Smith's Bible Dictionary

Achan (troubler), an Israelite of the tribe of Judah, who, when Jericho and all that it contained were accursed and devoted to destruction, secreted a portion of the spoil in his tent. For this sin he was stoned to death with his whole family by the people, in a valley situated between Ai and Jericho, and their remains, together with his property, were burnt. (Joshua 1:7-26) From this event the valley received the name of Achor (i.e. trouble). [Achor] (B.C. 1450.)