Joshua 7:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joshua tenderly urges Achan to glorify God by confessing fully what he has done and hiding nothing.
What Does Joshua 7:19 Mean?
Joshua's words are remarkably gentle: 'My son.' He calls Achan not to despair but to confession, framing honesty as a way of giving glory to God. To tell the truth, even now, is to honor the LORD who already knows it.
This is a moving picture of how confession works. It is not God prying a secret from us, but our own act of giving Him glory by agreeing with the truth He sees. Joshua pleads, 'hide it not,' the very thing Achan had been doing all along. Even at the edge of judgment there is dignity offered to the sinner who will speak the truth. It anticipates the gospel promise that the one who confesses and does not hide his sin finds mercy.
Joshua 7:19 in the Original Language
todah (תּוֹדָה), 'confession' -- an acknowledgment that gives thanks and ascribes glory to God by agreeing with the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 7:19
What does Joshua 7:19 mean?
Joshua tenderly urges Achan to glorify God by confessing fully what he has done and hiding nothing.