pnvma. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More. 2. In the same way This sermon takes only about ten minutes to read; however, many believe the original sermon was probably very longpossibly a couple of hours.1 What we have in the Sermon on the Mount is most likely a summary of his teaching. The Greek noun (Strong's #4434), translated "poor" in this beatitude means literally: "one who is bent or folded;"F1 metaphorically "one utterly destitute. All rights reserved. This is placed first in the Beatitudes, as it is both the doorway to the kingdom of heaven and also the other attitudes. He translated the words like this: Blessed are the poor in pride, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.. Where true believers recognize their spiritual poverty and need for God, the rich in spirit dont. It is the pathway to spiritual maturityfor those who are like children are greatest in the kingdom. I think the Lord said this in part to counteract the common belief of the day that wealth was a reward for righteousness. The kingdom principles of the beatitudes of Jesus are exactly the opposite of humanism, which teaches dependency on the world's resources and breeds the independence of self-sufficiency and human wisdom. In fact, to be poor in spirit is necessary for salvation, for only the poor in spirit see their need of Christs sacrifice as payment for their sin. Why can they never bring lasting happiness or contentment? Would you like to talk about anything in particular? When you hear the word kingdom, what do you think of? I don't think the point of this beatitude is to know if this poorness lowly state is a material one or not, but know our Father's heart. We are not alone in reaching this conclusion. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Jesus Sermon on the Mount and His Confrontation with the World: An Exposition of Matthew 510 (p. 17). WebThroughout the New Testament there are three Greek words expressing poverty; 'ptochoi,' the common word we have just defined used 34 times and the two kindred terms of For example, the people Christ addresses in Revelation 3:17 are technically wealthy in material goods, yet Jesus says: You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. In this verse, poor refers to being poor in godliness and in the treasure that will be bestowed at the Judgment. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? In addition, the world regularly seeks happiness in sin and the fruits thereof, but true happiness cannot be attained without holiness. This site uses a third party, Statcounter, to track page views and visits. Later, as if to confirm His point, Jesus compared the difficulty of a rich man entering the kingdom to the difficulty of a camel going through the eye of a needle (Matt. When a man wants to marry a woman, he often asks her father for his blessinghis approval. Rummaging through my overstuffed bookshelves, I came up with commentaries by John Wesley and Matthew Henry, who confirmed my assumptions of what poor in spirit might mean. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in and eat with him, and he with me), Cohen prayed. After this, Christ also says that those who are like this child are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (v.4). And while only Christ modeled these attitudes perfectly, if we do not display them in our lives at all, we may not be part of his kingdom. Network error, please check your internet connection and try again. Some bible researchers agree with this point of view. Showing up to 25. He is the author of all the teachings here, and all materials are available free of charge! WebThere are two main ways that this phrase can be read. even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my 3.A. Poor in spirit does not mean that these people think they are worthless for that wouldnt be true; all people are Divine image bearers and therefore have unimaginable worth. 1 (Florida: MacDonald Publishing Company, reprint of 2nd edition 1888), pg., 29. 3:9-12). Click a verse number to see an options menu. What are some practical applications from this beatitude? Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Open my lips and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. [Luke 6:20, KJV.]. It is humble and not prideful like the Pharisees who did their righteous deeds to be seen by men (Matt 6:1-3). Poor is not a matter of how much money we have or don't have, but a matter of how much money we owe. Second, poor in spirit also could refer to At the end of the sermon, Christ teaches about this reality. Sign up for our free daily newsletter. Web 2022 Biz Tech Ventures. But with the passing of time no one could detect any change in Cohens life. Just as physical beggars continually beg for money and food, spiritual beggars continually plead with the Lord for spiritual resources such as grace, strength, peace, and opportunities to serve and bless others. 1617). One word that the Bible uses is "penichros", and it means to be a poor laborer - someone who is not wealthy and who is forced by need to work for his daily bread. A non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation. For example, the website gotquestions.org says: To be poor in spirit is to recognize your utter spiritual bankruptcy before God. The greek word Jesus used for "poor" means "one who is bent or folded, utterly destitute." Thank you! Jesus provides a contrast to spiritual poverty by teasing a pharisee about his unwashed cup and He describes the path to spiritual poverty as removing the log from one's eye and seeing oneself clearly. Download our eBooks to read on your computers, phone, tablet, or eReader. His teachings made the Bible clear and easy to understand, and impacted millions of lives. Mary expresses to Elisabeth, and, thereby, to us all : He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. The kingdom is not just theirs in the future, it is theirs today. After salvation, it takes this same poor in spirit humility to walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12) Would it not be discretion instead of being a show-off? Verse address: Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. However, true happiness or blessedness is Divinesomething only given by God to those living righteously. Terms of Service They are ptochos and penas, but He used ptochos. The Christian life in many ways is the opposite of the natural life. Please support Open Doors, a charity which supports persecuted Christians and rescues them from places where they may be killed. Another approach to understanding this is to know the Greek words translated as "poor." To be contrite is to be sorry or 12 Hughes, R. K. (2001). How is God calling you to pursue growth in spiritual poverty? A poor person will always think about wealth and if given a chance to work his ways into riches, he would work hard to get the riches. All rights reserved worldwide. man worketh not the righteousness of God. Does a summoned creature play immediately after being summoned by a ready action? The word poor means to shrink, cower, or cringe, even as beggars did.10 In fact, a good translation for this word is the beggarly poor.11. Interpretation Question: What are the Beatitudes and why are they important? 2. All Rights Reserved. When God called Gideon to lead Israel, Gideon declared how he was from the least tribe, and he was least in his family. Please try again, or come back later. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. After salvation, it takes this same poor in spirit humility to walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12). That is Gods goodness and love for us. "Blessed are the poor in spirit." That they are blessed and that theirs is the kingdom of heaven shows that these are not people whose being "poor (NASB) Matthew 5:3. Personal updates from Samantha. Sadly, people often think true happiness comes from possessions, positive circumstances, or relationships. James 1:19-20 KJV (19) Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man WebCheck out this great listen on Audible.com. When anyone cowers from the fear of their own self righteousness and becomes utterly destitute of spirit by depending upon God to direct their steps, they receive joy as a well of water springing up from the Lord forever quenching their thirst (John 4:14) and taking care of their every need (Matthew 6:25-27). Titus illustrates this wonderfully: For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Because of our sins, we are unacceptable to God and under his wrath (John 3:36). Without spiritual povertywithout recognition of our bankruptcy and need for Gods salvationno one will enter the kingdom of heaven. Trials humble us and show us that we are not our own masters. Copyright Like The Master Ministries. Spiritual poverty is necessary for salvation. WebThe Greek word normally used for poverty is a different word entirely and is used in Luke 21:2 to describe the poor widow Jesus observed giving her offering at the temple. That means God has lavished His blessings on us spiritual beggars. Does this description remind you of anyone? We are sinners and on the strength of our lives deserve nothing but God's judgment. My power will be made complete in your weakness. He finds such people and sows his kingdom deep in them so they can help spread his glory throughout the earth. Jesus affirmed that the time of which Isaiah saw and prophesied was beginning to be fulfilled during His earthly ministry. That is, the thrust of Jesus' saying is: People are happiest when they recognise their spiritual needs and their complete dependence on God. eg, Gal 4:9, 1 Cor 15:10, etc. Using Kolmogorov complexity to measure difficulty of problems? If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise" (1 Corinthians 3:18). poor See Also in English poor health poor people After one is a Christian, a true Christian will realize that he or she is still a beggar; but God does not give us crumbs. Peace. When the Lord comes to open up the Scriptures to our understanding as He opens His mouth to teach us, then blessed (happy) are those who wi - Luke 10:27. Thanks for the excellent question. WHO ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT? When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. As we have them the beatitudes are in Greek, and the word that is used for poor is the word ptochos ( Greek #4434 ). (London: Pickering & Inglis, 1883), pg., 5. True believers possess these and yet aspire to grow in them. In John 14:29, he said, For I have not spoken from my own authority, but the Father himself who sent me has commanded me what I should say and what I should speak. Christ was the epitome of spiritual povertyhe depended totally on the Father, even for what to say. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.. When we see Jesus as our everything, He becomes our everything. This is reflected in Isaiah 66:2, which mentions the person to whom God will pay attention: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. This verse mentions a poor and contrite spirit but many versions correctly understand that the word poor refers to humble, and translate it that way (ESV; HCSB; NASB, NIV, NRSV). Are they people who are pauper of spiritual wealth, not people of the Christian world see it today but were lacking the flesh and legalism spiritual purity of Sadducees and Pharisees, for because they were not self imposed earthly spiritualism they were open to the redemptive forgiveness and acceptance of the kingdom of heave? (Matthew 5:3-4) Poor in spirit is an odd phrase to modern ears, outside religious circles anyway. Matthew (Mt 5:312). Maybe, those who have served as pastors, missionaries, small group leaders, deacons, and worship leaders are more prone to this deception. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. God invites us to eat at the table with Him. Why are physically impossible and logically impossible concepts considered separate in terms of probability? It has been established with sufficient probability that the Greek word corresponds to the Hebrew "ani", which means poor, indigent, as well as humble, meek. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books. However, if there is no internal change that leads to continued growth in holiness, they are probably not. James 4:6 says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. . All rights reserved. Just fill in the form below and one of our mentors will get back to you as soon as possible. Copyright 2023. 5:3). He does not invite us to eat one meal, but we get to eat every meal, every day. Romans 8:15-17 says, For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. It prioritizes Gods kingdom and his righteousness over earthly wealth and personal security (Matt 6:33). Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, Vol. This is why the Beatitudes are so important. WebSearch results for: poor in spirit. 2) Someone who is destitute of riches. In Matt 5:3 (ptchoi) comes from the root word (ptchos) which Friberg's Analytical Lexicon defines literally as "one who is dependant on others for support, poor, destitute". WebNAS: Blessed are the poor in spirit, KJV: Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: INT: Blessed [are] the poor. The traditional explanation, especially among evangelicals, is that it means people who The meaning of the word poor. 1) Someone who is a beggar, a poor man. God looks for people with this spirit and uses them greatly for his kingdom (cf. ptchoi. The Word says, Be ye filled with the Spirit and walk in the Spirit. So Im not sure what it means in Matthew 5, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Can you enlighten me? 2.B. If we are poor in spirit, we are completely and wholly dependent on God. "Blessed are the poor in spirit." It is someone who is so poor, they are reduced to begging. The sermon on the mount: the message of the kingdom (p. 16). All one needs to do is go into the slums and poor districts of local cities and townships in their respective country and such individuals can readily be found. The message of this passage is that Jesus came for those who were Beggars in Spirit.. What is insolence? 4.D. Revelation 3:7-8 KJV (7) And to the angel of the church in For example, the people Christ addresses in Revelation 3:17 are technically wealthy in material goods, yet Jesus says: You say, I am rich; I have If were poor in spirit, we will pray often. 3.A. Those who are poor in spirit are the ones who God uses the most. F5: M.R. Jesus stated that since she gave of all her means, where the others were just giving of their abundance, her offering was the greater to God (Luke 21:-1-4). Your actual print-out will look different, depending on paper size and margin settings. In Luke 16:20, it was used of Lazarus who lay at the gate of a rich mans house, longing to eat crumbs that fell from his table. FOOTNOTES: F1: Robert Young, LL.D., F.E.S.L., Concise Critical Commentary of the N.T. We will come for forgiveness of our sins. Earlier, the prophet had prophesied concerning the wayfaring men who fare by the way and are not acquainted with the territory through which they are passing. Then, there was a word used of those who were destitute with no resources and therefore had to beg. They see all their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer. -- Matthew Henry. "F6 Thayer adds to this: "to be thoroughly frightened, to cower down or hide one's self for fear. However, those who truly recognize their grave condition before the Lord, are thankful even for little things. Last week we began our word study from the beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) by examining makarioi, "the blessed joyful happiness of the soul" received from God to everyone who enters into the kingdom of heaven. Welcome to BHSX. Isaiah was blessed with the opportunity to look into the future and see many things concerning the kingdom of the Messiah and those who shall enter therein. Did any DOS compatibility layers exist for any UNIX-like systems before DOS started to become outmoded? They are the Be Attitudes that should be in each of our lives. Our text in Matthew 5:3 states that this poverty is one of spirit. Receive the newest article each week in your inbox by joining the ", To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient. They have no hope in any thing they have or in anything they can do. Poor in spirit is a precursor, and the most essential element, of humility. This is a thorough Greek word study about the meaning of the Greek word , 'pneuma' (Strong's 4151) translated 'spirit'. 5.C . This doesnt mean that every poor person goes to Heaven, but that the Kingdom was made with them in mind. All Rights Reserved. They cringe before God because they can demand nothing based on their own meritall they deserve is death. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. But as we mature in Christ, we begin to recognize our spiritual poverty on a deeper level. 4 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Sorry, there was an error on our end. Blest are the humble; For theirs is the Kingdom of [God].. It affirms that nobody can be saved by baptism, pilgrimage, charity, good works, etc.only Gods grace and mercy can save someone. They will use little strength in their breath and speak few words as they hear Him open His mouth and teach the Word. Up-voted (+1) and answered below. They were both imperfectly perfect for God, because they recognized their weaknesstheir spiritual poverty. However, if we simply continue living like the world, perhaps, like those in Matthew 7:21-23, we have never been truly born again. The character of the kingdom starts with the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10. F6: John Parkhurst, M.A., A Greek And English Lexicon To The New Testament (London: T. Davison, Whitefriars, 1812), pg., 585. He is currently serving as Professor of Biblical Greek at Master's Graduate School of Divinity, and president of BTE Ministries - The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America, a non-profit organization located in California that provides Bible study tapes and Greek study materials through their website BTEMinistries.org. By submitting, I accept The Lifes Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This answer could be strengthened with a little more detail. Are they people who live spiritually focused (in the spirit) and are oppressed into cowering and crouch because of their devotion? In fact, many believe this church was full of unbelievers, as they had not recognized their spiritual poverty and Christ stood outside their hearts knockingtrying to get in (Rev 3:20). noun. Therefore, if that is our ultimate desire in lifeto please Godthen we should listen closely to each of these Beatitudes and pursue them through Gods grace, in order to give God pleasure. More Greek words for spirit. The more we know God, the more we will see our spiritual poverty and therefore our need for Gods mercy and grace. By practicing a daily dependence on Him, we will become poor in spirit. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. The Greek word ptchos () means literally one who crouches or cowers, a person who feels helpless and vulnerable. 2. Identify those arcade games from a 1983 Brazilian music video. What video game is Charlie playing in Poker Face S01E07? Not only is spiritual poverty the doorway to salvation, it is also the pathway to sanctification. The sermon on the mount: the message of the kingdom (p. 19). It is the "kingdom of the heavens" (Literal translation), for it exists most perfectly in heaven itself where those before God live the ideal life of love and service to the Almighty. We are not strong enough, smart enough, or wealthy enough. I read the verse, I looked at the context, and I thought as hard as my teenaged mental capacity could manage, but to no avail. The passage is about Lazarus. She had very little, but she still had two small copper coins. Please take the tour below. Some even see faith as a crutcha sign of weakness; it is for people who cant make it in this life on their own. It gives every verse where the Greek word 'pneuma' for 'Spirit' appears in the New Testament from Romans to Revelation. As the polar opposite of pride, poor in spirit describes a condition of being acutely aware of one's dependency and unworthiness. This is where every person who enters the kingdom of heaven begins. It is a bold, disrespectful, and arrogant attitude. The other word is proches. Because these folks usually do not have any desire for God. The Greek word comes from two others that mean to crouch down and be prostrate. In Isaiah 6:5, when Isaiah had a vision of God, it led to confessing his sin and that of his people. Rather, they are people who are not complacent in spiritual matters. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.(Matthew 5:3). Web1.C. His logic? Your first phrase refers to a passage found in Matthew 5:3, which is the first verse in the Sermon on the Mount. While this word does refer to poor people Strongs Concordance says that the word means of or like the beggars, defining it as (of one who crouches and cower, hence) beggarly, poor that the word denotes extreme destitution. Matthew 5:4 Adj-NMP GRK: NAS: Blessed are WebWhat's the Greek spirit? Jeremiah 9:23-24. Todays verse has a lot to do with humility. In the original language, the word child is used of an infant or toddler. If not, you have not entered the kingdom of heaven. Also, there is a progression in themeach quality leading to another. WebThere are two Greek words for poor; one refers to the working poor and the other to the truly poor. Like the Pharisees and teachers of the law, they think their intellectual knowledge of Scripture and their external good deeds means that they are truly saved. I think of the books I loved to read growing up about kings and queens ruling from a beautiful palace and princesses falling in love with princes. This is a wonderful question because the phrase spiritually poor describes how we start with God and the attitude we must have in our ongoing relationship with God. There are Christian football players, Christian cowboys, Christian politicians; why not a Christian gangster?6. Therefore, it is the spiritually poor that God uses the most; those who experience this are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. It is to be pretentious, showy, pompous, and egotistical. The word beatitude comes from the Latin word beatus, which simply means bless or bliss.4 Each one of the Beatitudes begins with the word blessed. But the name beatitude also is commonly used to describe how each of these attitudes should be part of our behavior. Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. Welcome to BH. Luke 1:53 KJV.]. Change the font size using your browser settings. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, Vol. If worldly things, material wealth and carnal possessions are sufficient to console someone in this present life, then they have not (yet) discovered their true, inward spiritual poverty towards God. It is the doorway to heavenfor without it, we wont recognize our need for salvation. They recognize that because of their sin, they are unacceptable to God and under his wrath. Application Question: Why are so many professing believers self-deceived about their salvation (like the Pharisee, the Church of Laodicea, and those who approached Christ in Matthew 7:21-23)? He says to his disciples, I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! (v. 3). Matthew 5:4 Adj-NMP GRK: NAS: Blessed are those who mourn, KJV: Blessed [are] they that mourn: for INT: Blessed they who mourn. 9 Guzik, D. (2013). Though blessed can be translated happy, it cannot be reduced to only happiness. The beauty of being poor in spirit is seeing Jesus real in our lives. That they are blessed and that theirs is the kingdom of heaven shows that these are not people whose being "poor in the spirit" alludes to "spiritual bankruptcy." When the word spirit is in the lower case, as it is in Matt. How do you struggle with pursuing happiness apart from God? What does spiritually poor mean? That is how we come to God. These people confessed Christ as Lord and even practiced some good works, but were not saved. To be poor in spirit is to have a repentant heart: a heart that agrees with God that it cannot measure up to Gods standard of holiness and that accepts Gods holiness as the standard. This is the pathway of all true believers. Strong's translations for "eye" include conceit (hubris); humility is the result of spiritual conceit exposed. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. If we borrow that characteristic into the spiritual matters, then the poor here will always think about spiritual wealth and when exposed to the grace and the provision of the pursuit of godliness, they will 'work' hard in the pursuit of righteousness. These traits are the exact opposite of the traits the world values. WebHere, "poor" is translated from ptochos, which literally means "to crouch or cower as one helpless." Thats a characteristic of spiritual beggars. If this keeps happening, please report the error. Used by permission. The Greek word used for meek literally means to be gentle, while the Aramaic word means to be low, soft, or mild which could also mean gentle. In Acts 21:4 - What does "Through the Spirit" Mean? Donations to this ministry aretax-deductible. We continue to need Gods grace. This is the opposite of the spirit of the world. When the word spirit is in the lower case, as it is in Matt. You can opt-out of this by clicking here, or read the Statcounter privacy policy. Romans 10:13 says, For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. God hears their cry and saves them. shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; (8) I know thy works: Jesus said for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them, thus it consists of those who are first and foremost "poor in spirit." We grow food to support a community, build and repair homes, and support the poor, widows, and the fatherless. noun. Follow Up: struct sockaddr storage initialization by network format-string. Or are you prone to complaining? The Christian life is the opposite; when people are born again, they leave their life of independence for a life of spiritual povertyrecognizing their desperate state and need for Gods salvationand crying out for God. When we focus on ourselves or others, it creates pride, even if it manifests in insecurity. "F2 Thayer defines the term: "one who slinks and crouches, often involving the idea of roving about in wretchedness; reduced to beggary, begging, mendicant, asking alms; hence, poor, needy. Furthermore, there seems to be a direct connection between the first and fifth (the poor in spirit and being merciful), the second and sixth (mourning and becoming pure in heart), third and seventh (the meek and becoming a peacemaker), and the fourth and eighth (hungering for righteousness and being persecuted for righteousness). Humility is a composite of several qualities, one of which is being "poor in spirit." F3: Joseph Henry Thayer, D.D., Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1901), pg., 557. The righteousness of true believers is otherworldly. I was reading in Thayers Greek Lexicon, and it says that poor means.. to be beggarly, and destitute, and afflicted, and that it refers to one who is crouched in wretchedness. Therefore, poverty of spirit supports the doctrine of justification by faith alone. WebAnswer (1 of 9): Matthew 5:3 (ESV) 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Then he began to teach them by saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! It is the poor in spirit, and theirs alone, whose is the kingdom of heaven. They cry out not only for salvation, but for their daily needsGods peace, strength, power, and mercy. 1. Let me share with you some commentary on this verse and the phrase, the poor in spirit. In Matt 5:3, the text explicitly defines poverty in the spiritual sense. Their complaints are rooted in pride and an incorrect view of what they truly deserve. WebGreek Translation. To be poor in spirit means at least three things. First, poor is spirit can mean lacking somehow in the spirit or in the spiritual life. 140142). Application Question: What are some hindrances to spiritual poverty? 'Poor' () used in this verse means 'reduced to . 11:29, 18:4, 21:5 abd 23:12). Learn more. March 25, 2018 By Rob Fields The poor in spirit (Matt.
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