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Leviticus 19:12 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְלֹֽא־ תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ בִשְׁמִ֖י לַשָּׁ֑קֶר וְחִלַּלְתָּ֛ אֶת־ שֵׁ֥ם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהוָֽה׃

BSAYou must notlôʼ [make false promises] swearshâbaʻ [take an oath, vow] falselysheqer by My nameshêm [identity, character] and so profanechâlal [as a result, consequently, desecrate, show disrespect to] the nameshêm [reputation, honor] of your Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the supreme Being] Iʼănîy [the first person, the self-existent One] am the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the covenant-keeping God]

Word
Listen & take awayLeviticus 19
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 12 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (Yah.weh) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Leviticus 19:12quick helps
In a sentenceGod commands His people not to swear falsely by His name, which would dishonor Him.
Who is speakingThe LORD, speaking to the Israelites.
Where we areIn the midst of laws governing moral behavior.
The hard wordחִלַּלְתָּ
Take awaySwearing falsely dishonors God's name.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectאֲנִי verbשָׁבַע The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Leviticus 19:12

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Moral Laws in Leviticusgenerated

11You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.
12You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.
13You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.
14You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:12 is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites to guide their conduct in a way that honors God and promotes justice among them. This verse specifically addresses the importance of integrity in speech, particularly in relation to oaths taken in God's name. It emphasizes the sacredness of God's name and the need for His people to uphold truthfulness and respect in their promises.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Leviticus 6:3or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit—
2Exodus 20:7You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.
3Deuteronomy 5:11You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.
4Psalm 15:4who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,
5Jeremiah 4:2and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.”

The Key Word שָׁבַע, ti.sha.ve.'Ugenerated

The verb שָׁבַע (shava') means 'to swear' or 'to take an oath'. It is a Niphal imperfect form, indicating an action that is ongoing or habitual, specifically directed towards a second person plural, which in this case refers to the community of Israel. This word carries the weight of making a serious commitment, often invoking God's name as a witness.

In this context, the command not to swear falsely highlights the seriousness of making promises in God's name. It implies that swearing should be done with utmost sincerity and respect, as it reflects on God's character and reputation.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ (you will swear) governs the clause, with a prepositional phrase modifying it: בִשְׁמִ֖י (by My name). Following this, a second verb חִלַּלְתָּ֛ (you will profane) introduces the consequence of the action, emphasizing the connection between swearing falsely and dishonoring God.

The structure emphasizes the prohibition against false oaths and the resulting dishonor to God, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship in the moral instruction.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, שָׁבַע is rendered as ὀμεῖσθε (you will swear), which maintains the meaning of taking an oath, but the Greek word carries a slightly different connotation, focusing on the act of swearing itself rather than the context of falsehood.

The choice of חִלַּלְתָּ is represented by καὶ (and), which does not capture the full weight of profaning God's name, indicating a potential softening of the original Hebrew intent.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Leviticus 19:12 instructs the Israelites not to swear falsely by God's name, which would dishonor Him. This command highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in their promises, emphasizing that God's name is sacred.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to swear falsely by God's name?

To swear falsely by God's name means to make a promise or vow in God's name that one does not intend to keep, which disrespects God's character.

Why is God's name considered sacred?

God's name is sacred because it represents His identity, authority, and character; using it lightly or dishonestly brings dishonor to Him.

What are the consequences of profaning God's name?

Profaning God's name can lead to a loss of respect for God among people and can damage one's relationship with Him.

How can we ensure we do not swear falsely?

We can ensure we do not swear falsely by being truthful in our commitments and only making promises we intend to keep.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to practice greater honesty and integrity?
  2. How can I honor God's name in my daily speech and commitments?
  3. What steps can I take to ensure my promises reflect my values and beliefs?
  4. Why is it important to understand the weight of the words we use, especially in relation to God?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Leviticus 19:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely,.... Or "to a falsehood" (x), to any of the above cases; as that a man has not the deposit of another's in his hands, when he has; or that such a man owes

Read John Gill on Leviticus 19 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. Ye shall not steal ... neither lie one to another , [ 'iysh (H376) ba`ªmiytow (H5997)] - a man by his neighbour.

Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 19 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ye shall not swear by my name falsely: this is here added, to show how one sin draws on another, and that when men will lie for their own advantage, they will easily be induced to perjury. Neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God, by any unholy use of it. So it is an additional precept, thou shalt not abuse my holy name by swearing either falsely or rashly. Or this may be a reason of the former prohibition, because in so doing thou wilt profane the name of thy God.

Read Matthew Poole on Leviticus 19 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Leviticus 19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.Ver. 12. Neither shalt thou profane the name.] By presuming rashly and lightly to blurt out this reverend name in an oath, or otherwise. The Grecians, as Suidas observes, when they would swear by Jupiter, out of the mere dread and reverence of his name forbear to mention him, breaking off their oath with a õá ôïí, as those that only dare to owe the rest to their thoughts. And Clinias the Pythagorean, out of this regard, would rather undergo a fine of three talents than swear.

Read John Trapp on Leviticus 19 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) And ye shall not swear.—This corresponds with the third commandment of the Decalogue (Exodus 20:7).

Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 19 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

11, 12. Precepts analogous to those in the Decalogue and expressed in 2nd pers. plur. (except the last).

Read Cambridge on Leviticus 19 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

12. Not swear by my name falsely — The principle of the oath is incidentally laid down in Hebrews 6:16, as an ultimate appeal to divine authority to ratify the assertion.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Leviticus 19 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“‘You shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of your God. I am Yahweh.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

NETBNew English Translation2006

You must not swear falsely in my name, so that you do not profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of thy God: I am Jehovah.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, so that thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Also yee shall not sweare by my name falsely, neither shalt thou defile the name of thy God: I am the Lord.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of thy God: I am Jehovah.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'And ye do not swear by My name to falsehood, or thou hast polluted the name of thy God; I [am] Jehovah.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And you do not swear by My Name for falsehood, or you have defiled the Name of your God; I [am] YHWH.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, and thou shalt not thus profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Do not swear by my name falsely and profane the name of your God. I am Yahweh.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Thou shalt not swear falsely by my name, nor profane the name of thy God. I am the Lord.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Don't swear oaths in my name that are not true, otherwise you defame the character of your God. I am the Lord.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And do not take an oath in my name falsely, putting shame on the name of your God: I am the Lord.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וְandclauseadverbialלֹֽאnotverbתִשָּׁבְע֥וּyou.will.swear.an.oathprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִbynoun phraseשְׁמִ֖nameיmyprepositional phrase · prepositionalלַtonoun phrase(the)שָּׁ֑קֶרfalsehoodוְandclauseverbחִלַּלְתָּ֛you.will.profanenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseשֵׁ֥םthe.namenoun phraseאֱלֹהֶ֖יyour.Godךָyourclausesubjectאֲנִ֥יIpredicateיְהוָֽה[am].Yahweh

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text is consistent with the Samaritan Pentateuch, both presenting the same wording. The Septuagint, while matching 9 of the 10 words, has a different word order and does not fully reflect the Hebrew's emphasis on the consequences of swearing falsely.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וְלֹֽא־ תִשָּׁבְע֥וּ בִשְׁמִ֖י לַשָּׁ֑קֶר וְחִלַּלְתָּ֛ אֶת־ שֵׁ֥ם אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהוָֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְלֹֽא־οὐκתִשָּׁבְע֥וּὀμεῖσθεבִשְׁמִ֖יμουלַשָּׁ֑קֶרἀδίκῳוְחִלַּלְתָּ֛καὶשֵׁ֥םὄνομαאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָὑμῶνאֲנִ֥יἐγώיְהוָֽה׃κύριος

9 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ולא תשׁבעו בשׁמי לשׁקר וחללת את שׁם אלהיך אני יהוה

Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Leviticus 19:12לֹאand notand notלֹאשָׁבַעyou will swyou will swear שָׁבַעשֵׁםby name myby name myשֵׁםשֶׁ֫קֶרto falsehooto falsehoodשֶׁ֫קֶרחָלַלand you wiland you will prחָלַלאֵתthe object the object markאֵתשֵׁם[the] name [the] name ofשֵׁםאֱלֹהִיםGod yourGod yourאֱלֹהִיםאֲנִיIIאֲנִייהוה[am] Yahweh[am] Yahwehיהוהשׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםשֶׁ֫בַעsevensevenשֶׁ֫בַעשָׁקַרto dealto dealשָׁקַראוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתאָֽנֹכִ֫יIIאָֽנֹכִ֫יהָיָהto beto beהָיָהחָלִילflutefluteחָלִילחָלָהbe weak: wbe weak: weakחָלָהאֱלֹהַּgodgodאֱלֹהַּקָרָאto call: cto call: call tקָרָאיָדָהto give thto give thanksיָדָהנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדשְׁבוּעָהoathoathשְׁבוּעָהאַבְרָםAbrahamAbrahamאַבְרָםעֵדwitnesswitnessעֵדנָבָאto prophesto prophesyנָבָא
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Leviticus 19:12

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
וְלֹֽא־ve.lo'- and not H3808 Conjunction · particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
make false promises
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
תִשָּׁבְע֥וּti.sha.ve.'U you will swear an oath H7650 Verb · Niphal · imperfect second person masculine plural
186× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Amplified meaning
take an oath, vow
Tyndale gloss
to swear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁבַע (shaba`) primarily means to swear or take an oath, possibly derived from the idea of binding oneself by seven things. It can also mean to adjure or to cause someone to take an oath. The word appears in various forms, including participles and different verb stems, indicating actions related to swearing and oaths.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׁבַע] 186 vb. swear (prob. so to say, seven oneself, or bind oneself by seven things)

Qal Pt. pass. those sworn with (= who have sworn) oaths

Niph.;—swear, take an oath

Hiph.

cause take an oath, subj. always man

adjure

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7650 שָׁבַע swear (prob. so to say, seven oneself, or bind oneself by seven things) .Pt. pass. those sworn with (= who have sworn) oaths

.;—swear, take an oath

. . cause take an oath, subj. always man

. adjure

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7650 shaba` shaw-bah'

a primitive root; propr. to be complete, but used only as a

denominative from 7651; to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by

repeating a declaration seven times):--adjure, charge (by an

oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for 7646),

take an oath, X straitly, (cause to, make to) swear.

see HEBREW for 07651

see HEBREW for 07646

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁבַע (sha.va) — to swear.

1) to swear, adjure

1a) (Qal) sworn (participle)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to swear, take an oath

1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself)

1b3) to curse

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to take an oath

1c2) to adjure

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp — Verb · Niphal · imperfect second person masculine plural
HVNi2mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

oth (shebhu`ah, probably from shebha`, "seven," the sacred number, which occurs frequently in the ritual of an oath; horkos; and the stronger word 'alah, by which a curse is actually invoked upon the oath-breaker Septuagint ara)): In Mt 26:70-74 Peter first denies his Lord simply, then with an oath (shebhu`ah), then invokes a curse ('alah), thus passing through every stage of asseveration.

1. Law Regarding Oaths:

The oath is the invoking of a curse upon one's self if one has not spoken the truth (Mt 26:74), or if one fails to keep a promise (1Sa 19:6; 20:17; 2Sa 15:21; 19:23). It played a very important part, not only in lawsuits (

Oath

A solemn appeal to God, permitted on fitting occasions (Deut. 6:13; Jer. 4:2), in various forms (Gen. 16:5; 2 Sam. 12:5; Ruth 1:17; Hos. 4:15; Rom. 1:9), and taken in different ways (Gen. 14:22; 24:2; 2 Chr. 6:22). God is represented as taking an oath (Heb. 6:16-18), so also Christ (Matt. 26:64), and…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The principle on which an oath is held to be binding is incidentally laid down in (Hebrews 6:16) viz. as an ultimate appeal to divine authority to ratify an assertion. On the same principle, that oath has always been held most binding which appealed to the highest authority, as regards both individuals and communities. As a consequence of this principle, appeals to God’s name on the one hand, and to heathen deities on the other, are treated in scripture as tests of allegiance. (Exodus 23:13; 34:6; 29:12) etc. So also the sovereign’s name is sometimes used as a form of obligation. (Genesis 42:15; 2 Samuel 11:11; 14:19) Other forms of oath, serious or frivolous, are…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A solemn affirmation accompanied by an appeal to the Supreme Being. God has prohibited all false oaths, and all useless and customary swearing in ordinary discourse; but when the necessity or importance of a matter requires an oath, he allows men to swear by his name, Ex 22:11 Le 5:1. To swear by a false god was an act of idolatry, Jer 5:7 12:16.

Among the Hebrews an oath was administered by the judge, who stood up, and adjured the party who was to be sworn. In this manner our Lord was adjured by Caiaphas, Mt 26:63. Jesus had remained silent under long examination, when the high priest, rising up, knowing he had a sure mode of obtaining an answer said, "I adjure thee by the…

and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
בִשְׁמִ֖יvish.Mi by name my H8034 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Amplified meaning
identity, character
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)

of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it

usu. of pers.

= reputation

esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons

name, as designation of God

of false gods, use forbidden

= memorial, monument

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8034 shem shame

a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea

of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an

appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by

implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,

(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

see HEBREW for 07760

see HEBREW for 08064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁם (shem) — name.

1) name

1a) name

1b) reputation, fame, glory

1c) the Name (as designation of God)

1d) memorial, monument

Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
לַשָּׁ֑קֶרla.Sha.ker to falsehood H8267 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
113× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Tyndale gloss
deception
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׁ֫קֶר (sheqer) refers to deception, falsehood, and disappointment. It encompasses various forms of deceit, including fraud and wrongful testimony. The word is built from the root associated with untruths and can imply sham or lying. It is used in contexts involving false prophets and general dishonesty.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׁ֫קֶר 113 n.m. deception, disappointment, falsehood

deception, what deceives, disappoints, and betrays one

deceit, fraud, wrong

injurious falsehood, in testimony

falsity, of false or self-deceived prophets

lie, falsehood, in gen.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8267 שֶׁ֫קֶר deception, disappointment, falsehood . deception, what deceives, disappoints, and betrays one

. deceit, fraud, wrong

. injurious falsehood, in testimony

. falsity, of false or self-deceived prophets

. lie, falsehood, in gen.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8267 sheqer sheh'-ker

from 8266; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often

adverbial):--without a cause, deceit(-ful),

false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, + lie, lying, vain

(thing), wrongfully.

see HEBREW for 08266

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׁ֫קֶר (she.qer) — deception.

1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood

1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one)

1b) deceit, fraud, wrong

1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb)

1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony)

1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely

1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets)

1e) lie, falsehood (in general)

1e1) false tongue

1f) in vain

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fols'-hood.

See LYING.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Ex 20:16; 23:1; Le 6:2-7; 19:11,12,16; Job 13:4; 21:34; 27:4; 31:5,6,33; 36:4; Ps 5:6,9; 10:7; 12:2,3; 28:3; 31:18; 34:13; 36:3; 50:19,20; 52:2-5; 55:21,23; 58:3; 59:12; 62:4; 63:11; 101:5,7; 109:2; 116:11; 119:29,69,163; 120:2-4; 144:8,11; Pr 2:12-15; 3:3; 6:12,13,17-19; 10:9,10,18,31; 11:9; 12:17,19,20,22; 13:5; 14:5,8,25; 17:4,7; 19:5,9,22,28; 20:17; 21:6; 26:18,19,24-26,28; 27:14; Ec 5:6; Isa 28:15; 32:7; 57:11; 59:3,4,12,13; 63:8;

and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
וְחִלַּלְתָּ֛ve.chi.lal.Ta and you will profane H2490 Verb · Piel · sequential perfect second person masculine singular
143× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Amplified meaning
as a result, consequently, desecrate, show disrespect to
Tyndale gloss
to bore
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חָלַל (*chalal*) is built from a primitive root meaning to bore or pierce, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to wound, to play the flute, and to profane or defile. It can refer to both physical actions, like piercing, and moral or ritual violations, such as polluting oneself or breaking a covenant. The lexicons note various grammatical forms and uses, but do not indicate significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָלַל vb. bore, pierce

Qal my heart is pierced (wounded) within me

Pi. in the hand of the ones wounding thee

Pu. pierced by the sword

Po‛el his hand pierced the fleeing serpent

Po‛al pierced, wounded because of our transgressions

base

[חלל] vb. denom. play the pipe, pipe

Qal as well the singers as the pipe-players

Polel dancers

Pi. and the people piped with pipes

base

[חָלַל] vb. pollute, defile, profane

Niph.

reflex. pollute, defile oneself

Pass., be polluted, defiled

Pi.

defile, pollute

violate the honour of, dishonour

violate  a covenant

treat a vineyard as common

Pu. my great name which is profaned among the nations

Hiph.

I will not let my holy name be profaned any more.

he shall not violate his word

begin

Hoph. then it was begun (= men began) to call on the name of י׳

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2490a חָלַל bore, pierce H2490b חלל vb. denom. play the pipe, pipe H2490c חָלַל pollute, defile, profane

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2490 chalal khaw-lal'

a primitive root (compare 2470); properly, to bore, i.e. (by

implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane

(a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

(as if by an "opening wedge"); denom. (from 2485) to play (the

flute):--begin (X men began), defile, X break, defile, X eat

(as common things), X first, X gather the grape thereof, X

take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast

as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain,

wound.

see HEBREW for 02470

see HEBREW for 02485

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָלַל (cha.lal) — to bore.

1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore

1a) (Qal) to pierce

1b) (Pual) to be slain

1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce

1d) (Poal) to be wounded

חָלַל (cha.lal) — to play flute.

(Piel) to play the flute or pipe

חָלַל (cha.lal) — to profane/begin: begin.

: begin

1) to profane, defile, pollute, desecrate, begin

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to profane oneself, defile oneself, pollute oneself

1a1a) ritually

1a1b) sexually

1a2) to be polluted, be defiled

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to profane, make common, defile, pollute

1b2) to violate the honour of, dishonour

1b3) to violate (a covenant)

1b4) to treat as common

1c) (Pual) to be profaned (of name of God)

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to let be profaned

1d2) to begin

1e) (Hophal) to be begun

חָלַל (cha.lal) — to profane/begin: profane.

: profane

1) to profane, defile, pollute, desecrate, begin

1a) (Niphal)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-2ms — Verb · Piel · sequential perfect second person masculine singular
Hc/Vpq2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pro-fan' (verb chalal, adjective chalal, chol; bebeloo, bebelos): From profanus, "before (i.e. outside) the temple," therefore unholy, polluted, secular, is of frequent occurrence (verb and adjective) in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. It occurs as the translation of chol in the King James Version only in Eze (22:26, the Revised Version (British and American) "common"; 42:20; 44:23; 48:15, the Revised Version (British and American) "for common use"); as the translation of chalal in Le 21:7,14, the Revised Version margin "polluted"; and Eze 21:25, where, for the King James Version "thou profane wicked prince of Israel," the Revised Version (British and American) has "thou, O deadly wounded wicked one, the prince of Israel." "To profane" (chalal) is seen in

and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
שֵׁ֥םshem [the] name of H8034 Noun common · masculine singular construct
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Amplified meaning
reputation, honor
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)

of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it

usu. of pers.

= reputation

esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons

name, as designation of God

of false gods, use forbidden

= memorial, monument

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8034 shem shame

a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea

of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an

appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by

implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,

(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

see HEBREW for 07760

see HEBREW for 08064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁם (shem) — name.

1) name

1a) name

1b) reputation, fame, glory

1c) the Name (as designation of God)

1d) memorial, monument

Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ'e.lo.Hei.kha God your H430 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
2,603× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
Elohim, the supreme Being
Tyndale gloss
God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.

pl. in number.

rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

angels

gods

pl. intensive

god or goddess

godlike one

works of God, or things belongng to him

God

הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

אֱלֹהִים = God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

. angels

. gods

. pl. intensive . god or goddess

. godlike one

. works of God, or things belongng to him

. God

. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

. אֱלֹהִים = God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

430 'elohiym el-o-heem'

plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically

used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the

supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to

magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X

exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X

mighty.

see HEBREW for 0433

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.

This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.

Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.

Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp2ms
and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
אֲנִ֥י'a.Ni I H589 Pronoun
874× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Amplified meaning
the first person, the self-existent One
Tyndale gloss
I
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

589 'aniy an-ee'

contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X

which, X who.

see HEBREW for 0595

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.

I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp1bs
and not you will swear an oath by name my to falsehood and you will profane the object marker [the] name of God your I [am] Yahweh
יְהוָֽה׃Yah.weh [am] Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, the covenant-keeping God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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