You will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

( John 8:32 -New Jerusalem Bible)

An Essay exploring truth from a scripturally logical standpoint, answering questions such as: What is truth and where is it found?. . . What is the Spirit of truth? . . . How does God view truth? . . .The Brain and Truth? . . . Truth brings Freedom? . . . Human Nature and truth?. . . Spiritual Nature and truth?

A contemporary question with ancient spiritual roots

WHAT IS TRUTH?

Truth is both simple and complicated. It is one of the most fundamental of human and spiritual values. Yet when we seek a simple straightforward definition, we soon find volumes have been written, often contradictory in their own right. An ancient quotation by a political ruler in Jesus day well illustrates the perplexity connected with truth. In the Bible, at John 18:38 Pontius Pilate said to Jesus Christ: "What is truth?" Pilate was a learned man and in a position of great power and prestige in his own day. The mere fact that he would ask that question in a public forum, under the circumstances in which he did speaks volumes. That same question has been echoed again and again in every nook and cranny of the globe throughout all of human history.
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Those who are new to the investigation into the meaning of the word truth will be surprised to discover that a valid definition for the word is still an open living topic for discussion among Theologians, Philosophers, Scientists, Logicians and Mathematicians. The fact that agreement upon a simple straight forward meaning continues to be evasive, raises a serious question. The question - Is it that the definition of the word truth is evasive or is it the expanded meanings which we humans attach to it which causes it to be evasive? While this question has had far reaching implications in the everyday lives of every living person on this planet earth, there are deeper spiritual implications behind it as well. For Bible scholars, the first step in defining truth lies with the creator himself. What is his definition of truth? We are given his thinking on all the most important matters of life in his inspired word, the Holy Bible. Let us consider some verses from which we may draw some insight as to what God sees, and how he defines truth. While there are hundreds of verses in the Bible which mention the word truth, we are primarily interested in those which help to define just how God views truth and what he what he wants us to know about it. Because we believe that the Bible was inspired and preserved by God almighty, we begin by acknowledging a claim the Bible makes about itself; that is, that all scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for setting things straight
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, NWT or as another version states; 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. NLT

Definitive verses in the Bible describe Gods thoughts on truth;

John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. NIV

In this verse we are told by Jesus Christ that truth can sanctify us, (set us apart as holy) and that Gods word is truth. In this, he echoed what the Psalmist had been inspired to write almost a thousand years earlier.
Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. ESV

We are further informed, not only that this word of truth came through his son Jesus Christ, but that Jesus epitomized truth itself.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. NIV John 1:17 Because the Law was given through Moses, the undeserved kindness and the truth came to be through Jesus Christ. NWT

That Jesus understood his relationship with truth is attested to at Jo. 14:6.
John 14:6 Jesus said: I am the Way; I am Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. NJB

He not only provided truth, he epitomized truth. Included in his last words of encouragement to his disciples we find Jesus lovingly promises to continue providing truth to them after he has gone.
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, ESV Jesus further describes that helper John 14:17 the spirit of the truth, which the world cannot receive, because it neither beholds it nor knows it. YOU know it, because it remains with YOU and is in YOU. NWT Joh 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. AMP

What is the spirit of truth?

Jesus revealed the means by which he would continue to provide his followers with truth after his earthly death. It is That spirit of truth. John refers to when he wrote some sixty years after Jesus died and said says it is that Spirit which
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bears witness to Jesus. Therefore, it becomes important to give consideration to what is meant by the expression spirit of truth
1 John 5:6 He it is who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with water alone but with water and blood, and it is the Spirit that bears witness, for the Spirit is Truth. NJB

While the Bible uses the word spirit to convey at least 10 different meanings, in differing instances of scripture, the four most likely to apply to these verses according to context are as follow;
1. SPIRIT as a teacher or revealer of information Luke 2:26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. NJB John 14:26 But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach YOU all things and bring back to YOUR minds all the things I told YOU. NWT 2. SPIRIT as a function of ones own mind (Mental disposition, inclinations). Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. NIV Romans 9:1 I am speaking the truth in Christ-- I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit NRS 3. SPIRIT as dominant motivation, inclination or awareness. Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear? JPS Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before disaster, and a haughty spirit before a fall. NAB Deuteronomy 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hand upon him; and the sons of Israel began to listen to him and they went doing just as Jehovah had commanded Moses. NWT
4.

SPIRIT as a gift from God.

Acts 10:45 And the faithful ones that had come with Peter who were of those circumcised were amazed, because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations. NWT Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, ESV 4

How does God view Truth?

In harmony with the above, more than a decade after Jesus was killed by his enemies, the Bible writer James wrote that a Christians spiritual awakening could be attributed to Gods word of truth. James 1:18 Because he willed it, he brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be certain first fruits of his creatures. NWT Still later the apostle Paul touched on the mental connection to truth when he wrote, about those who had not embraced the truth of Christ;
Ephesians 4:17 Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. NRS Ephesians 4:18 Intellectually they are in the dark, and they are estranged from the life of God, because of the ignorance which is the consequence of closed minds. NJB Ephesians 4:20 For this was not the teaching of Christ which was given to you; BBE Ephesians 4:21 provided, indeed, that YOU heard him and were taught by means of him, just as truth is in Jesus, NWT

Still later, near the end of his life, more than 60 years after Jesus died, the Apostle John wrote;
1 John 1:6 If we make the statement: "We are having a sharing with him," and yet we go on walking in the darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. NWT

Walking in darkness according to Thayers Bible dictionary indicates a condition of darkened eyesight or blindness Those who are not being guided by the spirit of truth are said to be walking in darkness. Having some idea of what the spirit of truth is, what constitutes the spirit of deception referred to at 1Jo.1:6 ?
1 John 4:6 But we belong to God; that is why those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. NLT 5

Just as the Spirit of truth influences individuals from within themselves, so also, does the spirit of deception influence the inner self. Within a person, each spirit reveals itself in an individuals disposition. Is their disposition, to be truthful, or to willingly accept, embrace or promote untruth. Such was the case with the one called Devil and Satan and such is the case with his followers:
John 8:44 YOU are from YOUR father the Devil, and YOU wish to do the desires of YOUR father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of [the lie]. NWT

Thus far, what we can gather from scripture is that the source of spiritual truth is Jehovah God himself and he discloses his truths through his son Jesus Christ as well as through his inspired word.
John 17:14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ESV John 18:37b. . . .Jesus said. "I was born for that purpose. And I came to bring truth to the world. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true." NLT Proverbs 30:6 Add nothing to his words, that he may not reprove you, and that you may not have to be proved a liar. NWT

Lets explore further Bible evidence which helps us understand how God views truth. The Psalmist, under inspiration referred to Jehovah as the God of truth, also saying that all his commandments are truth.
Psalm 31:5 Into your hand I entrust my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jehovah the God of truth. NWT Psalm 119:151 You are near, O Jehovah, And all your commandments are truth. NWT

Gods word promises truth to be a liberating force;

John 8:32 and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free." NWT

The Bible leaves little question about how Jehovah God sees the relationship his followers should have with truth;
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John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." NIV Ephesians 4:25 So from now on, there must be no more lies. Speak the truth to one another, since we are all parts of one another. NJB Jeremiah 29:9 For they prophesy lies to you in my name; I did not send them, says the LORD. NAB

Furthermore, his directives to those who would aspire to take the lead among his people is revealing. Speaking of one who professes to serve his God, the Bible outlines these standards; .
2 Timothy 2:25 He must be gentle when he corrects people who oppose him, in the hope that God may give them a change of mind so that they recognize the truth NJB Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm, therefore, with YOUR loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, NWT

What the Bible says of those who do not appreciate truth is also useful in showing Gods viewpoint of how importantly he holds truth. In 2nd Thessalonians 2: 10, 12,13, it speaks of persons succumbing to deception, being judged adversely and perishing because they do not love truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved. :12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness. :13 However, we are obligated to thank God always for YOU, brothers loved by Jehovah, because God selected YOU from [the] beginning for salvation by sanctifying YOU with spirit and by YOUR faith in the truth NWT

We considered Bible verses which help us to identify where truth as Jehovah recognizes it may be found. They also show the importance he attaches to truth, yet we still dont have an easy, concise definition for it. Therefore, let us explore what the Bible says from another direction that is; what truth is not. With a remark in a letter to Timothy, addressing the outcome for those who favor the very opposite of truth, that is a lie or deception, the apostle Paul makes this observation;
2 Timothy 4:4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories. NWT

Later, in a revelation of things to come, Jesus lumps liars together with fornicators, spiritists, and idolaters as ones worthy of death without resurrection.
Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth and murderers and fornicators and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all the liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur. This means the second death." NWT

The opposite of truth is the lie. What the Bible has to say about lies, lying and liars also helps us see how God views truth?
John 8:44 You are from your father, the devil, and you prefer to do what your father wants. He was a murderer from the start; he was never grounded in the truth; there is no truth in him at all. When he lies he is speaking true to his nature, because he is a liar, and the father of lies. NJB Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets themselves actually prophesy in falsehood; and as for the priests, they go subduing according to their powers. And my own people have loved [it] that way; and what will YOU men do in the finale of it?" NWT Jeremiah 23:32 "Here I am against the prophets of false dreams," is the utterance of Jehovah, "who relate them and cause my people to wander about because of their falsehoods and because of their boasting." "But I myself did not send them or command them. So they will by no means benefit this people," is the utterance of Jehovah. NWT Romans 3:4 Of course not! God must be true, though every human being is a liar, as it is written: "That you may be justified in your words, and conquer when you are judged."
NAB

Proverbs 12:19 Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed. NLT

One certain conclusion we may draw from the Bible is that truth is extremely important to Jehovah God, and for he is not only the source of all truth, but that God is truth. Still, upon close examination of the verses above or for that matter any other verses, unlike for the word faith at (Heb 11:1), we find no explicit defining statement for the word truth in scripture.

What about the Brain and Truth?

There may be a reason why we find no precise definition for the word Truth in Gods inspired message to humans.

Perhaps this is because truth and falsehood are so fundamental to life itself that every intelligent being, in order to continue alive must be capable of determining reality (truth) from unreality (falsehood). It would appear this understanding resides in the realm of human consciousness referred to at Romans 1:20 (below) as the minds understanding and that an ability to recognize the difference between truth and falsehood is innately established in the human brain. We recognize that we dont need precise definitions for the many of our most basic human experiences such as breathing, acquiring language skills or assimilating new information. We understand these concepts from the earliest days of our life. We need no definitive explanation for they preexist within our brains as a sort of priori, enabling us to personally survive, develop and communicate successfully with others. It is highly likely that while truth comes to us naturally, lying and falsehood are acquired skills.
Romans 1:20 ever since the creation of the world, the invisible existence of God and his everlasting power have been clearly seen by the mind's understanding of created things. And so these people have no excuse NJB

Therefore, in exploring definitions in human terms we find ourselves gravitating toward ones which are tailored to the preservation of us humans as a species. While there may be individuals and even schools of thought who might argue otherwise, from the human stand point, truth must have a definition that radiates from our own sense of reality as it exists within potential found in the human mind. The brain as a device which protects us and preserves life is dependent on truth in order for us to survive as individuals and as a species.

Gods truth brings Freedom

One appropriately simple definition for the word truth,in human terms is found in Noah Websters 1828 Dictionary, where it says simply and concisely truth is; Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be. While this is a definition in humanistic terms, in spiritual terms, the truth is God himself. Not only is he as creator, the originator of all truth, whether it be found in science, mathematics or in any other form in the universe, but he is the very essence of truth itself. Whereas we as humans are capable of knowing, practicing, speaking and even loving truth, he is truth itself. Every thought and every expression, of his is true and without exception or deviation.
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And so when we know the truth of God, which is not confined merely to knowing he exists but rather encompasses things he knows which we are capable of knowing, we touch the edges of true freedom as described in Rom. 8:21 as the glorious freedom of the children of God.
It is this quality of freedom Jesus spoke of when he said; John 8:32 you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free. NJB

This is our true freedom. When we subject ourselves to the truth; and the truth is God himself frees us from death, that is, from the state of sin. Toward that truth, speaking as Gods Messiah to those who believe in him, Jesus said, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32) That being said, it still does not explain how truth can seem to exist on different levels and in different forms to different persons, even while they hold the same faith as a common basis for what they perceive as truth. There are explanations for this on both the human and the spiritual levels.

Human Nature and truth

On the human level, what we are and how we think as human beings has much to do in explaining why truth seems to exist on differing levels for different persons. Explanation is found in the fact that humans are fundamentally imperfect. This is how our own human imperfection enters the picture; We humans have a tendency to see truth in very narrow terms. Frequently when we get a hold of something we personally recognize as our own meaningful truth, we tend to see everything else as being untrue. This phenomenon may puzzle most people, yet, there is a simple explanation which reveals why this is so. The phenomena may be referred to as tunnel vision or possibly having blinders on. Those two descriptions fit fairly well for with them one sees only what lies within ones own narrow field of vision and not anything which may be in the periphery, behind, below or above their own field of vision. As a consequence, such a persons truth (reality) is confined to what they themselves see and disregards what others may see as differing parts of the same scene. Yet, others views may be just as true to reality as their own.
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While this illustration is fitting in many instances, possibly a more fitting illustration of the phenomena may be seen in trying to describe human beings themselves. If one were to describe a human being solely on the basis of what exists on the surface, all of which can clearly seen by the human eye, without any consideration to what is under the skin, such a description may be perfectly accurate and true, based on what one have observes. However, if on the other hand, if all one is able to see is the body from the inside, devoid of any external knowledge whatsoever, would the description be the same as that given from the outside? Almost certainly not! However, would it be less true, just as true or truer? Unquestionably, it would be entirely different. Yet that would not make it any less true, only different. Suppose the only part of a human being you could see was the brain? Would your description of a human being, based solely on the brain you were able to observe be untrue? Not necessarily, what you described might be totally in harmony with the reality you saw. Furthermore, if given the full picture later on, that would not make the earlier picture less true, just the newer one more complete. So it is with most of us, we fully believe what we are convinced of in our own minds and hearts. This in itself is not a fault. The fault lies in another area of our own human nature. Our own egos prevent us from being objective. First, off many of us cant stand to be wrong, and secondly we think more of ourselves and our opinions than those of others. This lack of humility contributes to our deceiving ourselves into thinking somehow we are wiser or know more than our peers do. Another natural human element which enters when we are confronted with a truth previously unknown to us is an individual tendency to resist what is new since it violates our comfort zone. However, this human side is only part of why understanding the complexity affecting truth effects different people differently. Unfortunately we cant chalk up this phenomenon exclusively to an individuals human nature. We are social animals who are designed to interact with other humans, and their actions do have an influence on us as well as on themselves.

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Additionally, we are all confronted with what may be seen as subversive or elements counter to truth. Such elements are intent on serving their own interests and not the interest of truth. These subversive elements come in two forms. First, in a human form consisting of humans, who for a variety of reasons wish to exercise power and influence over fellow humans. Many such persons have found that deception is a useful tool in helping them achieve such power and influence. As a consequence, truth (reality) is often seen by such persons as an advantageous convenience on some occasions and an encumbrance to their objectives on others. Meanwhile un truth is seen as a tool offering distinct advantages in achieving ones self interests and objectives.

Spiritual Nature and truth

The second subversive element affecting truth comes in a non human form. It has to do with the spirit realm and involves spirit beings as well as human beings. We have seen earlier how Jehovah God, the creator is described as a God of truth.
Psalm 31:5 to your hands I commit my spirit, by you have I been redeemed. God of truth, NJB

This means that how he exercises his own will and projects his power is by means of the truth. On the other hand, another spirit being who while not being on a level equal to Jehovah God, nonetheless also has power over humans and it is power on a world wide scale
1 John 5:19 We know . . . . . .that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. NRS

The way this one, Satan the Devil exercises this power is by the use of deception.
John 8:44 You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies. NAB

Beginning with the deception that he doesnt even exist; he uses deception and untruth in every aspect of his dealings with humans. He is a superhuman master of deceit and his deceptions takes every form imaginable. They include distorting truth and combining real truth with lies, all in an effort to make the lies more
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believable. With these evil skills he endeavors to entice humans to follow him instead of the true God and their real benefactor, Jehovah God, the creator. His influence is seen as a dominant presence in every institution, organization or governmental system where humans are in control of other humans. He is referred to in the Bible as the god of this system of things (some versions; the god of this world)
2 Corinthians 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
NRS

It is highly significant that the bible describes what he does as a blinding the mind, for surely, this is the worst form of blindness possible. With blindness of the eyes, one still has the senses of hearing, smell and touch by which perceptions are possible. With a blinded mind, one may as well be in a catatonic state as far as perception of truth or reality goes. What then is to be done by someone who has a desire for pure truth? Where can they go to find truth which has not been contaminated by falsehood? The only answer is to go to the source of uncontaminated truth, God almighty, the creator of heaven, earth and all life forms in the universe. The Bible teaches there is a need to seek or search for the creator, while he may be found.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek out Yahweh while he is still to be found, call to him while he is still near. NJB Psalm 105:4 Seek ye Jehovah and His strength, Seek ye His face continually. YLT Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah's anger. ASV

When one finds Jehovah god, one finds truth in its pure form, for he is the God of truth.
Psalm 31:5 Into your hand I entrust my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jehovah the God of truth. NWT

One finds the God of truth primarily through his son, mankinds salvation, Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 Jesus said: I am the Way; I am Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. NJB 13

Jesus in turn conveyed truth by means of his fathers word and the spirit of truth. That word finds its form today in the holy Bible and the Spirit of truth is also alive and exerts power in our day.
John 8:28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will realize that I am he and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak what the Father taught me. NLT John 17:14 I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. NWT John 14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. ESV Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any twoedged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and [their] marrow, and [is] able to discern thoughts and intentions of [the] heart. NWT 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. NLT

One must not make the mistake of thinking that God provides truth through any other channel. It is not a church, temple or any organization which is the source of pure truth. It is Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ, through his word of truth, the holy Bible. To the extent that any source, whatever it might be, handles Gods word correctly and echoes Gods thoughts, we can accept those thoughts as Gods, and not as those of the men who may speak them. However we are warned by Gods own word against men who do not always handle the word of God truthfully or accurately. Along those lines, Gods own word tells us:
1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. NLT 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?- unless indeed you fail to meet the test! ESV

Indeed, If Christ is within us, the spirit of truth and truth itself is also within us, for Christ is truth.
John 14:6 Jesus told him, "I am the. . . the truth, . . . No one can come to the Father except through me. NLT 14

Notes from author John ben Wilhelm:

The author makes no claims of having special knowledge or insight based on anything other than what the creator so graciously furnishes through his word and his spirit. To all who love truth and wish to worship their God and creator with spirit and truth, he imparts understanding toward this end. The author mayinvites comments via E mail at; try4truth@disciples.com The author wishes to express gratitude to the publishers of the following Bibles which were quoted from in the pages of this essay. The order of listing should not be construed to imply an endorsement of any one version over another. The listing, in alphabetical order is for convenience in identifying which version the codes used in verse citations come from.

AMP ASV BBE ESV JPS KJV LXE NAU NIB NIV NJB NKJ NRS TNK YLT

Amplified Bible American Standard Version The Bible in Basic English English Standard Version Jewish Publication Society Tanakh King James (Authorized Version of 1611) Septuagint- Translation by Brenton New American Standard Version New International bible New International Version (US) New Jerusalem Bible New King James Bible New Revised Standard Tanakh - Jewish Publication Society Youngs Literal Translation

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