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2 Chronicles 2:1

2 Chronicles 2:1 in Multiple Translations

Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the Name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself.

And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of Jehovah, and a house for his kingdom.

Now it was Solomon's purpose to put up a house for the name of the Lord and a house for himself as king.

Solomon ordered the building of a Temple to honor the Lord and a royal palace for himself.

Then Salomon determined to builde an house for the Name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdome.

And Solomon saith to build a house for the name of Jehovah, and a house for his kingdom,

Now Solomon decided to build a house for the LORD’s name, and a house for his kingdom.

And Solomon determined to build a house for the name of the LORD, and a house for his kingdom.

And Solomon determined to build a house to the name of the Lord, and a palace for himself.

Solomon ordered that a temple should be built where Yahweh would be worshiped and also that a palace should be built for himself.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 2:1

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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.

2 Chronicles 2:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּסְפֹּ֨ר שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה שִׁבְעִ֥ים אֶ֨לֶף֙ אִ֣ישׁ סַבָּ֔ל וּ/שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים אֶ֛לֶף אִ֖ישׁ חֹצֵ֣ב בָּ/הָ֑ר וּ/מְנַצְּחִ֣ים עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת
וַ/יִּסְפֹּ֨ר çâphar H5608 to recount Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 Solomon N-proper
שִׁבְעִ֥ים shibʻîym H7657 seventy Adj
אֶ֨לֶף֙ ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
סַבָּ֔ל çabbâl H5449 burden N-ms
וּ/שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים shᵉmônîym H8084 eighty Conj | Adj
אֶ֛לֶף ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj
אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
חֹצֵ֣ב châtsab H2672 to hew V-Qal
בָּ/הָ֑ר har H2022 mountain Prep | N-ms
וּ/מְנַצְּחִ֣ים nâtsach H5329 to conduct Conj | V-Piel
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
אֲלָפִ֖ים ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj
וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ shêsh H8337 six Conj | Adj
מֵאֽוֹת mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 2:1

וַ/יִּסְפֹּ֨ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
שְׁלֹמֹ֜ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 "Solomon" N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
שִׁבְעִ֥ים shibʻîym H7657 "seventy" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the number seventy, like the seventy disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10:1. It appears in phrases like threescore and ten. The KJV Bible uses it to describe groups of seventy people.
Definition: seventy
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: seventy, threescore and ten ([phrase] -teen). See also: Genesis 4:24; Judges 9:2; Psalms 90:10.
אֶ֨לֶף֙ ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
סַבָּ֔ל çabbâl H5449 "burden" N-ms
This word describes a person who carries burdens, like a porter, and is translated as 'bearer of burden' in the KJV. It refers to someone who physically or emotionally supports others.
Definition: burden-bearer
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (to bear, bearer of) burden(-s). See also: 1 Kings 5:29; 2 Chronicles 2:17; Nehemiah 4:4.
וּ/שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים shᵉmônîym H8084 "eighty" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means eighty or eightieth, used in numbers and counting. It appears in the Bible to describe quantities and ages. In Genesis and other books, it is used to count people, animals, and years.
Definition: 1) eighty, fourscore 1a) eighty (as cardinal number) 1b) eightieth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: eighty(-ieth), fourscore. See also: Genesis 5:25; 2 Kings 19:35; Psalms 90:10.
אֶ֛לֶף ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חֹצֵ֣ב châtsab H2672 "to hew" V-Qal
To hew means to cut or carve wood, stone, or other materials, like the skilled laborers who built Solomon's Temple in 1 Kings. This word is used to describe various tasks, from quarrying to engraving.
Definition: 1) to dig, cleave, divide, hew, make, cut out, dig out, cut down, quarry, hewer, mason 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hew out, dig 1a2) to hew 1a2a) stone 1a2b) wood 1a3) to hew in pieces (metaph.) 1a4) to divide, cleave 1b) (Niphal) to be cut, be hewn, be engraved 1c) (Hiphil) to hew into pieces, cut up into pieces 1d) (Pual) to be cut from, be hewn from
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cut, dig, divide, grave, hew (out, -er), made, mason. See also: Deuteronomy 6:11; Nehemiah 9:25; Psalms 29:7.
בָּ/הָ֑ר har H2022 "mountain" Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
וּ/מְנַצְּחִ֣ים nâtsach H5329 "to conduct" Conj | V-Piel
To conduct or oversee, this word describes a leader or chief musician. In the Bible, it is used in the book of Psalms to describe the role of a music director. The word implies a sense of leadership and guidance.
Definition: 1) to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring 1a) (Niphal) enduring (participle) 1b) (Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsach (נְצַח "to distinguish oneself" H5330)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 49:1; Psalms 4:1.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
אֲלָפִ֖ים ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וְ/שֵׁ֥שׁ shêsh H8337 "six" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
מֵאֽוֹת mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 2:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 5:5 So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’
2 1 Chronicles 22:10 He is the one who will build a house for My Name. He will be My son, and I will be his Father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
3 1 Kings 7:1 Solomon, however, took thirteen years to complete the construction of his entire palace.
4 1 Kings 8:18 But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart.
5 Deuteronomy 12:5 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.
6 Deuteronomy 28:58 If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name—the LORD your God—
7 1 Kings 9:1 Now when Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and had achieved all that he had desired to do,
8 1 Kings 8:20 Now the LORD has fulfilled the word that He spoke. I have succeeded my father David, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised. I have built the house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
9 Deuteronomy 12:11 then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD.
10 Matthew 6:9–10 So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

2 Chronicles 2:1 Summary

This verse tells us that Solomon wanted to build a special house for God and a palace for himself. He wanted to honor God and have a place where people could worship Him, just like in Exodus 25:8 where God instructs the Israelites to build a sanctuary for His Name to dwell. Solomon's decision to build these structures shows that he was thinking about his priorities and what was truly important, and we can learn from his example by considering what we prioritize in our own lives. By seeking to build a 'house' for God, Solomon was recognizing God's presence and authority in his life, as seen in 1 Kings 5:5, where Solomon prepares to build the temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to build a house for the Name of the LORD?

This refers to constructing a temple where God's presence would dwell among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8 and 1 Kings 5:5, where God instructs the Israelites to build a sanctuary for His Name to dwell.

Why did Solomon want to build a royal palace for himself at the same time as the temple?

Solomon's desire to build a palace for himself alongside the temple may indicate his desire for a symbol of his earthly power and authority, but it also shows his recognition of God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 21:1, where the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD.

Is it significant that Solomon 'purposed' to build these structures?

Yes, the fact that Solomon 'purposed' to build the temple and his palace suggests a deliberate and intentional decision, reflecting his commitment to fulfill his father David's legacy, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 28:2-6, where David passes on the plans for the temple to Solomon.

How does this verse relate to the rest of Solomon's story in the Bible?

This verse sets the stage for the rest of Solomon's story, including his interactions with Hiram king of Tyre, as seen in 2 Chronicles 2:3, and the eventual completion of the temple, as described in 1 Kings 8:1-66, where Solomon dedicates the temple to the LORD.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can intentionally prioritize God's presence in my life, just as Solomon did by building a temple?
  2. How can I balance my earthly responsibilities and desires with my spiritual pursuits, as Solomon seemed to be doing in this verse?
  3. In what ways can I, like Solomon, recognize and honor God's sovereignty over my life and plans?
  4. What are some 'houses' or structures in my life that need to be built or rebuilt, and how can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in these endeavors?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 2:1

And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord,.... For the worship and service of God, and for his honour and glory, being directed, enjoined, and encouraged to it by his father

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 2:1

And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. Solomon determined to build.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:1

2 CHAPTER 2 Solomon appointeth workmen to build the temple: his embassage to king Huram for workmen and materials, promising to furnish him with victuals, . Huram’ s kindness, . Solomon numbereth and divideth the workmen, ,18. i.e. A royal palace for himself and his successors. This whole chapter, for the substance of it, is contained in 1Ki 5, and in the notes there it is explained, and the seeming differences reconciled.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:1

2 Chronicles 2:1 And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.Ver. 1. And Solomon determined.] Heb., Said. He slighted not the divine oracle nor his father’ s charge; but was still plodding and talking of it to himself till it was done. To build a house for the name of the Lord.] See 1 Kings 5:3, and compare this chapter with that: the one giveth light to the other; as glasses set one against another do cast a mutual light. And a house for his kingdom.] David had built a fair palace: but Solomon’ s far exceeded it: this was a house for his kingdom. Our William Rufus found much fault with Westminster Hall for being built too small: and took a plot for one far more spacious to be added unto it. Dan., Hist.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:1

(1) Determined.—Literally, said, which may mean either commanded, as in 2 Chronicles 1:2; 1 Chronicles 21:17, or thought, purposed, resolved, as in 1 Kings 5:5. The context seems to favour the latter sense. And an house for his kingdom.—Or, for his royalty; that is, as the Vulg. renders, a palace for himself. Solomon’s royal palace is mentioned again in 2 Chronicles 2:12; 2 Chronicles 7:11; 2 Chronicles 8:1; but the building of it is not related in the Chronicle. (See 1 Kings 7:1-12.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:1

CHAPTER II Solomon determines to build a temple, 1. The number of his workmen, 2. Sends to Huram for artificers and materials, 3-10. Huram sends him a favourable answer, and makes an agreement with him concerning the labour to be done, and the wages to be paid to his men, 11-16. The number of strangers in the land, and how employed, 17, 18. NOTES ON CHAP. II Verse 1. A house for the name of the Lord] A temple for the worship of Jehovah. A house for his kingdom.] A royal palace for his own use as king of Israel.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 2:1

Ch. 2. Solomon’s Preparations for Building the Temple 1, 2 (= 2 Chronicles 2:17-18 [1:18, 2 Chronicles 2:1, Heb.] below; 1 Kings 5:15). Bearers and Hewers 1. determined] R.V. purposed, as in 1 Kings 5:5. for the name] cp. 1 Chronicles 22:7; 1 Chronicles 22:10; 1 Chronicles 22:19; 1 Chronicles 28:3; 1 Chronicles 29:16. a house for his kingdom] See 1 Kings 7:1-8.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2:1

1. A house for his kingdom — That is, a royal palace.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 2:1

SermonDescription
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t
John Nelson Darby Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Deuteronomy by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby discusses the Book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing its moral warnings and the importance of Israel's obedience to God's commandments as they stand on the brink of Can
T. Austin-Sparks "neither... nor... but..." by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative nature of worship in his sermon 'neither... nor... but...', highlighting Jesus' declaration that true worship is not confined to spec
A.W. Pink The Third Commandment by A.W. Pink A.W. Pink emphasizes the gravity of the Third Commandment, which instructs believers not to take the name of the Lord in vain. He explains that this commandment calls for sincere,
David Guzik (1 Kings) Signs of Danger by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the challenges that come with completing a big project and the need to find something productive to do afterwards. The sermon is based on Fir
Stan Ford Bristol Conference 1975-09 Nehemiah - His Problem by Stan Ford In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Nehemiah and his problem. Nehemiah is described as a concerned, charitable, cheerful, and courageous man. The speaker sugges
A.W. Tozer (Worship - Part 3): Worship the Lord in Glory and Meekness by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fallen state of humanity and the loss of the vision of God's glory. He highlights that despite our fallen nature, God desired us because

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