5485. charis
Lexical Summary
charis: Grace, favor, kindness, blessing

Original Word: χάρις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: charis
Pronunciation: khar'-ece
Phonetic Spelling: (khar'-ece)
KJV: acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy)
NASB: grace, favor, thanks, credit, gracious work, thank, gracious
Word Origin: [from G5463 (χαίρω - rejoice)]

1. graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act
2. (especially) the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life
3. (also) gratitude
{abstract or concrete, literal, figurative or spiritual}

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
grace, favor

From chairo; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) -- acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).

see GREEK chairo

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 5485 xáris (another feminine noun from xar-, "favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards to share benefit") – properly, grace. 5485 (xáris) is preeminently used of the Lord's favor – freely extended to give Himself away to people (because He is "always leaning toward them").

5485 /xáris ("grace") answers directly to the Hebrew (OT) term 2580 /Kaná ("grace, extension-toward"). Both refer to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.

[5485 (xáris) is sometimes rendered "thanks" but the core-idea is "favor, grace" ("extension towards").]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
grace, kindness
NASB Translation
blessing (1), concession (1), credit (3), favor (11), gift (1), grace (122), gracious (2), gracious work (3), gratitude (1), thank (3), thankfulness (2), thanks (6).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5485: χάρις

χάρις, χάριτος, accusative χάριν, and twice in L T Tr WH the rarer form χάριτα (Acts 24:27; Jude 1:4) which is also poetic (cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. i. § 44 Anm. 1; (WHs Appendix, 157{b}; Buttmann, 13 (12))), accusative plural χάριτας (Acts 24:27 R G), (χαίρω), from Homer down, Hebrew חֵן, grace; i. e.

1. properly, that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech (Ecclesiastes 10:12; Sir. 21:16 Sir. 37:21; Homer, Odyssey 8, 175; τῶν λόγων, Demosthenes, 51, 9; 1419, 16; χάριτες μωρῶν, verbal pleasantries which the foolish affect in order to ingratiate themselves, Sir. 20:13), λόγοι χάριτος (genitive of quality), Luke 4:22; χάριν διδόναι τοῖς ἀκούουσιν, Ephesians 4:29; ἐν χάριτι, with grace (the substantive, ἅλας being added; see Lightfoot), Colossians 4:6.

2. good-will, loving-kindness, favor: in a broad sense, χάρις παρά τίνι, Luke 2:52; ἔχειν χάριν πρός τινα, to have favor with one, Acts 2:47; χάρις ἐναντίον τινας, Acts 7:10; (χάριν κατά τίνος αἴτεσθαι ὅπως (which see II. 2), Acts 25:3 (but others refer this to 3 b. below)); χάρις (of God) ἐστιν ἐπί τινα, attends and assists one, Luke 2:40; Acts 4:33; χάριν (χάριτα) χάριτας κατατίθεσθαι τίνι (see κατατίθημι), Acts 24:27; Acts 25:9; favor (i. e. act of favoring (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 66 at the end)), 2 Corinthians 8:4. χάρις is used of the kindness of a master toward his inferiors or servants, and so especially of God toward men: εὑρίσκειν χάριν παρά τῷ Θεῷ, Luke 1:30; ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, Acts 7:46; τοῦτο χάρις ἐστιν, this wins for us (God's) favor (R. V. is acceptable), 1 Peter 2:19; with παρά Θεῷ added, 1 Peter 2:20; παραδεδομένοι τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ, to be committed or commended to the protecting and helping favor of God, Acts 14:26; Acts 15:40. The apostles and N. T. writers at the beginning and end of their Epistles crave for their readers the favor (`grace') of God or of Christ, to which all blessings, especially spiritual, are due: Romans 1:7; Romans 16:20, 24 (R G); 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 16:23; 2 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:13 (14); Galatians 1:3; Galatians 6:18; Ephesians 1:2; Ephesians 6:24; Philippians 1:2; Philippians 4:23; Colossians 1:2; Colossians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:18; 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 6:21 (22); 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 4:22: Titus 1:4; Titus 3:15; Philemon 1:3, 25; Hebrews 13:25; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 3:18 (cf. 3 a.); 2 John 1:3; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 22:21; cf. Otto, Ueber d. apostol. Segensgruss χάρις ὑμῖν etc., in the Jahrbb. f. deutsche Theol. for 1867, p. 678ff. Moreover, the word χάρις contains the idea of kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved: Romans 11:6; hence, κατά χάριν and κατά ὀφείλημα are contrasted in Romans 4:4, 16; χάριτι and ἐξ ἔργων in Romans 11:6; κατ' ἀκλογην χάριτος, Romans 11:5; but the N. T. writers use χάρις pre-eminently of that kindness by which God bestow: favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offences, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ: Romans 3:24; Romans 5:17, 20f; (); 1 Corinthians 15:10; Galatians 1:15; Galatians 2:21; Ephesians 1:6,(); f; Philippians 1:7; Colossians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 1 Timothy 1:14; 2 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 2:9 (here Treg. marginal reading χωρίς); Hebrews 10:29; Hebrews 12:15; Hebrews 13:9; 1 Peter 1:10; Jude 1:4; εὑρίσκειν χάριν, Hebrews 4:16; χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ σωτήριος, Titus 2:11; λόγος τῆς χάριτος, the message of his grace, Acts 14:3; Acts 20:32; τό εὐαγγέλιον τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ, Acts 20:24; it is styled 'the grace of Christ,' in that through pity for sinful men Christ left his state of blessedness with God in heaven, and voluntarily underwent the hardships and miseries of human life, and by his sufferings and death procured salvation for mankind: (Acts 15:11); 2 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 5:15; Galatians 1:6; (Titus 3:7); John 1:14, 17. χάρις is used of "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues": 2 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:12; οἱ πεπιστευκότες διά τῆς χάριτος, Acts 18:27; ὑπό χάριν εἶναι,' to be subject to the power of grace, opposed to ὑπό νόμον εἶναι, Romans 6:14f; τῆς χάριτος ἐξεπέσατε, Galatians 5:4; προσμένειν τῇ χαρη, Acts 13:43 (G L T Tr WH); ἐπιμένειν, ibid. Rec.; ἐν τῇ χάριτι (R G WH text omit the article), prompted by grace, Colossians 3:16; the grace of God promoting the progress and blessings of the Christian religion, Acts 11:23; (prompting its possessors to benefactions, 2 Corinthians 9:14); sustaining and aiding the efforts of the men who labor for the cause of Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 1:12; the favor of Christ, assisting and strengthening his followers and ministers to bear their troubles, 2 Corinthians 12:9.

3. what is due to grace;

a. the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace, what the theologians call the 'status gratiae': ἑστηκεναι ἐν τῇ χάριτι, Romans 5:2; εἰς τήν χάριν, 1 Peter 5:12; αὐξάνειν ἐν χάριτι, 2 Peter 3:18; ἐνδυναμουσθαι ἐν τῇ χάριτι τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ, 2 Timothy 2:1.

b. a token or proof of grace, 2 Corinthians 1:15 (A. V. benefit (WH text Tr marginal reading χαράν, which see under b.)); a gift of grace; benefaction, bounty: used of alms, 1 Corinthians 16:3; 2 Corinthians 8:6f, 19 (Sir. 3:29 (31); ; 4 Macc. 5:8; Xenophon, Ages. 4, 3f; Hier. 8, 4); πᾶσα χάρις, all earthly blessings, wealth, etc., which are due to divine goodness, 2 Corinthians 9:8; Θεός πάσης χάριτος, the author and giver of benefits of every kind, 1 Peter 5:10. the aid or succor of divine grace: διδόναι χάριν ταπεινοῖς, 1 Peter 5:5; James 4:6; the salvation offered to Christians is called χάρις, a gift of divine grace, 1 Peter 1:10, 13; of the various blessings of Christ experienced by souls: λαβεῖν χάριν ἀντί χάριτος (see ἀντί, 2 e., p. 49{b} bottom), John 1:16; χαρι ζωῆς, the gift of grace seen in the reception of life (cf. ζωή, 2 b.), 1 Peter 3:7; capacity and ability due to the grace of God (German Gnadenausrüstung), Ephesians 4:7; πλήρης χάριτος. Acts 6:8 G L T Tr WH; πικιλη χάρις, the aggregate of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians, 1 Peter 4:10; used of the power to undertake and administer the apostolic office: λαβεῖν χάριν καί ἀποστολήν, i. e. χάριν τῆς ἀποστολῆς, Romans 1:5; τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι (i. e., Paul), Romans 12:3, 6; Romans 15:15; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:2, 7; δοθείσῃ ὑμῖν, of the gifts of knowledge and utterance conferred upon Christians, 1 Corinthians 1:4; ἐδόθη μοι χάρις αὕτη, followed by an infinitive, Ephesians 3:8; of the desire to give alms roused by the grace of God, 2 Corinthians 8:1.

4. thanks (for benefits, services, favors); properly: χάριτι, with thanksgiving, 1 Corinthians 10:30; χάριν ἔχειν τίνι (Latingratiam habere alicui), to be thankful to one, Luke 17:9; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:3; Hebrews 12:28 (2 Macc. 3:33, and countless times in secular authors; cf. Passow, under the word, p. 2416{a} under the end; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 2); Ast, Lex. Plato, ii, p. 539f; Bleek, Brief a. d. Hebrews 2:2, p. 975); followed by ἐπί with a dative of the thing, Philemon 1:7 T editions 2 and 7, Rec.st bez (cf. p. 233a middle); χάρις τῷ Θεῷ namely, ἔστω, Romans 7:25 L T Tr WH text; followed by ὅτι, Romans 6:17 (χάρις τοῖς θεοῖς, ὅτι etc. Xenophon, Cyril 7, 5, 72; 8, 7, 3; an. 3, 3, 14; oec. 8, 16); with a participle added to the dative (by apposition), 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 8:16; followed by ἐπί; with a dative of the thing (cf. ἐπί, B. 2 a. δ.), 2 Corinthians 9:15. equivalent to recompense, reward, Luke 6:32-34 (for which Matthew 5:46 usesμισθός).

Topical Lexicon
Divine Favor in Salvation History

The narrative of Scripture is framed by the favor of God toward undeserving sinners. In the Old Testament this favor is foreshadowed in Noah (Genesis 6:8) and repeatedly described by the Hebrew חֵן (ḥēn). The New Testament discloses its fullness through Jesus Christ, and the writers choose χάρις for that revelation. Luke begins the account of redemption with Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30). John concludes his prologue with the climactic contrast: “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Grace is therefore the atmosphere of the entire redemptive plan from promise to consummation.

Grace and the Incarnation

Grace is personified in the birth, life, and ministry of Jesus. “The Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40). Every word “of grace” that proceeded from His lips (Luke 4:22) revealed the character of the Father. The Apostle John declares, “Out of His fullness we have all received grace upon grace” (John 1:16), expressing an unending supply that flows from the incarnate Son.

Grace and Justification

Paul writes, “All are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Grace stands opposite human achievement: “But if it is by grace, it is no longer by works” (Romans 11:6). The contrast is sharpened in Ephesians: “By grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Justification is thus rooted in divine initiative, mediated through the cross, and received by faith.

Grace and Union with Christ

Entrance into grace establishes a new realm of existence: “Through Him we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Romans 5:2). Believers live, move, and have spiritual being in grace, no longer under the tyranny of sin: “Sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).

Grace and Sanctification

Grace not only pardons; it transforms. Titus 2:11-12 states, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly passions.” The same unmerited favor that justifies also educates, disciplines, and empowers holy living. Hebrews urges believers to “draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Progressive sanctification is fueled by repeated approaches to that throne.

Grace, Power, and Spiritual Gifts

In Pauline usage χάρις frequently denotes the various enablements granted for ministry. “We have different gifts according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:6). Paul traces his own apostolic effectiveness to this source: “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Spiritual gifts, sacrificial giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-7), and bold proclamation (Acts 4:33) are consistently attributed to operative grace rather than innate ability.

Grace in Suffering and Weakness

Divine favor is especially displayed in human frailty. The risen Lord assures Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Peter echoes the theme for persecuted believers: “The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). Thus grace both sustains and refines faith under trial.

Grace in Interpersonal Conduct

Grace received must become grace extended. Paul commands, “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is beneficial for building up the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Hospitality, generosity, and forgiveness display the character of God’s favor within the community (Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 4:10).

Grace, Thanksgiving, and Worship

The close relationship between χάρις and εὐχαριστία (thanksgiving) is evident. Paul bursts into praise, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Gratitude is the fitting human response to grace; worship services of the primitive church were marked by joyous acknowledgment of divine favor (Acts 2:47).

Grace and Mission

Grace propels evangelism and church planting. In Syrian Antioch Barnabas “witnessed the grace of God” and encouraged new converts to remain true to the Lord (Acts 11:23). The church commits missionaries “to the grace of God” (Acts 14:26; Acts 15:40). Paul testifies that his ministry task is “to testify to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24), linking the message and motive for mission to χάρις.

Grace in Apostolic Greetings and Benedictions

Every Pauline letter opens with the formula, “Grace to you and peace,” and most close with a benediction such as, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:18). Peter, John, the writer to the Hebrews, and John in Revelation echo the same pattern (1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 22:21). These liturgical uses underscore grace as the essential environment for the church’s life.

Warnings against Abusing Grace

Grace is never a license for sin. Jude warns of certain persons who “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality” (Jude 1:4). Hebrews cautions against “insulting the Spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29) and urges believers to “see to it that no one falls short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:15). Such admonitions maintain moral seriousness while exalting unmerited favor.

Grace and Eschatology

The believer’s future hope is grounded in grace. Peter exhorts, “Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). Final salvation, resurrection glory, and eternal reign are the consummate expressions of divine favor.

Historical and Theological Significance

Patristic writers defended the necessity of grace against early heresies; Augustine articulated sola gratia against Pelagian self-reliance. The Reformation recaptured the Pauline centrality of grace, summarized in the solas. Evangelical missions have proclaimed the free grace of God to the nations, and revivals have emphasized experiential awareness of grace. Throughout church history, doctrinal confessions and hymns alike—such as “Amazing Grace”—have celebrated the theme.

Pastoral Application

1. Assure repentant sinners of pardon grounded in grace alone.
2. Encourage believers to draw upon grace daily for strength and holiness.
3. Promote a culture of gratitude and generosity reflecting received favor.
4. Guard against moral laxity by teaching the inseparable link between grace and godliness.
5. Commission ministry endeavors in reliance upon the enabling grace of God.

Summary

Χάρις permeates every aspect of Christian faith and practice—from the Father’s eternal purpose, through the Son’s redemptive work, by the Spirit’s indwelling power, into the believer’s daily walk, and onward to the eternal kingdom. Grace is the first word of the gospel, the sustaining power of discipleship, and the final benediction of Scripture: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all” (Revelation 22:21).

Forms and Transliterations
χαράν χαριν χάριν χαρις χάρις χαριτα χάριτα χαριτι χάριτι χάριτί χαριτος χάριτος charan charán charin chárin charis cháris charita chárita chariti cháriti chárití charitos cháritos
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 1:30 N-AFS
GRK: εὗρες γὰρ χάριν παρὰ τῷ
NAS: for you have found favor with God.
KJV: for thou hast found favour with God.
INT: you have found indeed favor with

Luke 2:40 N-NFS
GRK: σοφίᾳ καὶ χάρις θεοῦ ἦν
NAS: in wisdom; and the grace of God
KJV: with wisdom: and the grace of God was
INT: with wisdom and [the] grace of God was

Luke 2:52 N-DFS
GRK: ἡλικίᾳ καὶ χάριτι παρὰ θεῷ
NAS: and stature, and in favor with God
KJV: stature, and in favour with God
INT: stature and in favor with God

Luke 4:22 N-GFS
GRK: λόγοις τῆς χάριτος τοῖς ἐκπορευομένοις
NAS: of Him, and wondering at the gracious words
KJV: wondered at the gracious words which
INT: words of the grace which proceded

Luke 6:32 N-NFS
GRK: ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστίν καὶ
NAS: you, what credit is [that] to you? For even
KJV: you, what thank have ye?
INT: what to you credit is it even

Luke 6:33 N-NFS
GRK: ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστίν καὶ
NAS: to you, what credit is [that] to you? For even
KJV: to you, what thank have ye?
INT: what to you credit is it For even

Luke 6:34 N-NFS
GRK: ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστίν καὶ
NAS: what credit is [that] to you? Even
KJV: to receive, what thank have ye?
INT: what to you credit is it even

Luke 17:9 N-AFS
GRK: μὴ ἔχει χάριν τῷ δούλῳ
NAS: He does not thank the slave because
KJV: Doth he thank that servant
INT: not Is he thankful the servant

John 1:14 N-GFS
GRK: πατρός πλήρης χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας
NAS: full of grace and truth.
KJV: the Father,) full of grace and truth.
INT: a father full of grace and truth

John 1:16 N-AFS
GRK: ἐλάβομεν καὶ χάριν ἀντὶ χάριτος
NAS: received, and grace upon grace.
KJV: received, and grace for grace.
INT: received moreover grace upon grace

John 1:16 N-GFS
GRK: χάριν ἀντὶ χάριτος
NAS: received, and grace upon grace.
KJV: grace for grace.
INT: grace upon grace

John 1:17 N-NFS
GRK: ἐδόθη ἡ χάρις καὶ ἡ
NAS: Moses; grace and truth
KJV: by Moses, [but] grace and truth
INT: was given grace and

Acts 2:47 N-AFS
GRK: καὶ ἔχοντες χάριν πρὸς ὅλον
NAS: and having favor with all
KJV: and having favour with all
INT: and having favor with all

Acts 4:33 N-NFS
GRK: τῆς ἀναστάσεως χάρις τε μεγάλη
NAS: and abundant grace was upon them all.
KJV: and great grace was upon
INT: of the resurrection grace moreover great

Acts 6:8 N-GFS
GRK: δὲ πλήρης χάριτος καὶ δυνάμεως
NAS: full of grace and power,
INT: moreover full grace and power

Acts 7:10 N-AFS
GRK: ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ χάριν καὶ σοφίαν
NAS: and granted him favor and wisdom
KJV: gave him favour and wisdom
INT: gave him favor and wisdom

Acts 7:46 N-AFS
GRK: ὃς εὗρεν χάριν ἐνώπιον τοῦ
NAS: [David] found favor in God's sight,
KJV: Who found favour before God,
INT: who found favor before

Acts 11:23 N-AFS
GRK: ἰδὼν τὴν χάριν τὴν τοῦ
NAS: and witnessed the grace of God,
KJV: had seen the grace of God,
INT: having seen the grace of

Acts 13:43 N-DFS
GRK: προσμένειν τῇ χάριτι τοῦ θεοῦ
NAS: them to continue in the grace of God.
KJV: them to continue in the grace of God.
INT: to continue in the grace of God

Acts 14:3 N-GFS
GRK: λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ διδόντι
NAS: to the word of His grace, granting
KJV: of his grace, and
INT: word of the grace of him giving

Acts 14:26 N-DFS
GRK: παραδεδομένοι τῇ χάριτι τοῦ θεοῦ
NAS: commended to the grace of God
KJV: recommended to the grace of God
INT: been committed to the grace of God

Acts 15:11 N-GFS
GRK: διὰ τῆς χάριτος τοῦ κυρίου
NAS: through the grace of the Lord
KJV: that through the grace of the Lord
INT: by the grace of [the] Lord

Acts 15:40 N-DFS
GRK: παραδοθεὶς τῇ χάριτι τοῦ κυρίου
NAS: by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
KJV: by the brethren unto the grace of God.
INT: having been committed to the grace of the Lord

Acts 18:27 N-GFS
GRK: διὰ τῆς χάριτος
NAS: who had believed through grace,
KJV: which had believed through grace:
INT: through grace

Acts 20:24 N-GFS
GRK: εὐαγγέλιον τῆς χάριτος τοῦ θεοῦ
NAS: of the gospel of the grace of God.
KJV: the gospel of the grace of God.
INT: gospel of the grace of God

Strong's Greek 5485
157 Occurrences


χάριν — 42 Occ.
χάρις — 62 Occ.
χάριτα — 2 Occ.
χάριτι — 24 Occ.
χάριτος — 27 Occ.

5484
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