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Isaiah 21:12

Isaiah 21:12 in Multiple Translations

The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: turn ye, come.

The watchman says, The morning has come, but night is still to come: if you have questions to put, put them, and come back again.

The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but the night is coming again soon. If you want to ask again, then come back and ask.”

The watchman saide, The morning commeth, and also the night. If yee will aske, enquire: returne and come.

The watchman hath said, 'Come hath morning, and also night, If ye inquire, inquire ye, turn back, come.'

The watchman said, “The morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire. Come back again.”

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.

The watchman said: The morning cometh, also the night: if you seek, seek: return, come.

I, the watchman, replied, “It will soon be morning, but after that, it will soon be night again. If you want to inquire again about what will happen in our country, come back and inquire again.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:12

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.

Isaiah 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אָמַ֣ר שֹׁמֵ֔ר אָתָ֥ה בֹ֖קֶר וְ/גַם לָ֑יְלָה אִם תִּבְעָי֥וּ/ן בְּעָ֖יוּ שֻׁ֥בוּ אֵתָֽיוּ
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שֹׁמֵ֔ר shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal
אָתָ֥ה ʼâthâh H857 to come V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בֹ֖קֶר bôqer H1242 morning N-ms
וְ/גַם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM
לָ֑יְלָה layil H3915 night N-ms
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
תִּבְעָי֥וּ/ן bâʻâh H1158 to enquire V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
בְּעָ֖יוּ bâʻâh H1158 to enquire V-Qal-Impv-2mp
שֻׁ֥בוּ shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Impv-2mp
אֵתָֽיוּ ʼâthâh H857 to come V-Qal-Impv-2mp
Hebrew Word Study

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

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 21:12

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-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.
שֹׁמֵ֔ר shâmar H8104 "to keep" 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.
אָתָ֥ה ʼâthâh H857 "to come" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To arrive or come to a place, it can also mean to bring something. It is used in the Bible to describe the coming of people, events, or things.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (Qal) to come (of men, time, beasts, calamity) 1b) (Hiphil) to bring Aramaic equivalent: a.tah (אֲתָה "to come" H0858)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be-, things to) come (upon), bring. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 41:5; Psalms 68:32.
בֹ֖קֶר bôqer H1242 "morning" N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
וְ/גַם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לָ֑יְלָה layil H3915 "night" N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תִּבְעָי֥וּ/ן bâʻâh H1158 "to enquire" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
To enquire or seek something out, like asking a question or searching for an answer, as seen in the Bible when people sought God's guidance. It can also mean to desire something strongly. In the KJV, it is translated as 'inquire' or 'seek'.
Definition: 1) to seek out, swell, cause to swell, boil up, enquire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek, enquire 1a2) to cause to boil up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out 1b2) to be swelling, bulging, swelling out
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: cause, inquire, seek up, swell out. See also: Isaiah 21:12; Isaiah 64:1; Isaiah 30:13.
בְּעָ֖יוּ bâʻâh H1158 "to enquire" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To enquire or seek something out, like asking a question or searching for an answer, as seen in the Bible when people sought God's guidance. It can also mean to desire something strongly. In the KJV, it is translated as 'inquire' or 'seek'.
Definition: 1) to seek out, swell, cause to swell, boil up, enquire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek, enquire 1a2) to cause to boil up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out 1b2) to be swelling, bulging, swelling out
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: cause, inquire, seek up, swell out. See also: Isaiah 21:12; Isaiah 64:1; Isaiah 30:13.
שֻׁ֥בוּ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֵתָֽיוּ ʼâthâh H857 "to come" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To arrive or come to a place, it can also mean to bring something. It is used in the Bible to describe the coming of people, events, or things.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (Qal) to come (of men, time, beasts, calamity) 1b) (Hiphil) to bring Aramaic equivalent: a.tah (אֲתָה "to come" H0858)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be-, things to) come (upon), bring. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 41:5; Psalms 68:32.

Study Notes — Isaiah 21:12

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 17:30–32 Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to mock him, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this topic.”
2 Acts 2:37–38 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
3 Ezekiel 18:30–32 Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
4 Ezekiel 14:1–6 Then some of the elders of Israel came and sat down before me. And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way? Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry, so that I may take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel. For because of their idols, they are all estranged from Me.’ Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Repent and turn away from your idols; turn your faces away from all your abominations.
5 Acts 17:19–20 So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”
6 Ezekiel 7:10 Behold, the day is here! It has come! Doom has gone out, the rod has budded, arrogance has bloomed.
7 Jeremiah 42:19–22 The LORD has told you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for sure that I have warned you today! For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.’ For I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God in all He has sent me to tell you. Now therefore, know for sure that by sword and famine and plague you will die in the place where you desire to go to reside.”
8 Ezekiel 7:5–7 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Disaster! An unprecedented disaster — behold, it is coming! The end has come! The end has come! It has roused itself against you. Behold, it has come! Doom has come to you, O inhabitants of the land. The time has come; the day is near; there is panic on the mountains instead of shouts of joy.
9 Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
10 Isaiah 17:14 In the evening, there is sudden terror! Before morning, they are no more! This is the portion of those who loot us and the lot of those who plunder us.

Isaiah 21:12 Summary

In Isaiah 21:12, the watchman tells the inquirer that morning has come, but night is still present, reminding us that even in the midst of new beginnings and opportunities, challenges and uncertainties still exist. This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance and wisdom, just as the Psalmist did in Psalms 119:66, and to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Romans 8:28. By seeking God's will and persevering through difficulties, we can find hope and guidance, even in the darkest of times, and trust that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we can come back to God's Word and prayer, seeking His wisdom and guidance, and trusting in His love and care for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the watchman mean by 'morning has come, but also the night' in Isaiah 21:12?

The watchman is indicating that while a new day has begun, the darkness of night still exists, symbolizing the ongoing struggle between light and darkness, as seen in Isaiah 9:2 and Romans 13:12.

Why does the watchman tell the inquirer to 'come back yet again'?

The watchman is encouraging the inquirer to continue seeking guidance and wisdom, just as the Psalmist did in Psalms 119:66, recognizing that spiritual growth and understanding are ongoing processes.

What is the significance of the watchman's response to the inquirer's question about the night?

The watchman's response highlights the importance of perseverance and persistence in seeking God's guidance, as emphasized in Jeremiah 29:13 and Hebrews 11:6, where we are encouraged to diligently seek Him and His will for our lives.

How does this verse relate to our lives as Christians today?

This verse reminds us that, like the inquirer, we must continually seek God's wisdom and guidance in our lives, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the 'nights' in my life where I need God's guidance and wisdom, and how can I seek Him more diligently in those areas?
  2. In what ways can I, like the watchman, be a source of guidance and encouragement to others who are seeking God's will for their lives?
  3. How can I balance the 'morning' of new beginnings and opportunities with the 'night' of challenges and uncertainties, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness?
  4. What are some ways I can 'come back yet again' to God's Word and prayer, seeking His guidance and wisdom in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:12

The watchman said, the morning cometh, and also the night,.... Not only a morning, but a night; and as sure as the morning comes, so shall the night; there wilt be a constant succession of morning

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:12

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come. The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:12

The morning cometh, and also the night: the night is past without any great mischief to you, and the comfortable light of the morning is approaching, which freeth men’ s minds from the terrors of the night; but although the morning be coming, it will be gone, and the night will return, and your fears with it. The night seems to be here taken properly, as the morning is; yet so that he alludes to the metaphorical signification of the word, and intimates that the night of affliction was coming upon them. If ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come. If this watchman be the prophet Isaiah, then the sense of these words is this, If you will be inquiring, inquire sincerely and seriously of God, by me, concerning your danger, and the way to prevent it; return unto the Lord by true repentance, who alone can secure you, and come unto me for direction. But if it be their own watchman, which, with submission, I conceive most probable, the sense is, If you will inquire, inquire: I perceive, by what I have observed this night, that your danger is not passed, and there will be occasion for further inquiries from time to time; and therefore return, come, i.e. either return to them that sent you with this message, and then come to me for further tidings; or come again, as return, lie down, is put for lie down again, ; come to me the next morning, as you have reason to do, and so from morning to morning, for I see every night is likely to bring some evil tidings to you.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:12

Isaiah 21:12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.Ver. 12. The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night.] This is a short and sharp answer - q.d., say it be yet morning with you and clear day; yet, as sure as the night followeth the day, a change will come such as whereof you shall have small comfort. If ye will inquire,] sc., Of the Lord by me, whom you call watchman, in disdain; but I profess myself to be so - that is, to be a prophet, and do take it for an honour. Inquire ye.] Do it seriously, and not sarcastically. "Be not ye mockers, lest your bonds be increased." Return.] To God by true repentance. Come.] Come over to us who are his people. And all this is delivered by an elegant Asyndeton in short and quick terms, importing that haste must be made if the aforementioned danger shall be prevented. Habent aulae suum cito, cito; they must be nimble that shall find favour in the court of heaven. It is an unsafe thing always to begin to live. How many are taken away in their offers and essays before they have prepared their hearts to cleave to God! Castigemus ergo mores et moras. Up, therefore, and be doing, that the Lord may be with you. Non omnium dierum sol occidit. Nescis quid serus vesper vebat. b A rhetorical figure which omits the conjunction.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:12

(12) If ye will enquire . . .—The words pre-suppose a craving to know the meaning of the mysterious oracle just given. The prophet declines to answer. If they like to ask, they may, and return and go back after a bootless journey. Some interpreters, however. have seen in the “return” a call to repentance like that conveyed by the same word in Jeremiah 3:22, but hardly on sufficient grounds. We should, in that case, have expected “return to Jehovah.”

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:12

12. The morning cometh, and also the night] The watchman’s answer is designedly obscure. It may mean either that the seer has obtained no clear vision of the destiny in store for Edom; or that he foresees a transient gleam of prosperity to be followed by a new night of distress; or that hope is dawning for some and gloom settling down on others. if ye will inquire …] The answer is not final; another time the purpose of Jehovah may be more clearly indicated, if Edom earnestly desires to know it. For return, come render with R.V. marg. come again. It is impossible to suppose that “return” is used in the sense of “be converted to the worship of Jehovah.” The words for “cometh,” “inquire” (twice) and “come” are Aramaic.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:12

The watchman said - Or rather “saith;” indicating that this is the answer which the prophet returned to the inquiry from Idumea. The morning cometh - There are signs of approaching day.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:12

11, 12. These verses contain a single prophecy, one entirely distinct from all others. Burden of Dumah — Strictly, “Dumah” means silence.

Sermons on Isaiah 21:12

SermonDescription
Duncan Campbell Revival on the Isle of Lewis by Duncan Campbell In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in a parish. The revival began when four young girls, aged 16, prayed for their head
Derek Prince Repentance - Part 1 by Derek Prince In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the importance of repentance in the message of salvation. He highlights the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner who prepared the heart
Tim Keller A Spirit Hath Not Flesh and Bones by Tim Keller In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of Easter, which is that by uniting with Jesus Christ, believers will miss out on nothing. He encourages the congregation to rel
John Stott Great Commission by John Stott In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew, Luke, and John. The five aspects of the Great Commission, as summarized by Luke, are: proclamatio
Paul Washer Shocking Youth Message Stuns Hearers by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher questions why so many people claim to have encountered Jesus Christ but are not permanently changed. He emphasizes the importance of genuine transforma
Keith Daniel (Covenant Word Ministries) Servant of Sin by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher recounts a rainy day when he was surprised to find a church full of people despite the bad weather. As he began to preach, a drunk man desperately trie
Keith Daniel Americas Only Hope by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep concern and sorrow for the state of the country and the erosion of freedom of speech. He recounts a powerful experience where he witness

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