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Genesis 4:9

Genesis 4:9 in Multiple Translations

And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

¶ And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

And Jehovah said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?

And the Lord said to Cain, Where is your brother Abel? And he said, I have no idea: am I my brother's keeper?

“Where is your brother Abel?” the Lord asked Cain. “How should I know?” he replied. “Am I supposed to be my brother's care-giver?”

Then the Lord said vnto Kain, Where is Habel thy brother? Who answered, I cannot tell. Am I my brothers keeper?

And Jehovah saith unto Cain, 'Where [is] Abel thy brother?' and he saith, 'I have not known; my brother's keeper — I?'

The LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

And the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?

And the Lord said to Cain: Where is thy brother Abel? And he answered, I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?

Later, even though Yahweh knew what Cain had done, he said to Cain, “Do you know where Abel, your younger brother, is?” Cain replied, “No, I do not know. ◄My job is not to guard my younger brother!/Am I supposed to take care of my younger brother?►” [RHQ]

Later, God said to Cain, “Where is your brother, Abel?” Cain said, “I don’t know where my brother is. It’s not my job to look after him.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 4:9

BAB
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.

Genesis 4:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל קַ֔יִן אֵ֖י הֶ֣בֶל אָחִ֑י/ךָ וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי הֲ/שֹׁמֵ֥ר אָחִ֖/י אָנֹֽכִי
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
קַ֔יִן Qayin H7014 Kenite N-proper
אֵ֖י ʼay H335 where? Part
הֶ֣בֶל Hebel H1893 Abel N-proper
אָחִ֑י/ךָ ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs
הֲ/שֹׁמֵ֥ר shâmar H8104 to keep Part | V-Qal
אָחִ֖/י ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
אָנֹֽכִי ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 4:9

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.
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.
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.
קַ֔יִן Qayin H7014 "Kenite" N-proper
Cain was the first child of Adam and Eve, and the first murderer, as told in Genesis. The name also refers to a place and a tribe in Palestine. The word is about a person and a place.
Definition: Ancestors of Heber (H2268H) or Hobab (H2246), first mentioned at Gen.15.19 Group of qe.ni (קֵינִי "Kenite" H7017) § Cain = "possession" eldest son of Adam and Eve and the first murderer having murdered his brother
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Cain, Kenite(-s). See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 4:13; Joshua 15:57.
אֵ֖י ʼay H335 "where?" Part
The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.
Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.
הֶ֣בֶל Hebel H1893 "Abel" N-proper
Hebel was the son of Adam and Eve, and the brother of Cain and Seth. His name means breath, and he was killed by Cain. Hebel is mentioned in Genesis 4:2.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.2; son of: Adam (H0121) and Eve (H2332); brother of: Cain (H7014B) and Seth (H8352) Also named: Abel (Ἄβελ "Abel" G0006) § Abel = "breath" second son of Adam and Eve, killed by his brother Cain
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Abel. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 4:8; Genesis 4:25.
אָחִ֑י/ךָ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 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.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הֲ/שֹׁמֵ֥ר shâmar H8104 "to keep" Part | V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אָחִ֖/י ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
אָנֹֽכִי ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

Study Notes — Genesis 4:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
2 John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
3 Psalms 9:12 For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.
4 Psalms 10:13–14 Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.” But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.
5 Acts 5:4–9 Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!” On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?” “Yes,” she answered, “that is the price.” “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
6 Genesis 37:32 They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.”
7 Job 22:13–14 Yet you say: ‘What does God know? Does He judge through thick darkness? Thick clouds veil Him so He does not see us as He traverses the vault of heaven. ’
8 Genesis 3:9–11 But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?” “I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” “Who told you that you were naked?” asked the LORD God. “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

Genesis 4:9 Summary

In this verse, God asks Cain where his brother Abel is, and Cain tries to avoid taking responsibility for his actions by saying 'Am I my brother's keeper?' This shows that Cain is trying to shift the blame and hide his sin, but God sees right through him. This verse teaches us that we are accountable to God for our actions, and that we should take responsibility for our mistakes, as seen in Romans 3:23 and 1 Corinthians 4:2. By coming before God in honesty and humility, we can confess our sins and receive forgiveness, as promised in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 103:12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God ask Cain where his brother Abel was, when He already knew what had happened?

God asked Cain this question to give him an opportunity to confess his sin and take responsibility for his actions, as seen in Genesis 4:9-10, and to illustrate the concept of accountability to God, as expressed in Romans 14:12.

What did Cain mean by saying 'Am I my brother's keeper?'

Cain's statement was a attempt to deflect responsibility for his brother's well-being and to downplay his role in Abel's disappearance, but it also reveals his lack of concern for his brother's safety, which is contrary to the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31.

How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and guilt?

This verse shows how sin can lead to guilt and shame, causing individuals to try to hide or deny their wrongdoing, as seen in Cain's response to God's question, and it highlights the importance of acknowledging and confessing sin, as emphasized in 1 John 1:9.

What can we learn from God's interaction with Cain in this verse?

We can learn that God is a God of justice and accountability, who expects us to take responsibility for our actions, as seen in Genesis 4:9-11, and that He is also a God of mercy and forgiveness, who desires us to confess and repent of our sins, as taught in Psalm 51:1-4 and Luke 15:11-24.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I try to shift the blame or responsibility for my actions, and how can I take ownership of my mistakes like God calls me to?
  2. How do I respond when God confronts me with my sin, and what can I learn from Cain's example in this verse?
  3. In what ways can I demonstrate a sense of responsibility and care for my brothers and sisters in Christ, as expressed in Galatians 6:2 and Hebrews 13:1-3?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to hide or deny my sin, and how can I come before God in honesty and humility, as encouraged in Psalm 32:3-5 and 1 Peter 5:6-7?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 4:9

And the Lord said unto Cain, where is Abel thy brother?.... Perhaps this was said to him the next time he came to offer, he not being with him: this question is put, not as being ignorant where he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 4:9

And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? Where is Abel thy brother?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 4:9

Where is Abel? Not that God was ignorant where he was, but partly to convince him of his sin, and to lead him to repentance, and partly to instruct judges to inquire into causes, and hear the accused speak for themselves, before they pass sentence. Thy brother, whom nature and near relation obliged thee to love and preserve. Am I my brother’ s keeper? Why dost thou inquire of me concerning him who is of age to look to himself? Is he such a stripling that he needs a guardian? Or didst thou ever make me his guardian?

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 4:9

Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where [is] Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: [Am] I my brother’ s keeper? Ver. 9. I know not: Am I my brother’ s keeper?] As if he had bid God, Go look. Let us not think much to receive dogged answers and disdainful speeches from profane persons. When they have learned to think better, they will speak better. As till then, pity and pray for them. These churlish dogs will be barking.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 4:9

(9) And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?—It is the beauty of these early narratives that the dealings of the Deity with mankind are all clothed in an anthropomorphic form, for the reasons of which see Note on Genesis 2:7. It seems, then, that Cain at first went away, scarcely conscious of the greatness of his crime. He had asserted his rights, had suppressed the usurpation of his privileges by the younger son, and if he had used force it was his brother’s fault for resisting him. So Jacob afterwards won the birthright by subtilty, and would have paid the same fearful penalty but for timely flight, and rich presents afterwards. But Cain could not quiet his conscience; remorse tracked his footsteps; and when in the household Abel came not, and the question was asked, Where is Abel? the voice of God repeated it in his own heart, Where is Abel, thy brother!—brother still, and offspring of the same womb, even if too prosperous. But the strong-willed man resists. What has he to do with Abel? Is he “his brother’s keeper?”

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 4:9

9. And the Lord said, &c.] The condensed narrative does not say whether Cain tried to conceal the body of Abel, or had fled at once from the spot. Apparently Jehovah speaks to him suddenly, when at a distance from the scene of the murder. The process of interrogation may be compared with that in Genesis 3:9-13. I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?] Cain’s reply consists of (a) a statement which is a falsehood; and (b) a question which is defiance. “Keeper,” perhaps with reference, in a mocking tone, to Abel’s occupation as a keeper of sheep. “Am I the keeper’s keeper?” The first words of the first murderer renounce the obligations of brotherhood. The rejection of the family bond is the negation of love; it is the spirit of murder; cf. 1 John 3:12; 1 John 3:15.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 4:9

9. Where is Abel — God’s judgment with Cain, as with Adam, begins with the searching WHERE? Comp. Genesis 3:9. I know not — It is easy for a murderer to lie. I my brother’s keeper — Am I his shepherd, to watch over him?

Sermons on Genesis 4:9

SermonDescription
Art Katz Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 3 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis chapter 4. He highlights Abel's despicable actions of offering a sacrifice that did not cos
S. Lewis Johnson (Genesis) 12 - the Way of Cain by S. Lewis Johnson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis. He explains that Cain's way is a path that begins with unbelief and leads to rebellion a
Oswald J. Smith The Task of the Church by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Church's supreme task, which is the evangelization of the world. He distinguishes between evangelization and Christiani
Charles E. Cowman Give Out the Blessing by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through us, emphasizing the need to give out the blessings we have received in order to experien
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Genesis by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound lessons found in Genesis, illustrating how God's ways often differ from human expectations. He highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and
David Wilkerson A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and
Jim Cymbala Dependable Priest by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds t

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