Torment

Is it torture mentioned concerning the Mark of the Beast^[1] about tormenting and torture or is it a test?

Test or torment

The words AND HE SHALL BE TORMENTED can give us the idea of torture or punishment. Tormented here is from 'basanismos'^[2] which actually means “to test (metals) by the touchstone, which is a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the colour of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal” It might imply torture but the word was also used by sailors or fishermen whose ship was struggling with a head wind. The word has the sense of a test and is also translated pain, toss, vex, and toil.

The word appears a dozen times^[3] in the Bible.

The word PRESENCE is from enopion^[4] which is more commonly translated before or in the sight of. To emphasize the nature of these events as a test rather than a cruel punishment with torment and tortures we must ask, “Why would the holy angels and the Lamb want to watch people being tortured and suffering”?

Does the good shepherd take delight in punishing his sheep?

Is this a test of our love, faith, hope, and humility?

Are these trials testing the heart and mind of all those who have taken the Mark?

What is written in your heart and mind?

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." Revelation 14:11

Many will tell you that smoke of their TORMENT ascendeth up means if you take the mark, you will be cast into hell. This is a conclusion based again on the word torment^[2] , which we have seen may have more to do with a test and the words fire and brimstone are not, nor have they ever been, synonymous with hell.

FIRE AND BRIMSTONE appears during the time of the liberation and redemption of the Israelite from the bondage of Egypt.

I suspect that since most of the world is now back in a bondage worse than that of what was in Egypt,^[5] it would seem reasonable that we will see some “fire and brimstone” before the people become free souls under God on earth again.

The words SMOKE ASCENDING has also been interpreted as coming from hell. Throughout the Bible the idea of smoke going up has to do with the accepting of a sacrifice as worthy and in the times of the great test men will be called on to sacrifice many things, including their very lives in order to pass the test hence the smoke goes up if they pass or goes down if they do not. The difference between the sacrifice of Able and Cain in the beginning was difference between the practices of a shepherd of sheep that follow and the practices of the plowman who tilled^[6] the ground^[7], the adamah, by force.

REST is not from the word anesis^[8], meaning a loosening (which is translated rest 3 times and liberty and be eased once each). Nor is it from koimesis^[9], meaning a reposing, taking rest.

It is from anapausis^[10], which actually means intermission, cessation of any motion, business or labor.

As more is revealed about the nature of the “test,” our understanding of this passage may increase. One may see in this sentence two different points of view. One is that the smoke from the test goes up forever, and the others who do not repent, i.e. change their ways, get no cessation or intermission from their labors, their bondage. It may help to examine more of the context to this one line:

"Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12

The word PATIENCE is from hupomone^[11], which means steadfastness, constancy, endurance. This may be disappointing to those who are expecting to be raptured away during this test, since it is clear you are going to need a steadfastness, constancy, and endurance to pass.

There is also some requirements to keep the commandments. Salvation is by grace, but God does not owe us salvation simply because we say we believe.

You cannot save yourself just by what you say. Christ made that very clear.

Matthew 7:21, 22 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"

Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

Many people proclaim that they believe in Christ just as the Pharisees claimed to believe Moses. But if they are still workers of iniquity and not keeping the commandments and not forgiving those who owe them their faith may be dead.

Are we the Faithful?

Are we true Believers?

Or are we Unbeliever?

We may all face that test of our faith.

The test will be a witness to the truth.

If you need help:

Or want to help others:

Footnotes

↑ Many Marks
Ezekiel 9:4-5 “‭4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. ‭5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:”

Revelation 13:15-17 “‭15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. ‭16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: ‭17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

Revelation 14:8-12 "8... she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. ‭9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ‭10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ‭11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the markof his name. ‭12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

Revelation 15:1-4 “‭1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. ‭2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. ‭3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. ‭4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

Revelation 16: “‭2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.”

Revelation 19:20 “‭20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

Revelation 20:4-5, “‭4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ‭5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”

Philippians 3:13-18 “‭13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ‭14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ‭15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. ‭16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. ‭17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. ‭18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:” :
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 929 βασανισμός basanismos [bas-an-is-mos’] from 928 basanizo to test; n m; TDNT-1:561,96; [{See TDNT 126 }] AV-torment 6; 6
1) to torture, a testing by the touchstone, which is a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the colour of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal

2) torment, torture
2a) the act of tormenting

2b) the state or condition of those tormented
↑ Tormented or tested
Matthew 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented <928>.

Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment <928> us before the time?

Matthew 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed <928> with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment <928> me not.

Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling <928> in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment <928> me not.

2 Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed <928> his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented <928basanizo> five months: and their torment<929basanismos> was as the torment<929> of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

Revelation 11:10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented <928> them that dwelt on the earth.

Revelation 12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained <928> to be delivered.

Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented <928> with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment <929> ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented <928> day and night for ever and ever.
↑ 1799 ἐνώπιον enopion [en-o’-pee-on] neuter of a compound of 1722 and a derivative of 3700; prep; AV-before 64, in the sight of 16, in the presence of 7, in (one’s) sight 5, in (one’s) presence 2, to 1, not tr 2; 97
1) in the presence of, before
1a) of occupied place: in that place which is before, or over against, opposite, any one and towards which another turns his eyes
↑ Employ vs. Enslave from the book The Covenants of the gods
↑
05647 ^דבע^ ‘abad \@aw-bad’\@ a primitive root AyinBeitDalet; v; AV-serve 227, do 15, till 9, servant 5, work 5, worshippers 5, service 4, dress 2, labour 2, ear 2, misc 14; 290
1) to work, serve
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to labour, work, do work

1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour

1a3) to serve as subjects

1a4) to serve (God)

1a5) to serve (with Levitical service)

1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land)

1b2) to make oneself a servant

1c) (Pual) to be worked

1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve

1d2) to cause to serve as subjects

1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
- Also see the verb 05648 ^דבע^ AyinBeitDalet;
- The word worshipper does not appear in the Old Testament except as a translation of abad which clearly means to serve. The word for worship is shachah. Study Aboda
- ע Ayin also U. Divine Providence "eye" or "fountain" of five states of kindness or severity. AlefYodNun or nothingness as opposed to AlefShin something [eye, watch] (Numeric value: 70)
- ב Beit Purpose: God's Dwelling Place Below - a house or God's house here. [household, in, into] (Numeric value: 2)
- ד Dalet Selflessness – Charity, back and forth or through a door or pathway, to enter like a fish (Numeric value: 4)
↑ 0127 אֲדָמָה‎ ‘adamah [ad-aw-maw’] from 0119 adam; n f; [BDB-9b] [{See TWOT on 25 @@ "25b" }] AV-land(s) 125, earth 53, ground 43, country 1, husbandman 2, husbandry 1; 225
1) ground, land

1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance)

1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land

1c) earth substance (for building or constructing)

1d) ground as earth’s visible surface

1e) land, territory, country

1f) whole inhabited earth

1g) city in Naphtali
↑ 425 ~ἄνεσις~ anesis \@an’-es-is\@ from 447; TDNT-1:367,60; {See TDNT 73} n f AV-rest 3, liberty 1, be eased 1; 5
1) a loosening, relaxing
1a) spoken of a more tolerable condition in captivity, to be held in less vigorous confinement

1b) relief, rest, from persecutions

For Synonyms see entry 5810 & 5922
↑ 2838 κοίμησις koimesis [koy’-may-sis] from 2837 koimao sleep; n f; AV-taking of rest 1; 1
1) a reposing, taking rest

2) a lying, reclining
↑
372 ἀνάπαυσις anapausis [an-ap’-ow-sis] from 373 anapauo "to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength"; n f; TDNT-1:350,56; [{See TDNT 63 }] AV-rest 4, rest + 2192 1; 5
1) intermission, cessation of any motion, business or labour

2) rest, recreation
- For Synonyms see entry 5810 & 5922
↑ 5281 ~ὑπομονή~ hupomone \@hoop-om-on-ay’\@ from 5278; TDNT-4:581,581; {See TDNT 481} n f AV-patience 29, enduring 1, patient continuance 1, patient waiting 1; 32
1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance
1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

1b) patiently, and steadfastly

2) a patient, steadfast waiting for

3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance

For Synonyms see entry 5861

[marks-1] Many Marks
Ezekiel 9:4-5 “‭4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. ‭5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:”

Revelation 13:15-17 “‭15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. ‭16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: ‭17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

Revelation 14:8-12 "8... she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. ‭9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ‭10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ‭11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the markof his name. ‭12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

Revelation 15:1-4 “‭1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. ‭2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. ‭3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. ‭4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

Revelation 16: “‭2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.”

Revelation 19:20 “‭20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

Revelation 20:4-5, “‭4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ‭5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”

Philippians 3:13-18 “‭13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ‭14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ‭15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. ‭16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. ‭17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. ‭18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:” :

[basanismos-2] 2.0 ^2.1 929 βασανισμός basanismos [bas-an-is-mos’] from 928 basanizo to test; n m; TDNT-1:561,96; [{See TDNT 126 }] AV-torment 6; 6
1) to torture, a testing by the touchstone, which is a black siliceous stone used to test the purity of gold or silver by the colour of the streak produced on it by rubbing it with either metal

2) torment, torture
2a) the act of tormenting

2b) the state or condition of those tormented

[tormentf-3] Tormented or tested
Matthew 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented <928>.

Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment <928> us before the time?

Matthew 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed <928> with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment <928> me not.

Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling <928> in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment <928> me not.

2 Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed <928> his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented <928basanizo> five months: and their torment<929basanismos> was as the torment<929> of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

Revelation 11:10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented <928> them that dwelt on the earth.

Revelation 12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained <928> to be delivered.

Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented <928> with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment <929> ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented <928> day and night for ever and ever.

[enopion-4] 1799 ἐνώπιον enopion [en-o’-pee-on] neuter of a compound of 1722 and a derivative of 3700; prep; AV-before 64, in the sight of 16, in the presence of 7, in (one’s) sight 5, in (one’s) presence 2, to 1, not tr 2; 97
1) in the presence of, before
1a) of occupied place: in that place which is before, or over against, opposite, any one and towards which another turns his eyes

[5] Employ vs. Enslave from the book The Covenants of the gods

[abad-6] 05647 ^דבע^ ‘abad \@aw-bad’\@ a primitive root AyinBeitDalet; v; AV-serve 227, do 15, till 9, servant 5, work 5, worshippers 5, service 4, dress 2, labour 2, ear 2, misc 14; 290
1) to work, serve
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to labour, work, do work

1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour

1a3) to serve as subjects

1a4) to serve (God)

1a5) to serve (with Levitical service)

1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land)

1b2) to make oneself a servant

1c) (Pual) to be worked

1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve

1d2) to cause to serve as subjects

1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Also see the verb 05648 ^דבע^ AyinBeitDalet;

The word worshipper does not appear in the Old Testament except as a translation of abad which clearly means to serve. The word for worship is shachah. Study Aboda

ע Ayin also U. Divine Providence "eye" or "fountain" of five states of kindness or severity. AlefYodNun or nothingness as opposed to AlefShin something [eye, watch] (Numeric value: 70)

ב Beit Purpose: God's Dwelling Place Below - a house or God's house here. [household, in, into] (Numeric value: 2)

ד Dalet Selflessness – Charity, back and forth or through a door or pathway, to enter like a fish (Numeric value: 4)

[7] Also see the verb 05648 ^דבע^ AyinBeitDalet;

[8] The word worshipper does not appear in the Old Testament except as a translation of abad which clearly means to serve. The word for worship is shachah. Study Aboda

[9] ע Ayin also U. Divine Providence "eye" or "fountain" of five states of kindness or severity. AlefYodNun or nothingness as opposed to AlefShin something [eye, watch] (Numeric value: 70)

[10] ב Beit Purpose: God's Dwelling Place Below - a house or God's house here. [household, in, into] (Numeric value: 2)

[11] ד Dalet Selflessness – Charity, back and forth or through a door or pathway, to enter like a fish (Numeric value: 4)

[adamah-7] 0127 אֲדָמָה‎ ‘adamah [ad-aw-maw’] from 0119 adam; n f; [BDB-9b] [{See TWOT on 25 @@ "25b" }] AV-land(s) 125, earth 53, ground 43, country 1, husbandman 2, husbandry 1; 225
1) ground, land

1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance)

1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land

1c) earth substance (for building or constructing)

1d) ground as earth’s visible surface

1e) land, territory, country

1f) whole inhabited earth

1g) city in Naphtali

[anesis-8] 425 ~ἄνεσις~ anesis \@an’-es-is\@ from 447; TDNT-1:367,60; {See TDNT 73} n f AV-rest 3, liberty 1, be eased 1; 5
1) a loosening, relaxing
1a) spoken of a more tolerable condition in captivity, to be held in less vigorous confinement

1b) relief, rest, from persecutions

For Synonyms see entry 5810 & 5922

[koimesis-9] 2838 κοίμησις koimesis [koy’-may-sis] from 2837 koimao sleep; n f; AV-taking of rest 1; 1
1) a reposing, taking rest

2) a lying, reclining

[anapausis-10] 372 ἀνάπαυσις anapausis [an-ap’-ow-sis] from 373 anapauo "to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength"; n f; TDNT-1:350,56; [{See TDNT 63 }] AV-rest 4, rest + 2192 1; 5
1) intermission, cessation of any motion, business or labour

2) rest, recreation

For Synonyms see entry 5810 & 5922

[16] For Synonyms see entry 5810 & 5922

[hupomone-11] 5281 ~ὑπομονή~ hupomone \@hoop-om-on-ay’\@ from 5278; TDNT-4:581,581; {See TDNT 481} n f AV-patience 29, enduring 1, patient continuance 1, patient waiting 1; 32
1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance
1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

1b) patiently, and steadfastly

2) a patient, steadfast waiting for

3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance

For Synonyms see entry 5861

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

Torment

Test or torment

Footnotes

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