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1 Kings 19:9

1 Kings 19:9 in Multiple Translations

There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

¶ And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of Jehovah came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

And there he went into a hole in the rock for the night; then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, What are you doing here, Elijah?

There he entered a cave and spent the night. The Lord spoke to Elijah, and asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

And there he entred into a caue, and lodged there: and beholde, the Lord spake to him, and said vnto him, What doest thou here, Eliiah?

And he cometh in there, unto the cave, and lodgeth there, and lo, the word of Jehovah [is] unto him, and saith to him, 'What — to thee, here, Elijah?'

He came to a cave there, and camped there; and behold, the LORD’s word came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

And he came thither to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

And when he was come thither, he abode in a cave: and behold the word of the Lord came unto him, and he said to him: What dost thou here, Elias?

He went into a cave there and slept there that night. Yahweh gave instructions to Elijah The next morning, Yahweh said to him “Elijah, why are you here?”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 19:9

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 19:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יָּבֹא שָׁ֥ם אֶל הַ/מְּעָרָ֖ה וַ/יָּ֣לֶן שָׁ֑ם וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה דְבַר יְהוָה֙ אֵלָ֔י/ו וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔/וֹ מַה לְּ/ךָ֥ פֹ֖ה אֵלִיָּֽהוּ
וַ/יָּבֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֥ם shâm H8033 there Adv
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/מְּעָרָ֖ה mᵉʻârâh H4631 cave Art | N-fs
וַ/יָּ֣לֶן lûwn H3885 to lodge Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁ֑ם shâm H8033 there Adv
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part
דְבַר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff
מַה mâh H4100 what? Part
לְּ/ךָ֥ Prep | Suff
פֹ֖ה pôh H6311 here Adv
אֵלִיָּֽהוּ ʼÊlîyâh H452 Elijah N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 19:9

וַ/יָּבֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שָׁ֥ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מְּעָרָ֖ה mᵉʻârâh H4631 "cave" Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
וַ/יָּ֣לֶן lûwn H3885 "to lodge" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
שָׁ֑ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
דְבַר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לְּ/ךָ֥ "" Prep | Suff
פֹ֖ה pôh H6311 "here" Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
אֵלִיָּֽהוּ ʼÊlîyâh H452 "Elijah" N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 19:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 19:13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
2 Exodus 33:21–22 The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.
3 Jeremiah 2:18 Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile ? What will you gain on your way to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates ?
4 Genesis 16:8 “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied.
5 Genesis 3:9 But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?”
6 Hebrews 11:38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.
7 Jeremiah 9:2 If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people.
8 Jonah 1:3–4 Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart.

1 Kings 19:9 Summary

In this verse, 1 Kings 19:9, Elijah is hiding in a cave, trying to escape from the troubles he is facing, but God finds him and asks him a question. This shows that God is always with us, even when we try to hide, and He wants to talk to us and guide us. Just like Elijah, we can be honest with God about our struggles and fears, and trust that He will speak to us and help us, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18 and Matthew 11:28. By talking to God and listening to His voice, we can find peace and direction in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Elijah go to the mountain of God, and what was he seeking?

Elijah went to the mountain of God, Horeb, to escape the persecution of Queen Jezebel and to seek God's presence, as seen in 1 Kings 19:8, similar to how Moses sought God's presence in Exodus 3:1-4:17.

What does it mean for the word of the LORD to come to someone?

The word of the LORD coming to someone, as in 1 Kings 19:9, means that God is communicating directly with that person, often through a prophetic voice or a still, small voice, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:4-10 and 1 Kings 19:11-13.

Is Elijah's action of entering a cave a symbol of anything?

Elijah's action of entering a cave can be seen as a symbol of his desire to hide or escape from his circumstances, similar to how Jonah tried to hide from God in Jonah 1:3, but God still finds him and speaks to him, as seen in 1 Kings 19:9-10.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's omnipresence?

This verse, 1 Kings 19:9, shows that God is indeed omnipresent, as He is able to find Elijah in the cave and speak to him, demonstrating that there is no place where God is not present, as stated in Psalm 139:7-10 and Jeremiah 23:24.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in your life when you felt like hiding, and how did God speak to you during those times?
  2. How do you respond when God asks you a question, like 'What are you doing here, Elijah?', and what does your response reveal about your heart?
  3. In what ways can you, like Elijah, be honest with God about your fears and frustrations, and how can you trust that He will speak to you and guide you?
  4. What are some 'caves' in your life where you try to hide from God or others, and how can you invite God to speak to you in those places?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 19:9

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there,.... This cave, some travellers say (u), is to be seen at this day, not far from a church dedicated to the prophet Elijah, and that the cave itself

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 19:9

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:9

A tacit reproof. This is not thy proper place, nor the station in which I set thee, which was in Israel, to turn that backsliding people, to which end I gave thee my help, and would have proceeded to assist thee further, if thou hadst continued there. Nor did I give thee those excellent gifts to lie idle in this wilderness, but to employ them for thy people’ s good, whom now thou hast deserted, and art come hither, not by my command, but through thy own fear and cowardice.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:9

1 Kings 19:9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD [came] to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?Ver. 9. And he came thither unto a cave.] The same, saith R. Solomon, wherein was Moses when he first saw God’ s backparts. Hence this cave was in no small esteem among the ancients, as Josephus testifieth. Certes, it could not but be a great confirmation of Elijah to renew the sight of those sensible monuments of God’ s favour and protection to his faithful predecessor Moses. What dost thou here, Elijah?] Accusatur hic obliquae nimiae timiditatis et trepidationis. Here he is secretly taxed for leaving his station out of too much fear of Jezebel, q.d., Is this a fit place for truth’ s champion?

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:9

(9) A cave.—This is properly, “the cave”—perhaps a reference to some cave already well known, as connected with the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, or perhaps only an anticipatory reference to the cave which Elijah’s sojourn was to make famous. The word of the Lord came to him.—The connection suggests that this message came to him in vision or dream at night. The LXX. implies this distinctly by inserting in 1 Kings 19:11 the word “to-morrow,” which is also found in the rather vague and prosaic paraphrase of the passage in Josephus. What Elijah replies in imagination in the vision, he repeats next day in actual words.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:9

Verse 9. He came thither unto a cave] Conjectured by some to be the same cave in which God put Moses that he might give him a glimpse of his glory. See Exodus 33:22. What doest thou here, Elijah?] Is this a reproach for having fled from the face of Jezebel, through what some call unbelieving fears, that God would abandon him to her rage?

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 19:9

9–18. God’s revelation and direction to Elijah (Not in Chronicles) 9. unto a cave] The Hebrew has the article, and this is represented in the LXX. by τὸσπήλαιον ‘the cave.’ It is very likely that by Elijah’s time tradition had fixed on a definite place as that ‘cleft of the rock’ in which Moses stood (Exodus 33:22) when Jehovah passed by. If this were so the place would be deemed very sacred, and would be most appropriate to that divine explanation now to be given to Elijah. For to him was to be presented another Theophany. Some have suggested, as an explanation of the definite description, that the cave had already become a resort of pilgrims to Horeb, but for this there appears no evidence. What doest thou here?] An opportunity is given to Elijah to open his whole heart. The question here must have a different force from that which it bears after the manifestation of God’s presence in 1 Kings 19:13. Here it must signify ‘Why art thou thus cast down?’ ‘Has thy knowledge of Jehovah gone no farther than to see Him only in works of vengeance?’

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 19:9

A cave - Rather, “the cave.” Some well-known cave must be intended - perhaps the “cliff of the rock” Exodus 33:22.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 19:9

9. Unto a cave — Hebrew, unto the cave. “There is nothing to confirm, but there is nothing to contradict, the belief [of the Arabs] that it may have been in that secluded basin which has long been

Sermons on 1 Kings 19:9

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (Men Who Met God): Elijah - "The Lord Leviticus Before Whom I Stand" by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of finding reality and how sin often prevents us from experiencing it. He explores the inner conflict within humans, where the di
David Wilkerson Obtaining the Fullness of the Blessing of Christ by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dealing with the things that hinder our relationship with God. He highlights how God desires to bless and use us, but ther
Robert Constable Loneliness by Robert Constable Robert Constable addresses the pervasive issue of loneliness, emphasizing that it is an emotional experience rather than a physical state. He explores various causes of loneliness,
David Davis (Elijah Legacy) 8. Commissioned in a Cave by David Davis In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing what we are doing for the Lord. He shares a personal experience of preaching in Europe and encountering a pastor wh
Erlo Stegen Listen to God's Whisper by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker describes a vision of hell that they had. They saw people of all races suffering and burning in the fire of hell. They were shocked by the horrific sigh
Vance Havner What Doest Thou Here?" by Vance Havner Vance Havner reflects on the life of Elijah, emphasizing the stark contrast between his triumphant victory on Mount Carmel and his subsequent despair under the juniper tree. He hig
Pablo Yoder What Are You Doing Here? by Pablo Yoder Pablo Yoder preaches about Elijah's moment of discouragement and how God questioned him, leading him to face his fears and lies. He challenges modern-day believers who feel alone a

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