see v. 1. Source id 06uRP.
מִֽקִּרְבְּכֶֽםfrom your midstprep מִן + N m sg constr + 2mp suffix · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase — object of תַשְׁמִידוּקֶרֶב (H7130) 'midst, inward part'; 'from among you' — the ban must be purged from the community itself. Source id 06bJx.
13

קֻ֚ם קַדֵּ֣שׁ אֶת הָעָ֔ם וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ הִתְקַדְּשׁ֣וּ לְמָחָ֑ר כִּ֣י כֹה֩ אָמַ֨ר יְהוָ֜ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל חֵ֤רֶם בְּקִרְבְּךָ֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לֹ֣א תוּכַ֗ל לָקוּם֙ לִפְנֵ֣י אֹיְבֶ֔יךָ עַד הֲסִירְכֶ֥ם הַחֵ֖רֶם מִֽקִּרְבְּכֶֽם

Get up, consecrate the people, and say, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus says YHWH, the God of Israel: There are devoted things in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you remove the devoted things from among you.'

Direct discourse — YHWH's command, procedural instructions beginasyndeton
YHWH moves from diagnosis (vv. 11-12) to remedy: a formal liturgical consecration (echoing pre-theophany rites like Exod 19:10) precedes the judicial ordeal of vv. 14-15. The messenger formula ('thus says YHWH, the God of Israel') gives the coming instructions covenantal, not merely tactical, authority.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
קֻ֚םget upQal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Volitional (imperative), resuming YHWH's command from v. 10→ Volitional: imperative — a summons to actקוּם (H6965), see v. 10. Source id 06etm.
קַדֵּ֣שׁconsecratePiel impv 2ms · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Volitional (imperative), coordinate with קֻם→ Volitional: imperative, Piel intensiveקָדַשׁ (H6942) Piel 'to consecrate, sanctify'; ritual preparation before the coming ordeal. Source id 064jW.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06M3G.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct object of קַדֵּשׁעַם (H5971), see v. 3. Source id 06FQm.
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖and sayQal weqatal 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Weqatal continuing the imperative sequence→ Weqatal: sequential command, continuing the volitional chainאָמַר (H559), see above. Source id 06DYw.
הִתְקַדְּשׁ֣וּconsecrate yourselvesHitpael impv 2mp · קָדַשׁ (H6942)Volitional (imperative), the content of Joshua's proclamation to the people→ Volitional: imperative, Hitpael reflexiveקָדַשׁ (H6942) Hitpael 'to consecrate oneself'; reflexive ritual self-preparation for the coming ordeal. Source id 06oAy.
לְמָחָ֑רfor tomorrowprep לְ + N m sg abs · מָחָר (H4279)Prepositional phrase — temporal, when the ordeal will occurמָחָר (H4279) 'tomorrow'. Source id 063Rx.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing the messenger formulaכִּי (H3588), see v. 3. Source id 06rH2.
כֹה֩thusadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb introducing the formal prophetic messenger-formulaכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; standard opener, 'thus says YHWH'. Source id 062rT.
אָמַ֨רsaysQal perf 3ms (performative) · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the messenger formula→ Perfective (performative): the formal prophetic declaration formulaאָמַר (H559), see above; performative perfect in the fixed formula. Source id 06jsw.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of אָמַריְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1. Source id 06VR2.
אֱלֹהֵ֣יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain — apposition/title of YHWHאֱלֹהִים (H430), see Gen 1:1 exemplar; construct 'God of'. Source id 06MrQ.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'the God of Israel'יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1; the full formula grounds the command in covenant authority. Source id 06Fu8.
חֵ֤רֶםdevoted thingsN m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Predicate noun, existential clause ('there is a ban in your midst')חֵרֶם (H2764), see v. 1. Source id 06QCB.
בְּקִרְבְּךָ֙in your midstprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2ms suffix · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase completing the existential clauseקֶרֶב (H7130), see v. 12. Source id 06VcL.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun (vocative) · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Vocative — direct address to the nationיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1. Source id 06YS7.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle governing תוּכַללֹא (H3808), see v. 12. Source id 06ST2.
תוּכַ֗לyou will be ableQal impf 2ms · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb, main clause→ Yiqtol: future/present incapacity — continuing consequence, now addressed to the nation directlyיָכֹל (H3201), see v. 12. Source id 06FHd.
לָקוּם֙to standQal inf constr with לְ · קוּם (H6965)Infinitive construct, complement of תוּכַל→ Infinitive: complementary, non-finiteקוּם (H6965), see v. 10. Source id 06WGC.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי (construct 'faces') · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase — before whomפָּנִים (H6440), construct. Source id 068Jt.
אֹיְבֶ֔יךָyour enemiesQal ptc m pl constr + 2ms suffix · אֹיֵב (H341)Substantival participle, object of לִפְנֵי→ Participle: durative/characteristic — those in ongoing hostilityאֹיֵב (H341), see v. 8. Source id 06s3S.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase — temporal, marks the condition for restored favorעַד (H5704) 'until'. Source id 06QE7.
הֲסִירְכֶ֥םyou removeHiphil inf constr + 2mp suffix (subject) · סוּר (H5493)Infinitive construct with pronominal subject, object of עַד — temporal clause→ Infinitive: temporal, non-finite — the required active purgationסוּר (H5493) Hiphil 'to turn aside, remove, take away'. Source id 06JPF.
הַחֵ֖רֶםthe devoted thingsart + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Direct object of הֲסִירְכֶםחֵרֶם (H2764), see v. 1. Source id 06t2f.
מִֽקִּרְבְּכֶֽםfrom your midstprep מִן + N m sg constr + 2mp suffix · קֶרֶב (H7130)Prepositional phrase — object of הֲסִירְכֶםקֶרֶב (H7130), see v. 12. Source id 06AAs.
14

וְנִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם בַּבֹּ֖קֶר לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֑ם וְהָיָ֡ה הַשֵּׁבֶט֩ אֲשֶׁר יִלְכְּדֶ֨נּוּ יְהוָ֜ה יִקְרַ֣ב לַמִּשְׁפָּח֗וֹת וְהַמִּשְׁפָּחָ֞ה אֲשֶֽׁר יִלְכְּדֶ֤נָּה יְהוָה֙ תִּקְרַ֣ב לַבָּתִּ֔ים וְהַבַּ֨יִת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִלְכְּדֶ֣נּוּ יְהוָ֔ה יִקְרַ֖ב לַגְּבָרִֽים

In the morning you shall come near by your tribes. The tribe that YHWH takes shall come near by clans; the clan that YHWH takes shall come near by households; and the household that YHWH takes shall come near man by man.

Direct discourse — procedural instructions, the four-stage ordeal by lotasyndeton
The fourfold narrowing (tribe, clan, household, individual) is a formal judicial procedure used elsewhere for both blessing (choosing Saul, 1 Sam 10:20-21) and guilt (cf. 1 Sam 14:38-42). YHWH himself, not chance, directs the lot at every stage, underscored by the triple repetition 'that YHWH takes.'
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וְנִקְרַבְתֶּ֥םand you shall come nearNiphal weqatal 2mp · קָרַב (H7126)Weqatal continuing the command sequence — procedural instruction→ Weqatal: sequential command/future — the ordeal procedure beginsקָרַב (H7126) Niphal 'to come near, present oneself'; technical term for approaching for judgment by lot (cf. Lev 9:5). Source id 06yit.
בַּבֹּ֖קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Prepositional phrase — temporal setting of the ordealבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; the formal, public daylight setting for the lot procedure. Source id 06wBS.
לְשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֑םby your tribesprep לְ + N m pl constr + 2mp suffix · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Prepositional phrase — distributive, the first stage of the ordealשֵׁבֶט (H7626) 'staff, tribe'; the ordeal narrows progressively: tribe, clan, house, man. Source id 062sV.
וְהָיָ֡הand it will beQal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal, introduces the recurring procedural formula→ Weqatal: sequential/future — sets up the 'whichever X is taken' patternהָיָה (H1961), see v. 5. Source id 06FwG.
הַשֵּׁבֶט֩the tribeart + N m sg abs · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Subject/topic of the procedural clauseשֵׁבֶט (H7626), see above. Source id 06dCM.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle. Source id 06H1T.
יִלְכְּדֶ֨נּוּtakes itQal impf 3ms + 3ms suffix · לָכַד (H3920)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: future — the act of the lot's selectionלָכַד (H3920) 'to capture, seize (by lot)'; technical term for selection by casting lots (cf. 1 Sam 14:41-42). Source id 06P6r.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִלְכְּדֶנּוּיְהוָה (H3068); the lot is not chance but YHWH's own act of exposure. Source id 06tD1.
יִקְרַ֣בshall come nearQal impf 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb, main clause — next stage of the narrowing procedure→ Yiqtol: future — continuing the ordealקָרַב (H7126), see above. Source id 066AA.
לַמִּשְׁפָּח֗וֹתby clansprep לְ + art + N f pl abs · מִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940)Prepositional phrase — the second stage of the ordealמִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940) 'clan, family'; sub-division of a tribe. Source id 06RNc.
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּחָ֞הand the clanconj + art + N f sg abs · מִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940)Subject, resuming the pattern at the next levelמִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940), see above. Source id 06veg.
אֲשֶֽׁרwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle. Source id 067W8.
יִלְכְּדֶ֤נָּהtakes itQal impf 3ms + 3fs suffix · לָכַד (H3920)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: future — the act of the lot's selectionלָכַד (H3920), see above. Source id 06zSa.
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִלְכְּדֶנָּהיְהוָה (H3068), see above. Source id 06BQz.
תִּקְרַ֣בshall come nearQal impf 3fs · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb, main clause — continuing narrowing→ Yiqtol: futureקָרַב (H7126), see above. Source id 06GKS.
לַבָּתִּ֔יםby householdsprep לְ + art + N m pl abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Prepositional phrase — the third stage of the ordealבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; here 'household, extended family'. Source id 06Mwc.
וְהַבַּ֨יִת֙and the householdconj + art + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Subject, resuming the patternבַּיִת (H1004), see above. Source id 06kPm.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle. Source id 06Gtv.
יִלְכְּדֶ֣נּוּtakes itQal impf 3ms + 3ms suffix · לָכַד (H3920)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: future — the act of the lot's selectionלָכַד (H3920), see above. Source id 06wvJ.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִלְכְּדֶנּוּיְהוָה (H3068); the third and final repetition, driving home that God himself exposes the guilty. Source id 06HWW.
יִקְרַ֖בshall come nearQal impf 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Predicate verb, main clause — final stage of the narrowing procedure→ Yiqtol: futureקָרַב (H7126), see above. Source id 06fR1.
לַגְּבָרִֽיםman by manprep לְ + art + N m pl abs · גֶּבֶר (H1397)Prepositional phrase — the fourth and final stage of the ordealגֶּבֶר (H1397) 'man'; distributive, 'man by man' — the ordeal's finest resolution, isolating the individual culprit. Source id 06Z4q.
15

וְהָיָה֙ הַנִּלְכָּ֣ד בַּחֵ֔רֶם יִשָּׂרֵ֣ף בָּאֵ֔שׁ אֹת֖וֹ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר ל֑וֹ כִּ֤י עָבַר֙ אֶת בְּרִ֣ית יְהוָ֔ה וְכִֽי עָשָׂ֥ה נְבָלָ֖ה בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל

And the one who is taken with the devoted things shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of YHWH and because he has committed an outrage in Israel.

Direct discourse — YHWH's sentencing formula, penalty and rationaleasyndeton
The prescribed penalty (burning) mirrors the fate already decreed for Jericho itself (6:24) — the guilty party, by taking devoted goods, has effectively become devoted himself and shares the city's judgment. The doubled כִּי clauses (covenant-breach, then נְבָלָה 'outrage') supply the theological rationale before the narrative resumes the ordeal in v. 16.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וְהָיָה֙and it will beQal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal, introduces the sentencing formula→ Weqatal: sequential/future — the consequence for the exposed culpritהָיָה (H1961), see v. 5. Source id 06qyW.
הַנִּלְכָּ֣דthe one who is takenNiphal ptc m sg abs + art · לָכַד (H3920)Substantival participle (passive) — subject of the sentence→ Participle (passive, durative): identifies whoever the lot exposes, regardless of stationלָכַד (H3920) Niphal participle 'the one taken/caught (by lot)'; passive counterpart to the active verb of v. 14. Source id 061vK.
בַּחֵ֔רֶםwith the devoted thingsprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · חֵרֶם (H2764)Prepositional phrase — specifies the crimeחֵרֶם (H2764), see v. 1. Source id 06vcs.
יִשָּׂרֵ֣ףshall be burnedNiphal impf 3ms · שָׂרַף (H8313)Predicate verb, main clause — the mandated penalty→ Yiqtol (Niphal, passive): future/prescriptive — the sentenceשָׂרַף (H8313) Niphal 'to be burned'; the same fate already decreed for Jericho itself (6:24) — the guilty party has himself become חֵרֶם. Source id 06jVW.
בָּאֵ֔שׁwith fireprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Prepositional phrase — instrument of the burningאֵשׁ (H784) 'fire'. Source id 06q6h.
אֹת֖וֹheobj marker + 3ms suffix (resumptive) · אֵת (H853)Resumptive direct-object marker, re-specifying the subject — 'he [himself]'אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, used here almost adverbially, 'he himself'. Source id 06TXT.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerוְ joins the second object; אֵת marks it as definite. Source id 06i5i.
כָּלall thatN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct — quantifier, head of the relative clauseכֹּל (H3605), see v. 3. Source id 06n6o.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the possessive clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle. Source id 06V2Z.
ל֑וֹbelongs to himprep לְ + 3ms suffix (possessive idiom) · לְPrepositional phrase of possession, predicate of the relative clauseלְ + 3ms suffix, possessive idiom 'that is his' — his household and goods share his fate. Source id 06vB3.
כִּ֤יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction, states the grounds for the sentenceכִּי (H3588), see v. 3. Source id 06h8U.
עָבַר֙he has transgressedQal perf 3ms · עָבַר (H5674)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actעָבַר (H5674), see v. 11. Source id 06HP6.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06qeA.
בְּרִ֣יתthe covenant ofN f sg constr · בְּרִית (H1285)Direct object of עָבַרבְּרִית (H1285), see v. 11. Source id 063Hf.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive completing 'the covenant of YHWH'יְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1. Source id 067G6.
וְכִֽיand becauseconj + conj · כִּי (H3588)Coordinating causal conjunction, introduces the second reasonכִּי (H3588), doubled with וְ; introduces the climactic second reason for the sentence. Source id 062aw.
עָשָׂ֥הhe has committedQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the second causal clause→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actעָשָׂה (H6213), see v. 9; here 'commit, do' with a moral object. Source id 06G9q.
נְבָלָ֖הan outrageN f sg abs · נְבָלָה (H5039)Direct object of עָשָׂהנְבָלָה (H5039) 'disgraceful folly, outrage'; a strong term for acts violating the community's sacred order (cf. Gen 34:7; Deut 22:21; Judg 19:23-24) — scandal, not mere foolishness. Source id 06TE9.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽלin Israelprep בְּ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Prepositional phrase — locates the outrage within the covenant communityיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1; the formulaic phrase 'an outrage in Israel' marks the severest category of covenant violation. Source id 065ne.
16

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֤ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וַיַּקְרֵ֥ב אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לִשְׁבָטָ֑יו וַיִּלָּכֵ֖ד שֵׁ֥בֶט יְהוּדָֽה

So Joshua rose early in the morning and brought Israel near by its tribes, and the tribe of Judah was taken.

Sequential narrative — the ordeal begins, first resultasyndeton
The narrative resumes with brisk, obedient action ('rose early') after the long divine speech. The ordeal's first result confirms what the reader already suspects from v. 1 — the tribe of Judah, where Achan belongs, is singled out immediately, building suspense toward the individual verdict.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֤םand rose earlyHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַם (H7925)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁכַם (H7925) Hiphil 'to rise early'; Joshua's prompt obedience to YHWH's instructions of vv. 13-15. Source id 06Pq7.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙Joshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיַּשְׁכֵּםיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 062XE.
בַּבֹּ֔קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Prepositional phrase — temporal settingבֹּקֶר (H1242), see v. 14. Source id 06k2P.
וַיַּקְרֵ֥בand brought nearHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Hiphil causative, initiating the ordealקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil 'to bring near, present'; causative counterpart to the Niphal of v. 14 — Joshua actively conducts the procedure. Source id 06bQB.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06hLv.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Direct object of וַיַּקְרֵביִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1. Source id 06FwW.
לִשְׁבָטָ֑יוby its tribesprep לְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Prepositional phrase — distributive mannerשֵׁבֶט (H7626), see v. 14. Source id 06ZCU.
וַיִּלָּכֵ֖דand was takenNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, passive)→ Wayyiqtol (Niphal, passive): foregrounded narrative advance — the lot fallsלָכַד (H3920) Niphal 'to be taken/caught (by lot)'; the ordeal's first result. Source id 06f6s.
שֵׁ֥בֶטthe tribe ofN m sg constr · שֵׁבֶט (H7626)Subject of וַיִּלָּכֵד, constructשֵׁבֶט (H7626), see v. 14. Source id 0662L.
יְהוּדָֽהJudahproper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Genitive completing 'the tribe of Judah'יְהוּדָה (H3063), see v. 1; the ordeal narrows immediately to the very tribe named already in v. 1, confirming the narrator's foreknowledge. Source id 06apE.
17

וַיַּקְרֵב֙ אֶת מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת יְהוּדָ֔ה וַיִּלְכֹּ֕ד אֵ֖ת מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת הַזַּרְחִ֑י וַיַּקְרֵ֞ב אֶת מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַזַּרְחִי֙ לַגְּבָרִ֔ים וַיִּלָּכֵ֖ד זַבְדִּֽי

He brought near the clan of Judah, and he took the clan of the Zerahite. He brought near the clan of the Zerahite man by man, and Zabdi was taken.

Sequential narrative — the ordeal continues, second and third resultsasyndeton
The narrative compresses the intervening 'household' stage implicit in v. 14's four-part scheme, moving directly from clan to household-head (Zabdi). The writer trusts the reader to supply the pattern already spelled out in full in vv. 14-15, building momentum toward Achan's exposure.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיַּקְרֵב֙and brought nearHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil, see v. 16; the ordeal continues to the clan level. Source id 067uo.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06io8.
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַתthe clan ofN f sg constr · מִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940)Construct chain — direct object of וַיַּקְרֵבמִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940), see v. 14. Source id 06wub.
יְהוּדָ֔הJudahproper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Genitive completing 'the clan of Judah'יְהוּדָה (H3063), see v. 1. Source id 067qB.
וַיִּלְכֹּ֕דand he tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, active narratorial shorthand for the lot's result)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920) Qal active here, in variation with the Niphal passive of vv. 15-16 describing the same kind of event. Source id 06BM6.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 069ci.
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַתthe clan ofN f sg constr · מִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940)Construct chain — direct object of וַיִּלְכֹּדמִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940), see v. 14. Source id 06wpi.
הַזַּרְחִ֑יthe Zerahiteart + gentilic N m sg abs · זַרְחִי (H2227)Genitive, gentilic — completes 'clan of the Zerahite'זַרְחִי (H2227), gentilic of זֶרַח (v. 1); the Zerahite clan of Judah. Source id 06JEg.
וַיַּקְרֵ֞בand brought nearHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil, see v. 16. Source id 06pMT.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06kMd.
מִשְׁפַּ֤חַתthe clan ofN f sg constr · מִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940)Construct chain — direct object of וַיַּקְרֵבמִשְׁפָּחָה (H4940), see v. 14. Source id 06Bqk.
הַזַּרְחִי֙the Zerahiteart + gentilic N m sg abs · זַרְחִי (H2227)Genitive, gentilicזַרְחִי (H2227), see above. Source id 06hjj.
לַגְּבָרִ֔יםman by manprep לְ + art + N m pl abs · גֶּבֶר (H1397)Prepositional phrase — distributive, final stageגֶּבֶר (H1397), see v. 14. Source id 06QL7.
וַיִּלָּכֵ֖דand was takenNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, passive)→ Wayyiqtol (Niphal, passive): foregrounded narrative advanceלָכַד (H3920) Niphal, see v. 16. Source id 06cRW.
זַבְדִּֽיZabdiproper noun · זַבְדִּי (H2067)Subject of וַיִּלָּכֵדזַבְדִּי (H2067), see v. 1; Achan's grandfather — the ordeal narrows to his household. Source id 06iWB.
18

וַיַּקְרֵ֥ב אֶת בֵּית֖וֹ לַגְּבָרִ֑ים וַיִּלָּכֵ֗ד עָכָ֞ן בֶּן כַּרְמִ֧י בֶן זַבְדִּ֛י בֶּן זֶ֖רַח לְמַטֵּ֥ה יְהוּדָֽה

He brought his household near man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.

Sequential narrative — the ordeal concludes, Achan exposedasyndeton
The lot's final result repeats Achan's full four-generation genealogy verbatim from v. 1. The narrator has held this identification in reserve across seventeen verses; its exact recurrence here closes the ordeal with the same formal precision used to report the crime, confirming that the lot has found precisely the man named at the chapter's opening.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּקְרֵ֥בand brought nearHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרַב (H7126)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרַב (H7126) Hiphil, see v. 16; the ordeal's final stage. Source id 06u7g.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06F46.
בֵּית֖וֹhis householdN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Direct object of וַיַּקְרֵבבַּיִת (H1004) + 3ms suffix, 'his house/household' — Zabdi's family unit. Source id 06AFT.
לַגְּבָרִ֑יםman by manprep לְ + art + N m pl abs · גֶּבֶר (H1397)Prepositional phrase — distributive, final stageגֶּבֶר (H1397), see v. 14. Source id 06c3h.
וַיִּלָּכֵ֗דand was takenNiphal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָכַד (H3920)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, passive) — the ordeal's climax→ Wayyiqtol (Niphal, passive): foregrounded narrative advance — Achan is exposedלָכַד (H3920) Niphal, see v. 16; the lot's final, decisive result. Source id 06L9o.
עָכָ֞ןAchanproper noun · עָכָן (H5912)Subject of וַיִּלָּכֵדעָכָן (H5912), see v. 1; the lot exposes exactly the man the narrator named seventeen verses earlier. Source id 06JVQ.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, patronymic)בֶּן, see v. 1; the genealogy repeats verbatim from the chapter's opening. Source id 06xdb.
כַּרְמִ֧יCarmiproper noun · כַּרְמִי (H3756)Genitive — father's nameכַּרְמִי (H3756), see v. 1. Source id 06Moi.
בֶןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, patronymic)בֶּן, see v. 1. Source id 06eqW.
זַבְדִּ֛יZabdiproper noun · זַבְדִּי (H2067)Genitive — grandfather's nameזַבְדִּי (H2067), see v. 1. Source id 06x8B.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, patronymic)בֶּן, see v. 1. Source id 06WgT.
זֶ֖רַחZerahproper noun · זֶרַח (H2226)Genitive — clan-founder's nameזֶרַח (H2226), see v. 1. Source id 06e9Z.
לְמַטֵּ֥הof the tribe ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · מַטֶּה (H4294)Prepositional phrase — tribal affiliationמַטֶּה (H4294), see v. 1. Source id 06fc3.
יְהוּדָֽהJudahproper noun · יְהוּדָה (H3063)Genitive — tribe nameיְהוּדָה (H3063), see v. 1. Source id 06Ucu.
19

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ אֶל עָכָ֗ן בְּנִי֙ שִֽׂים נָ֣א כָב֗וֹד לַֽיהוָ֛ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וְתֶן ל֣וֹ תוֹדָ֑ה וְהַגֶּד נָ֥א לִי֙ מֶ֣ה עָשִׂ֔יתָ אַל תְּכַחֵ֖ד מִמֶּֽנִּי

Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to YHWH, the God of Israel, and give him praise. Tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me."

Direct discourse — Joshua's pastoral summons to confessionasyndeton
Joshua's address ('my son') is strikingly gentle for a man about to be executed. The idiom 'give glory... give praise' is the technical formula for solemn confession under oath (cf. 1 Sam 6:5), treating truthful admission of guilt as itself an act of worship that honors YHWH's justice.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, introduces Joshua's appeal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559), see v. 1. Source id 068Vy.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 06rKw.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase — addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'. Source id 06S1Z.
עָכָ֗ןAchanproper noun · עָכָן (H5912)Object of preposition אֶלעָכָן (H5912), see v. 1. Source id 06mBn.
בְּנִי֙my sonN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Vocative, term of pastoral addressבֵּן (H1121) + 1cs suffix, 'my son'; a strikingly gentle address for the moment — Joshua appeals rather than merely accuses. Source id 06Ney.
שִֽׂיםgiveQal impv 2ms · שִׂים (H7760)Volitional (imperative), opens the formal call to confession→ Volitional: imperative — a solemn summons to truth-tellingשִׂים (H7760), see v. 11; here idiomatic 'ascribe, give' (glory). Source id 062Bq.
נָ֣אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty softening the imperativeנָא (H4994), particle of entreaty/politeness. Source id 06nKy.
כָב֗וֹדgloryN c sg abs · כָּבוֹד (H3519)Direct object of שִׂיםכָּבוֹד (H3519) 'glory, honor, weight'; idiom 'give glory to YHWH' is a formal summons to confess truthfully (cf. 1 Sam 6:5) — telling the truth as an act that honors God's justice. Source id 06aC7.
לַֽיהוָ֛הto YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase — indirect object of שִׂיםיְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1. Source id 06Sxm.
אֱלֹהֵ֥יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain — apposition/titleאֱלֹהִים (H430), see v. 13. Source id 063Cx.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'the God of Israel'יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1. Source id 0653W.
וְתֶןand giveQal impv 2ms (with weak conj) · נָתַן (H5414)Volitional (imperative), coordinate with שִׂים→ Volitional: imperative — parallel summonsנָתַן (H5414), see v. 7. Source id 06nTK.
ל֣וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְPrepositional phrase — indirect object of תֶן, referring to YHWHלְ + 3ms suffix. Source id 06sBD.
תוֹדָ֑הpraiseN f sg abs · תּוֹדָה (H8426)Direct object of תֶןתּוֹדָה (H8426) 'thanksgiving, praise, confession', from ידה 'to acknowledge'; the word straddles 'praise' and 'confession' — confessing sin here IS the fitting praise of God's justice. Source id 06ztw.
וְהַגֶּדand tellHiphil impv 2ms (with weak conj) · נָגַד (H5046)Volitional (imperative), coordinate, introduces the direct demand for information→ Volitional: imperative, Hiphilנָגַד (H5046) Hiphil 'to declare, tell, report'; the pastoral appeal becomes a direct demand. Source id 06jaw.
נָ֥אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty softening the imperativeנָא (H4994), see above. Source id 06zfC.
לִי֙meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְPrepositional phrase — indirect object of הַגֶּדלְ + 1cs suffix. Source id 06y6N.
מֶ֣הwhatinterrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative — object of עָשִׂיתָ in the embedded questionמָה (H4100), see v. 8. Source id 06cUK.
עָשִׂ֔יתָyou have doneQal perf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the embedded question→ Perfective: a completed act now being demanded for confessionעָשָׂה (H6213), see v. 9. Source id 06F7R.
אַלdo notnegative particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle governing the jussive/prohibition תְּכַחֵדאַל (H408), see v. 3. Source id 06YQ7.
תְּכַחֵ֖דhidePiel jussive 2ms · כָּחַד (H3582)Volitional (negated jussive/prohibition), Joshua's final plea→ Volitional: prohibition — a direct plea for full disclosureכָּחַד (H3582) Piel 'to hide, conceal'; the same concern as כִּחֲשׁוּ (v. 11), now addressed directly to Achan himself. Source id 065UP.
מִמֶּֽנִּיfrom meprep מִן + 1cs suffix · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase — complement of תְּכַחֵדמִן (H4480), see v. 1. Source id 06cDe.
20

וַיַּ֧עַן עָכָ֛ן אֶת יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אָמְנָ֗ה אָנֹכִ֤י חָטָ֨אתִי֙ לַֽיהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְכָזֹ֥את וְכָזֹ֖את עָשִֽׂיתִי

And Achan answered Joshua, "Truly, I have sinned against YHWH, the God of Israel, and this is what I have done."

Direct discourse — Achan's confession, opening admissionasyndeton
Achan's opening word 'truly' and his verb 'I have sinned' pick up YHWH's own corporate verdict from v. 11 and individualize it. The specific inventory Joshua demanded in v. 19 follows immediately in v. 21, fulfilling the 'give glory... tell me' summons in full.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיַּ֧עַןand answeredQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the confession begins→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'. Source id 06BtX.
עָכָ֛ןAchanproper noun · עָכָן (H5912)Subject of וַיַּעַןעָכָן (H5912), see v. 1. Source id 068bP.
אֶת[obj]marker of the addressee (idiom עָנָה אֶת) · אֵת (H853)Marks the addressee of 'answered'אֵת (H853), here marking the person answered rather than a true object; idiom 'answered [to] Joshua'. Source id 06rbM.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object/addressee of וַיַּעַןיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 06gcX.
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, introduces direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559), see v. 1. Source id 06VzD.
אָמְנָ֗הtrulyadverb · אָמְנָה (H546)Adverb, emphatic opener of the confessionאָמְנָה (H546) 'truly, indeed'; from the same root as אָמֵן, marking solemn, truthful acknowledgment. Source id 06Lnv.
אָנֹכִ֤יIindependent pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Independent pronoun, emphatic subject of חָטָאתִיאָנֹכִי (H595), emphatic — 'I, and no one else'. Source id 06FN2.
חָטָ֨אתִי֙have sinnedQal perf 1cs · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb, main clause — Achan's confession→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — full admissionחָטָא (H2398), see v. 11; Achan uses the very verb YHWH applied to Israel corporately, now individually owned. Source id 06kTA.
לַֽיהוָה֙against YHWHprep לְ + proper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Prepositional phrase — object of חָטָאתִייְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1. Source id 06bQM.
אֱלֹהֵ֣יthe God ofN m pl constr · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain — apposition/titleאֱלֹהִים (H430), see v. 13. Source id 06rRy.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'the God of Israel'יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1. Source id 06HcR.
וְכָזֹ֥אתand thusconj + prep כְּ + demonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Prepositional phrase of manner, first of a doubled formula introducing specificsזֹאת (H2063) 'this' (fem.) + כְּ 'like'; idiom 'thus and thus', signaling 'here is exactly what happened' before the details follow. Source id 069vS.
וְכָזֹ֖אתand thusconj + prep כְּ + demonstrative f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Prepositional phrase of manner, second of the doubled formulaזֹאת (H2063), repeated for emphasis; see above. Source id 06mbL.
עָשִֽׂיתִיI have doneQal perf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb, completes the doubled formula→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actעָשָׂה (H6213), see v. 9; Achan answers Joshua's exact question of v. 19 ('what have you done') verbatim. Source id 064U9.
21

ואראה וָאֵ֣רֶא בַשָּׁלָ֡ל אַדֶּ֣רֶת שִׁנְעָר֩ אַחַ֨ת טוֹבָ֜ה וּמָאתַ֧יִם שְׁקָלִ֣ים כֶּ֗סֶף וּלְשׁ֨וֹן זָהָ֤ב אֶחָד֙ חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים שְׁקָלִים֙ מִשְׁקָל֔וֹ וָֽאֶחְמְדֵ֖ם וָֽאֶקָּחֵ֑ם וְהִנָּ֨ם טְמוּנִ֥ים בָּאָ֛רֶץ בְּת֥וֹךְ הָאָֽהֳלִ֖י וְהַכֶּ֥סֶף תַּחְתֶּֽיהָ

When I saw among the spoil a beautiful mantle of Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.

Direct discourse — Achan's confession, the detailed inventoryasyndeton
The verb sequence 'saw... coveted... took' deliberately echoes Eve's temptation in Gen 3:6 and names the sin in the exact vocabulary of the Decalogue's tenth commandment (חָמַד, Exod 20:17). The rare Ketiv-Qere doublet on the verse's opening verb (both spellings of 'and I saw' written out) is a Masoretic textual curiosity, not a meaning-bearing variant.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
ואראהand I sawQal wayyiqtol 1cs (Ketiv, consonantal) · רָאָה (H7200)Ketiv (consonantal reading) of the wayyiqtol verb; the pointed Qere follows immediately→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Achan's confession narrative beginsרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; this is the Ketiv (bare consonants as transmitted) in a rare MT doublet where both Ketiv and Qere forms are written out — the Qere וָאֵרֶא supplies the standard pointing immediately after. Source id 06Vvg.
וָאֵ֣רֶאand I sawQal wayyiqtol 1cs (Qere, pointed) · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the Qere reading actually vocalized→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — opens the confession's psychological sequenceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the Qere (traditional reading) form. 'I saw' opens the see-covet-take sequence named in Achan's confession, echoing Gen 3:6. Source id 06oYz.
בַשָּׁלָ֡לamong the spoilprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׁלָל (H7998)Prepositional phrase — locates what Achan sawשָׁלָל (H7998) 'spoil, plunder'; the battle spoil of Jericho, all placed under the ban (6:19). Source id 06dD2.
אַדֶּ֣רֶתa mantle ofN f sg constr · אַדֶּרֶת (H155)Direct object of וָאֵרֶא, constructאַדֶּרֶת (H155) 'mantle, cloak, robe'; a garment of notable value (cf. Elijah's mantle, 2 Kgs 2:8). Source id 062t9.
שִׁנְעָר֩Shinarproper noun · שִׁנְעָר (H8152)Genitive, geographic origin — completes 'mantle of Shinar'שִׁנְעָר (H8152), the region of Babylonia; a Shinar mantle was an imported luxury item — foreign, exotic, exactly the prestige good the ban was meant to deny Israel. Source id 06fou.
אַחַ֨תonenumeral f sg · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying אַדֶּרֶתאֶחָד (H259) 'one'. Source id 06DL4.
טוֹבָ֜הbeautifuladj f sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Attributive adjective modifying אַדֶּרֶתטוֹב (H2896) 'good'; here 'fine, beautiful' — the object's aesthetic appeal first drew Achan's eye. Source id 06vkx.
וּמָאתַ֧יִםand two hundredconj + numeral (dual) · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral, coordinate item, quantifies שְׁקָלִיםמֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred', dual form 'two hundred'. Source id 06SdW.
שְׁקָלִ֣יםshekelsN m pl abs · שֶׁקֶל (H8255)Noun of measure, quantified by the numeralשֶׁקֶל (H8255), a weight/currency unit. Source id 069jg.
כֶּ֗סֶףof silverN m sg abs (apposition) · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Noun in apposition, specifies the material weighedכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'. Source id 06mAC.
וּלְשׁ֨וֹןand a bar ofconj + N c sg constr · לָשׁוֹן (H3956)Coordinate direct object, construct — third item in the inventoryלָשׁוֹן (H3956) 'tongue'; here metaphorically 'a wedge/bar' (of gold), named for its elongated, tongue-like shape. Source id 06LKt.
זָהָ֤בgoldN m sg abs (apposition) · זָהָב (H2091)Noun in apposition, specifies the materialזָהָב (H2091) 'gold'. Source id 06Q5x.
אֶחָד֙onenumeral m sg · אֶחָד (H259)Numeral modifying לְשׁוֹן זָהָבאֶחָד (H259), see above. Source id 06TaA.
חֲמִשִּׁ֤יםfiftynumeral · חֲמִשִּׁים (H2572)Numeral, quantifies שְׁקָלִיםחֲמִשִּׁים (H2572) 'fifty'. Source id 064d7.
שְׁקָלִים֙shekelsN m pl abs · שֶׁקֶל (H8255)Noun of measureשֶׁקֶל (H8255), see above. Source id 06jMY.
מִשְׁקָל֔וֹits weightN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · מִשְׁקָל (H4948)Noun in apposition/predicate, specifying the gold bar's weightמִשְׁקָל (H4948) 'weight'; 'fifty shekels its weight' = 'weighing fifty shekels'. Source id 06eip.
וָֽאֶחְמְדֵ֖םand I coveted themQal wayyiqtol 1cs + 3mp suffix · חָמַד (H2530)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the psychological turning point→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the decisive inward actחָמַד (H2530) 'to covet, desire'; the exact verb of the tenth commandment (Exod 20:17; Deut 5:21) — Achan names his sin in the precise vocabulary of Sinai law. Source id 06jhu.
וָֽאֶקָּחֵ֑םand I took themQal wayyiqtol 1cs + 3mp suffix · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the external act completing the desire→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — desire completed in actionלָקַח (H3947), see v. 1; the sequence 'saw...coveted...took' precisely mirrors Eve's temptation in Gen 3:6. Source id 062fr.
וְהִנָּ֨םand behold, they areconj + presentative particle + 3mp suffix · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle with pronominal suffix, introduces the location reportהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, here is' + 3mp suffix; vivid presentative marking the confession's final, concrete disclosure Joshua demanded. Source id 065Aa.
טְמוּנִ֥יםhiddenQal passive ptc m pl abs · טָמַן (H2934)Predicative participle — predicate of the presentative clause→ Participle (passive/stative): describes the ongoing concealed state of the goodsטָמַן (H2934) Qal passive participle 'hidden, buried'. Source id 06zuz.
בָּאָ֛רֶץin the groundprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Prepositional phrase — location of the hidingאֶרֶץ (H776), here 'ground, soil' rather than 'land' broadly. Source id 06BTS.
בְּת֥וֹךְinsideprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase, more precise locationתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; 'in the midst of' = inside. Source id 06Hdk.
הָאָֽהֳלִ֖יmy tentart + N m sg constr + 1cs suffix · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of preposition בְּתוֹךְאֹהֶל (H168) 'tent' + 1cs suffix; Achan's own dwelling — he hid the stolen goods where he lived. Source id 06tbG.
וְהַכֶּ֥סֶףand the silverconj + art + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Coordinate subject, resumes the inventory for final specificationכֶּסֶף (H3701), see above; singled out for one more detail. Source id 068hT.
תַּחְתֶּֽיהָunderneath itprep תַּחַת + 3fs suffix · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase — final locational detail, predicateתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath' + 3fs suffix; the silver was buried specifically underneath (the mantle/pile) — a telling detail of careful concealment. Source id 061EK.
22

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ מַלְאָכִ֔ים וַיָּרֻ֖צוּ הָאֹ֑הֱלָה וְהִנֵּ֧ה טְמוּנָ֛ה בְּאָהֳל֖וֹ וְהַכֶּ֥סֶף תַּחְתֶּֽיהָ

So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath.

Sequential narrative — verification of the confessionasyndeton
The verse confirms Achan's account almost word-for-word (the same terms for 'hidden,' 'his tent,' 'underneath' recur from v. 21), establishing due process before sentence: confession alone is not sufficient; independent verification precedes judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤חand sentQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971), see v. 2. Source id 06UYd.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙Joshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיִּשְׁלַחיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 06w2J.
מַלְאָכִ֔יםmessengersN m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct object of וַיִּשְׁלַחמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, envoy'; runners sent to verify the confession before any sentence is carried out. Source id 06UcZ.
וַיָּרֻ֖צוּand they ranQal wayyiqtol 3mp · רוּץ (H7323)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — urgency of verificationרוּץ (H7323) 'to run'; conveys the urgency of confirming the confession. Source id 06SZA.
הָאֹ֑הֱלָהto the tentart + N m sg abs + directional ה · אֹהֶל (H168)Adverbial accusative of directionאֹהֶל (H168) + directional ה, 'tentward'. Source id 06WeX.
וְהִנֵּ֧הand beholdconj + presentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle, marks the vivid discoveryהִנֵּה (H2009), see v. 21. Source id 06FoN.
טְמוּנָ֛הhiddenQal passive ptc f sg abs · טָמַן (H2934)Predicative participle (fem.) — predicate confirming Achan's report→ Participle (passive/stative): the confirmed, ongoing concealed stateטָמַן (H2934), see v. 21; the mantle (fem.) is found exactly as described. Source id 06BK2.
בְּאָהֳל֖וֹin his tentprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֹהֶל (H168)Prepositional phrase — location, confirms Achan's accountאֹהֶל (H168) + 3ms suffix. Source id 06qoQ.
וְהַכֶּ֥סֶףand the silverconj + art + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Coordinate subject, confirms the final detailכֶּסֶף (H3701), see v. 21. Source id 06DV4.
תַּחְתֶּֽיהָunderneath itprep תַּחַת + 3fs suffix · תַּחַת (H8478)Prepositional phrase — final locational detail, predicateתַּחַת (H8478), see v. 21. Source id 06iex.
23

וַיִּקָּחוּם֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הָאֹ֔הֶל וַיְבִאוּם֙ אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ וְאֶ֖ל כָּל בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַיַּצִּקֻ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

So they took them from inside the tent and brought them to Joshua and to all the sons of Israel, and laid them out before YHWH.

Sequential narrative — public presentation of the evidenceasyndeton
The stolen goods are displayed 'before YHWH' as well as before the assembled nation — the proceeding is simultaneously civil and sacral, evidence spread out for both human and divine witness before sentence is executed.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּקָּחוּם֙and they took themQal wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947), see v. 1; the messengers retrieve the devoted goods. Source id 06LMe.
מִתּ֣וֹךְfrom the midst ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Prepositional phrase — sourceתָּוֶךְ (H8432), see v. 21. Source id 06zuk.
הָאֹ֔הֶלthe tentart + N m sg abs · אֹהֶל (H168)Object of preposition מִתּוֹךְאֹהֶל (H168), see v. 21. Source id 065hm.
וַיְבִאוּם֙and brought themHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Hiphil causativeבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; the stolen goods are publicly displayed. Source id 06a8a.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase — destinationאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'. Source id 06Avd.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Object of preposition אֶליְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 066nG.
וְאֶ֖לand toconj + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinating conjunction + preposition, joins the second destinationוְ + אֶל, joins the assembled nation as a second destination. Source id 06p6C.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct — quantifierכֹּל (H3605), see v. 3. Source id 06Dn5.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain, object of preposition (via כָּל)בֵּן (H1121), see v. 1. Source id 067mc.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'the sons of Israel'יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1. Source id 06icW.
וַיַּצִּקֻ֖םand they poured them outHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp + 3mp suffix · יָצַק (H3332)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the dramatic public displayיָצַק (H3332) Hiphil 'to pour out'; here of laying out/spreading the goods before witnesses — a formal presentation of evidence. Source id 06WQu.
לִפְנֵ֥יbeforeprep לִפְנֵי (construct 'faces') · פָּנִים (H6440)Prepositional phrase — before whom the evidence is laidפָּנִים (H6440), construct. Source id 06rMa.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of preposition לִפְנֵי — before the divine witnessיְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1; the evidence is laid 'before YHWH' — the ultimate judge in this proceeding. Source id 06H5x.
24

וַיִּקַּ֣ח יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ אֶת עָכָ֣ן בֶּן זֶ֡רַח וְאֶת הַכֶּ֣סֶף וְאֶת הָאַדֶּ֣רֶת וְֽאֶת לְשׁ֣וֹן הַזָּהָ֡ב וְֽאֶת בָּנָ֡יו וְֽאֶת בְּנֹתָ֡יו וְאֶת שׁוֹרוֹ֩ וְאֶת חֲמֹר֨וֹ וְאֶת צֹאנ֤וֹ וְאֶֽת אָהֳלוֹ֙ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ וְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עִמּ֑וֹ וַיַּעֲל֥וּ אֹתָ֖ם עֵ֥מֶק עָכֽוֹר

Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan son of Zerah, and the silver, the mantle, and the bar of gold, and his sons and daughters, his ox, his donkey, his flock, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them up to the Valley of Achor.

Sequential narrative — collective execution of the sentence, procession to Achorasyndeton
The long asyndetic list itemizes everything under judgment — person, plunder, family, livestock, dwelling — enacting v. 15's stipulation 'he and all that he has.' The place name Achor is introduced proleptically here; its meaning ('trouble') is withheld until vv. 25-26 supply the etiology.
Word-by-word analysis· 36 words
וַיִּקַּ֣חand tookQal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the sentence's execution begins→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947), see v. 1; the same verb of Achan's original theft now describes his own seizure. Source id 06Lft.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַJoshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיִּקַּחיְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 06bTD.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi; untranslated. Source id 06W19.
עָכָ֣ןAchanproper noun · עָכָן (H5912)Direct object of וַיִּקַּח, first item of the long listעָכָן (H5912), see v. 1. Source id 06CUd.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival, abbreviated genealogy)בֶּן, see v. 1; here the genealogy skips directly to the clan ancestor Zerah, omitting Carmi and Zabdi already established in vv. 1, 18. Source id 06dBb.
זֶ֡רַחZerahproper noun · זֶרַח (H2226)Genitive — clan-founder's nameזֶרַח (H2226), see v. 1. Source id 06oQH.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item taken to the valley. Source id 06FgV.
הַכֶּ֣סֶףthe silverart + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Coordinate direct objectכֶּסֶף (H3701), see v. 21. Source id 06sAH.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item. Source id 06fPE.
הָאַדֶּ֣רֶתthe mantleart + N f sg abs · אַדֶּרֶת (H155)Coordinate direct objectאַדֶּרֶת (H155), see v. 21. Source id 06kFY.
וְֽאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item. Source id 06oVM.
לְשׁ֣וֹןthe bar ofN c sg constr · לָשׁוֹן (H3956)Coordinate direct object, constructלָשׁוֹן (H3956), see v. 21. Source id 06DD6.
הַזָּהָ֡בthe goldart + N m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Genitive completing 'bar of gold'זָהָב (H2091), see v. 21. Source id 06T6s.
וְֽאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item. Source id 06UTG.
בָּנָ֡יוhis sonsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Coordinate direct objectבֵּן (H1121) + 3ms suffix, plural 'his sons'; the family shares the father's fate per v. 15's stipulation 'he and all that is his'. Source id 06TjC.
וְֽאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item. Source id 06B7W.
בְּנֹתָ֡יוhis daughtersN f pl constr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Coordinate direct objectבַּת (H1323) + 3ms suffix, plural 'his daughters'. Source id 06ggZ.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item. Source id 06sDo.
שׁוֹרוֹ֩his oxN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שׁוֹר (H7794)Coordinate direct objectשׁוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull' + 3ms suffix. Source id 06hQe.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item. Source id 06Fmq.
חֲמֹר֨וֹhis donkeyN c sg constr + 3ms suffix · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Coordinate direct objectחֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey' + 3ms suffix. Source id 064ga.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item. Source id 06qZF.
צֹאנ֤וֹhis flockN c sg constr + 3ms suffix · צֹאן (H6629)Coordinate direct objectצֹאן (H6629) 'flock (sheep/goats)' + 3ms suffix. Source id 06o7p.
וְאֶֽתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, next item of the inventoryוְ + אֵת, joins the next item. Source id 06BQB.
אָהֳלוֹ֙his tentN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אֹהֶל (H168)Coordinate direct objectאֹהֶל (H168) + 3ms suffix; his dwelling itself, where the goods were hidden, is likewise destroyed. Source id 06dbJ.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object marker, introduces the final catch-all itemוְ + אֵת, joins the last item. Source id 065tL.
כָּלall thatN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct — quantifier, head of the final relative clauseכֹּל (H3605), see v. 3. Source id 06Pj9.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the possessive clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle. Source id 06YJJ.
ל֔וֹwas hisprep לְ + 3ms suffix (possessive idiom) · לְPrepositional phrase of possession, predicate of the relative clauseלְ + 3ms suffix, possessive idiom, cf. v. 15. Source id 063Kp.
וְכָלand allconj + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinate subject, shifts to Israel's participationכֹּל (H3605), see v. 3. Source id 06YWx.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'all Israel'יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1; the whole nation participates in removing the ban, fulfilling YHWH's demand in vv. 12-13. Source id 06d4u.
עִמּ֑וֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffix · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase — 'with him [Joshua]'עִם (H5973) + 3ms suffix. Source id 066vh.
וַיַּעֲל֥וּand brought upHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the procession to the place of execution→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil, see v. 6. Source id 06rLV.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיַּעֲלוּאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix. Source id 06PfL.
עֵ֥מֶקthe Valley ofN m sg constr · עֵמֶק (H6010)Adverbial accusative of direction — construct, destinationעֵמֶק (H6010) 'valley'; construct, forming the place name with the following word. Source id 06YQQ.
עָכֽוֹרAchorproper noun · עָכוֹר (H5911)Genitive completing 'the Valley of Achor'עָכוֹר (H5911) 'trouble'; the place-name's meaning is not yet explained here — its etiology (from עכר, 'to trouble') is supplied in vv. 25-26, another instance of the chapter's central wordplay on Achan's own name. Source id 06Dr2.
25

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙ מֶ֣ה עֲכַרְתָּ֔נוּ יַעְכֳּרְךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה בַּיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה וַיִּרְגְּמ֨וּ אֹת֤וֹ כָל יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶ֔בֶן וַיִּשְׂרְפ֤וּ אֹתָם֙ בָּאֵ֔שׁ וַיִּסְקְל֥וּ אֹתָ֖ם בָּאֲבָנִֽים

And Joshua said, "Why have you troubled us? YHWH will trouble you this day." Then all Israel stoned him with stones; they burned them with fire and piled stones over them.

Direct discourse and narrative — sentence pronounced and executedasyndeton
Joshua's sentence plays directly on Achan's name and the verb עָכַר 'to trouble' — the chapter's central wordplay, spoken here as formal indictment before execution and echoed in the place-name Achor (v. 26). The two stoning-related verbs (רגם for the execution, סקל for heaping stones afterward) likely distinguish the lethal act from the subsequent building of the memorial cairn, continued in v. 26.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb, introduces the sentence)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559), see v. 1. Source id 06AAN.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַ֙Joshuaproper noun · יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריְהוֹשֻׁעַ (H3091), see v. 2. Source id 06FAQ.
מֶ֣הwhyinterrogative · מָה (H4100)Interrogative — opens the rhetorical indictmentמָה (H4100), see v. 8. Source id 06bz3.
עֲכַרְתָּ֔נוּhave you troubled usQal perf 2ms + 1cp suffix · עָכַר (H5916)Predicate verb, rhetorical question addressed to Achan→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the effect of Achan's sin on the whole communityעָכַר (H5916) 'to trouble, bring disaster upon'; the chapter's key wordplay verb, echoing Achan's own name (עָכָן/עָכָר, cf. 1 Chr 2:7) and anticipating the place-name עֵמֶק עָכוֹר. Source id 06VeC.
יַעְכֳּרְךָ֥will trouble youQal impf 3ms + 2ms suffix · עָכַר (H5916)Predicate verb, main clause — the reciprocal sentence→ Yiqtol: future — a solemn pronouncement of talionic justiceעָכַר (H5916), see above; the same verb turned back on Achan by YHWH — measure-for-measure justice. Source id 06gEf.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יַעְכֳּרְךָ — the true agent of the coming judgmentיְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1. Source id 061Vr.
בַּיּ֣וֹםdayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Prepositional phrase — temporal, this very dayיוֹם (H3117) 'day'. Source id 06gUg.
הַזֶּ֑הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹםזֶה (H2088), see v. 10. Source id 06xr5.
וַיִּרְגְּמ֨וּand stonedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · רָגַם (H7275)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the communal execution→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָגַם (H7275) 'to stone'; the prescribed method for capital covenant violations (cf. Deut 17:5; Lev 24:14). Source id 06G11.
אֹת֤וֹhimobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיִּרְגְּמוּאֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix. Source id 06D9v.
כָלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct — quantifier, subjectכֹּל (H3605), see v. 3. Source id 06ZoM.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙Israelproper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive completing 'all Israel', subject of וַיִּרְגְּמוּיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), see v. 1; the whole community carries out the sentence, embodying corporate responsibility for both the sin and its remedy. Source id 06bCV.
אֶ֔בֶןwith stonesN f sg abs (adverbial) · אֶבֶן (H68)Adverbial accusative of instrument/meansאֶבֶן (H68) 'stone'. Source id 06fVR.
וַיִּשְׂרְפ֤וּand burnedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׂרַף (H8313)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — fulfills the sentence of v. 15→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׂרַף (H8313), see v. 15; the fire penalty specified for taking the ban is now carried out. Source id 06aDa.
אֹתָם֙themobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיִּשְׂרְפוּאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix, referring to Achan, his household, and the goods. Source id 06ZXK.
בָּאֵ֔שׁwith fireprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · אֵשׁ (H784)Prepositional phrase — instrumentאֵשׁ (H784), see v. 15. Source id 06frz.
וַיִּסְקְל֥וּand piled stones overQal wayyiqtol 3mp · סָקַל (H5619)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — raising the memorial cairn→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָקַל (H5619) Qal 'to stone' or, in this context following the burning, 'to heap stones over'; near-synonym of רָגַם but here denoting the piling of the memorial heap described further in v. 26. Source id 06EPL.
אֹתָ֖םthemobj marker + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct object of וַיִּסְקְלוּאֵת (H853) + 3mp suffix. Source id 06zXD.
בָּאֲבָנִֽיםwith stonesprep בְּ + art + N f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Prepositional phrase — instrument, completing the cairn-buildingאֶבֶן (H68), plural 'stones' — the same stones used in judgment now form the enduring memorial (v. 26). Source id 064tD.
26

וַיָּקִ֨ימוּ עָלָ֜יו גַּל אֲבָנִ֣ים גָּד֗וֹל עַ֚ד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה וַיָּ֥שָׁב יְהוָ֖ה מֵחֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֑וֹ עַל כֵּ֠ן קָרָ֞א שֵׁ֣ם הַמָּק֤וֹם הַהוּא֙ עֵ֣מֶק עָכ֔וֹר עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה

And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then YHWH turned from his burning anger. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achor to this day.

Narrative conclusion — memorial, divine relenting, and etiologyasyndeton
The chapter closes with three resolutions in sequence: a permanent physical memorial (the cairn), YHWH's anger explicitly turning away (an inclusio with v. 1's 'the anger of YHWH burned'), and a naming etiology that fixes Achan's sin permanently into the land's geography. The doubled formula 'to this day' signals the story's ongoing relevance for the book's audience and anticipates the deliberate reversal in Hos 2:17, where the Valley of Trouble becomes 'a door of hope.'
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיָּקִ֨ימוּand raised upHiphil wayyiqtol 3mp · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — Hiphil causativeקוּם (H6965) Hiphil 'to raise, set up, erect'; building the memorial cairn. Source id 0664m.
עָלָ֜יוover himprep עַל + 3ms suffix · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase — locates the heapעַל (H5921) + 3ms suffix. Source id 06juf.
גַּלa heap ofN m sg constr · גַּל (H1530)Direct object of וַיָּקִימוּ, constructגַּל (H1530) 'heap, mound'; a cairn marking the site (cf. Gen 31:46-52, Jacob and Laban's memorial heap). Source id 061Wx.
אֲבָנִ֣יםstonesN f pl abs · אֶבֶן (H68)Genitive completing 'heap of stones'אֶבֶן (H68), see v. 25. Source id 06FjT.
גָּד֗וֹלgreatadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Attributive adjective modifying גַּלגָּדוֹל (H1419), see v. 9; emphasizes the memorial's permanence and visibility. Source id 06fFL.
עַ֚דtoprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase — temporal extentעַד (H5704), see v. 6. Source id 06iyy.
הַיּ֣וֹםdayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of preposition עַדיוֹם (H3117), see v. 25; the formula 'to this day' marks the cairn's enduring visibility to the narrator's own time. Source id 06fXN.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹםזֶה (H2088), see v. 10. Source id 06L79.
וַיָּ֥שָׁבand turned backQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb) — the crisis resolved→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725), see v. 3; here of YHWH's anger relenting — the chapter's resolution. Source id 062g9.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper noun · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיָּשָׁביְהוָה (H3068), see v. 1. Source id 06PUa.
מֵחֲר֣וֹןfrom the burning ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · חָרוֹן (H2740)Prepositional phrase — source, object of שׁוּבחָרוֹן (H2740) 'burning, heat'; construct with אַף, idiom for fierce anger, echoing v. 1's 'the anger of YHWH burned'. Source id 06r3q.
אַפּ֑וֹhis angerN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אַף (H639)Genitive completing 'the burning of his anger'אַף (H639), see v. 1; 'the burning of his anger' forms an inclusio with the chapter's opening, marking the crisis fully resolved. Source id 06i7e.
עַלonprep (idiom עַל כֵּן) · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase forming the idiom עַל כֵּן, 'therefore'עַל (H5921), see above. Source id 06Mem.
כֵּ֠ןthereforeadverb (completes idiom עַל כֵּן) · כֵּן (H3651)Adverb completing the idiom עַל כֵּן, introduces the etiological conclusionכֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; idiom עַל כֵּן 'therefore, for this reason' — the standard formula introducing a naming etiology. Source id 06wNK.
קָרָ֞אhe calledQal perf 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Predicate verb, main clause of the etiological conclusion→ Perfective: a completed, decisive naming actקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the naming act that permanently fixes the site's identity and the chapter's lesson. Source id 06bwY.
שֵׁ֣םthe name ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of קָרָא, constructשֵׁם (H8034), see v. 9. Source id 065e6.
הַמָּק֤וֹםthe placeart + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Genitive completing 'the name of the place'מָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'. Source id 06yr6.
הַהוּא֙thatart + pronoun (demonstrative use) 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Demonstrative modifying הַמָּקוֹםהוּא (H1931) used demonstratively with the article, 'that (place)'. Source id 06ckn.
עֵ֣מֶקthe Valley ofN m sg constr · עֵמֶק (H6010)Predicate noun (in apposition to הַמָּקוֹם), construct — naming the placeעֵמֶק (H6010), see v. 24. Source id 06vA4.
עָכ֔וֹרAchorproper noun · עָכוֹר (H5911)Genitive completing 'the Valley of Achor' — the etiological payoffעָכוֹר (H5911) 'trouble', from עָכַר; the name permanently commemorates Achan's act and its consequence, the chapter's central wordplay now fixed into the land's toponymy. Hos 2:17 [Eng. 15] later reverses this, calling the same valley 'a door of hope.' Source id 06KEn.
עַ֖דtoprep · עַד (H5704)Prepositional phrase — temporal extentעַד (H5704), see v. 6. Source id 06cPC.
הַיּ֥וֹםdayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of preposition עַדיוֹם (H3117), see v. 25; the closing repetition of 'to this day' bookends the chapter's etiology. Source id 06Eoc.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + demonstrative m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹםזֶה (H2088), see v. 10. Source id 06Pdv.