2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians front
2 Thessalonians front:intro
Introduction to 2 Thessalonians
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of 2 Thessalonians
- Greetings and thanksgiving (1:1-3)
- Christians suffering from persecution
- They are worthy of the kingdom of God and of his promise of relief from trials (1:4-7)
- God will judge those who persecute Christians (1:8-12)
- Some believers' misunderstanding about the second coming of Christ
- Christ's return has not yet happened (2:1-2)
- Instruction about the events that will precede the return of Christ (2:3-12)
- Paul's confidence that God will save the Thessalonian Christians
- His call to "stand firm" (2:13-15)
- His prayer that God will comfort them (2:16-17)
- Paul requests that the Thessalonian believers pray for him (3:1-5)
- Paul give commands about idle believers (3:6-15)
- Closing (3:16-17)
Who wrote 2 Thessalonians?
Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.
Paul wrote this letter while staying in the city of Corinth.
What is the Book of 2 Thessalonians about?
Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the city of Thessalonica. He encouraged the believers because they were being persecuted. He told them to continue living in a way that pleased God. And he wanted to teach them again about Christ's return.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "2 Thessalonians" or "Second Thessalonians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Second Letter to the Church in Thessalonica," or "The Second Letter to the Christians in Thessalonica." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What is the "second coming" of Jesus?
Paul wrote much in this letter about Jesus' eventual return to Earth. When Jesus returns, he will judge all mankind. He will also rule over creation. And he will cause there to be peace everywhere. Paul also explained that a "man of lawlessness" will come before Christ's return. This person will obey Satan and cause many people to oppose God. But Jesus will destroy this person when he returns.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
What did Paul mean by the expressions "in Christ," "in the Lord," etc.?
Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.
What are the major issues in the text of the Book of 2 Thessalonians?
For the following verses, modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULB text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.
- "and the man of lawlessness is revealed" (2:3). The ULB and most modern versions read this way. Older versions have, "and the man of sin is revealed."
- "For God chose you as the firstfruits for salvation" (2:13) The ULB and some other versions read this way. Other versions have, "For God chose you from the first for salvation."
(See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-textvariants/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 1
2 Thessalonians 1:intro-0
2 Thessalonians 01 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Verses 1-2 formally introduce this letter. Letters in the ancient Near East commonly had introductions of this type.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
# Paradox
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. A paradox occurs in verses 4-5: "We talk about your patience and faith in all your persecutions. We talk about the afflictions that you endure. This is a sign of God's righteous judgment." People would not normally think that believing in God while being persecuted is a sign of God's righteous judgment. But in verses 5-10, Paul explains how God will reward those who believe in him and how he will judge those who afflict them. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
Links:
2 Thessalonians 1:1
General Information:
Paul is the author of this letter, but he includes Silvanus and Timothy as senders of the letter. He begins by greeting the church at Thessalonica. The words "we" and "us" refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word "you" is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])
Silvanus
This is the Latin form of "Silas." He is the same person listed in the book of Acts as Paul's fellow traveler.
2 Thessalonians 1:2
Grace to you
Paul commonly uses this greeting in his letters.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
General Information:
Paul gives thanks for the believers in Thessalonica.
We should always give thanks to God
Paul uses "always" as a generalization meaning "often" or "regularly. The sentence emphasizes the greatness of what God is doing in the lives of the Thessalonian believers. Alternate translation: "We should often give thanks to God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])
brothers
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])
the love each of you has for one another increases
"you sincerely love one another"
one another
Here "one another" means fellow Christians.
2 Thessalonians 1:4
we ourselves
Here "ourselves" is used to emphasize Paul's boasting. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 1:5
you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will consider you worthy to be part of his kingdom" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 1:6
Connecting Statement:
As Paul continues, he talks about God being just.
it is righteous for God
"God is right" or "God is just"
for God to return affliction to those who afflict you
Here "to return" is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: "for God to afflict those who afflict you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 1:7
and relief to you
These words continue the description of what God is right "to return" to people (verse 6). This is a metaphor that means to cause someone to experience the same thing they did to someone else. Alternate translation: "and to relieve you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
relief to you
"for God to provide relief to you"
2 Thessalonians 1:8
in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who
"punishing with blazing fire those who do not know God and those who"
2 Thessalonians 1:9
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2 Thessalonians 1:10
when he comes on that day
Here "that day" is the day when Jesus will return to the world.
to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at by all those who believed
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that his holy people will glorify him and all those who believed will marvel at him" or "so that his people will glorify him and all those who believed will stand in awe of him" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 1:11
we also pray continually for you
Paul is emphasizing how often he prays for them. Alternate translation: "we also pray regularly for you" or "we continue to pray for you"
calling
Here "calling" refers to God appointing or choosing people to be his children and servants and to proclaim his message of salvation through Jesus.
fulfill every good purpose
"make you able to do good in every way that you desire"
2 Thessalonians 1:12
that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that you may glorify the name of our Lord Jesus" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
and you in him
You may need to make explicit who will glorify the readers. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and Jesus will glorify you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ
"because God and the Lord Jesus Christ have given grace to you"
2 Thessalonians 2
2 Thessalonians 2:intro-0
2 Thessalonians 02 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
# "Being gathered together to be with him"
This passage refers to a time when Jesus calls to himself those who have believed in him. Scholars differ on whether or not this refers to Christ's final glorious return. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/believe.md]])
# Man of lawlessness
This is the same as "son of destruction" and "lawless one" in this chapter. Paul associates him with Satan, who is actively working in the world. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/antichrist.md]])
# Sits in the temple of God
Paul could be referring to the Jerusalem temple that the Romans destroyed several years after he wrote this letter. Or he could be referring to a future physical temple, or to the church as the spiritual temple of God. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
Links:
2 Thessalonians 2:1
General Information:
Paul exhorts believers not to be deceived about the day Jesus will come back.
Now
The word "Now" marks a change of topic in Paul's instructions.
brothers
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 2:2
that you not be easily shaken from your thoughts
This metaphor speaks of people who are frightened or uncertain as if a person had moved what they had been standing on so that they fell down. Alternate translation: "that you not easily let people disturb you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
by a message, or by a letter that seems to be coming from us
"by spoken word or by written letter that pretends to be coming from us"
to the effect that
"saying that"
the day of the Lord
This refers to the time when Jesus will come back to the earth for all believers.
2 Thessalonians 2:3
General Information:
Paul teaches about the man of lawlessness.
it will not come
"the day of the Lord will not come"
the falling away
This refers to a future time when many people will turn away from God.
the man of lawlessness is revealed
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God reveals the man of lawlessness" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
the son of destruction
Paul speaks of destruction as a person who bore a son whose goal is to totally destroy everything. Alternate translation: "the one who destroys everything he can" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 2:4
all that is called God or that is worshiped
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everything that people consider to be God or everything that people worship" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
exhibits himself as God
"shows himself as God"
2 Thessalonians 2:5
Do you not remember ... these things?
Paul uses a rhetorical question to remind them of his teaching when he was with them previously. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "I am sure you remember ... these things." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])
these things
This refers to the return of Jesus, the day of the Lord, and the man of lawlessness.
2 Thessalonians 2:6
he will be revealed only at the right time
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will reveal the man of lawlessness when the time is right" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 2:7
mystery of lawlessness
This refers to a sacred secret that only God knows.
who restrains him
To restrain someone is to hold them back or to keep them from doing what they want to do.
2 Thessalonians 2:8
Then the lawless one will be revealed
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then God will allow the lawless one to show himself" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
with the breath of his mouth
Here "breath" represents the power of God. Alternate translation: "by the power of his spoken word" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
bring him to nothing by the revelation of his coming
When Jesus returns to earth and shows himself, he will defeat the lawless one.
2 Thessalonians 2:9
with all power, signs, and false wonders
"with all kinds of power, signs, and false wonders"
2 Thessalonians 2:10
with every kind of evil that deceives those who are perishing
This man who is given power by Satan will deceive everyone who does not believe in Jesus.
who are perishing
Here "perishing" has the concept of everlasting or eternal destruction.
they did not receive the love of the truth
This metaphor speaks of these people as if someone had offered them a physical object, like good food, and they had refused to accept or receive it. The abstract noun "love" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "they refused to love the truth" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 2:11
For this reason
"Because the people do not love the truth"
God is sending them a powerful delusion so that they will believe a lie
The powerful delusion is a metonym for the person who will delude the people. Alternate translation: "God is sending the man of lawlessness to delude them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
a powerful delusion
a lie that sounds so true that many people believe it
2 Thessalonians 2:12
they all may be condemned
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will judge all of them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
who did not believe the truth but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness
"who took pleasure in unrighteousness because they did not believe the truth" or "who enjoyed doing evil deeds because they did not believe the truth"
2 Thessalonians 2:13
General Information:
Paul gives thanks to God for the believers and encourages them.
Connecting Statement:
Paul now changes topics.
But
Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.
we should always give thanks
The word "always" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "we should continually give thanks" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])
we should
Here "we" refers to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.
brothers loved by the Lord
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the Lord loves you, brothers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
brothers
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])
as the firstfruits to be saved through the sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth
Being among the first people to be saved is spoken of as if the Thessalonian believers were "firstfruits." This can also be stated to remove the abstract nouns "salvation," "sanctification," "belief," and "truth." Alternate translation: "to be among the first people who believe what is true, whom God has saved and set apart for himself by his Spirit" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 2:14
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2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brothers, stand firm
Paul exhorts the believers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus.
hold tightly to the traditions
Here "traditions" refers to the truths of Christ that Paul and the other apostles taught. Paul speaks of them as if his readers could hold on to them with their hands. Alternate translation: "remember the traditions" or "believe the truths" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
you were taught
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "we have taught you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
whether by word or by our letter
"By word" here is a synecdoche for "by instructions" or "by teachings." You can make clear the implicit information. Alternate translation: "whether by what we taught you in person or by what we wrote to you in a letter" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 2:16
Connecting Statement:
Paul ends with a blessing from God.
Now
Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.
Lord Jesus Christ himself
Here "himself" gives additional emphasis to the phrase "Lord Jesus Christ." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])
may our Lord ... who loved us and gave us
The words "our" and "us" refer to all believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])
gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace
"caused us to have eternal comfort and good hope through grace"
eternal comfort
"comfort that never ends" or "unceasing encouragement"
good hope
Here "hope" means a "certain expectation." Alternate translation: "certainty that we will receive good things from him" or "confidence that we will good things from him"
through grace
"because of his kindness"
2 Thessalonians 2:17
comfort and strengthen your hearts in
Here "hearts" represents the seat of emotions. Alternate translation: "comfort you and strengthen you for" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
every good work and word
"every good thing you do and say"
2 Thessalonians 3
2 Thessalonians 3:intro-0
2 Thessalonians 03 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
# Idle and lazy persons
In Thessalonica, there apparently was a problem with people in the church who were able to work but refused to do so. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
# What should you do if your brother sins?
In this chapter, Paul teaches that Christians need to live in a way that honors God. Christians should also encourage one another and hold each other accountable for what they do. The church is also responsible for encouraging believers to repent if they sin. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])
Links:
<< |
2 Thessalonians 3:1
General Information:
Paul asks the believers to pray for him and his companions.
Now
Paul uses the word "now" to mark a change in topic.
brothers
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])
that the word of the Lord may rush and be glorified, as it also is with you
Paul speaks of God's word spreading as if it were running from place to place. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that more and more people will soon hear our message about our Lord Jesus and honor it, as happened with you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:2
that we may be delivered
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God may save us" or "that God may rescue us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])
for not all have faith
"for many people do not believe in Jesus"
2 Thessalonians 3:3
the evil one
"Satan"
2 Thessalonians 3:4
We have confidence
"We have faith" or "We trust"
2 Thessalonians 3:5
direct your hearts to
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's thoughts or mind. Alternate translation: "cause you to understand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
the love of God and to the endurance of Christ
Paul speaks of God's love and Christ's endurance as if they were destinations on a path. Alternate translation: "how much God loves you and how much Christ has endured for you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:6
General Information:
Paul gives the believers some final instructions about working and not being idle.
Now
Paul uses this word to mark a change in topic.
brothers
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
"Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "as if our Lord Jesus Christ himself were speaking" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])
our Lord
Here "our" refers to all believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])
walks irresponsibly
The way a person lives his life is spoken of as if he were physically walking. Alternate translation: "is lazy" or "does not do what is right" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:7
to imitate us
"to act the way that my fellow workers and I act"
2 Thessalonians 3:8
anyone's bread
Bread here is a synecdoche for any kind of food. Alternate translation: "anyone's food" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])
we worked night and day
"we worked during the night and during the day." Here "night" and "day" are a merism and they mean "all the time." Alternate translation: "we worked all the time" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])
in labor and toil
Paul emphasizes how hard his circumstances were. The words "difficult labor" imply that Paul and his companions did work that requires great effort. The word "hardship" implies they endured pain and suffering. Alternate translation: "in very difficult circumstances" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:9
We did this not because we have no authority, but we did this
Paul uses a double negative to correct a misunderstanding that his readers may have had. It can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Even though we have authority, we did this" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:10
The one who is unwilling to labor must not eat
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Only the one who is willing to work should eat" or "Only people who are willing to eat should eat" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublenegatives/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:11
walk in idleness
"live idle lives"
but busybodies
Busybodies are people who interfere in the affairs of others without being asked to help.
2 Thessalonians 3:12
with quietness
"in a quiet, peaceful, and mild manner." Paul exhorts the meddlers to stop getting involved in other people's affairs.
eat their own bread
Bread here is a synecdoche for any kind of food. See how "bread" is translated in verse 8. Alternate translation: "eat their own food" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:13
But
Paul uses this word to contrast the lazy believers with the hardworking believers.
you, brothers
The word "you" refers to all the Thessalonian believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-you/01.md]])
brothers
Here "brothers" means fellow Christians, including both men and women. Alternate translation: "brothers and sisters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:14
if anyone does not obey our word
"if anyone does not obey our instructions"
take note of him
Notice who he is. Alternate translation: "publicly identify that person" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:15
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2 Thessalonians 3:16
General Information:
Paul makes closing remarks to the believers at Thessalonica.
may the Lord of peace himself give you
You can make explicit that this is Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians. Alternate translation: "I pray that the Lord of peace himself gives you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])
the Lord of peace himself
Here "himself" emphasizes that the Lord will personally give peace to believers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rpronouns/01.md]])
2 Thessalonians 3:17
I, Paul, write this with my own hand
Paul makes it clear that this letter is from him and is not a forgery.
2 Thessalonians 3:18
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