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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Collectors</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/collectors.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/5-46.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/collectors.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Collectors</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/collector.htm" title="Collector">◄</a> Collectors <a href="/topical/c/collector's.htm" title="Collector's">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, the term "collectors" can refer to individuals who gather or accumulate items, wealth, or taxes. The most notable collectors mentioned in the Scriptures are tax collectors, who played a significant role in the socio-economic landscape of ancient Israel and the Roman Empire.<br><br><b>Tax Collectors in the Bible</b><br><br>Tax collectors, often referred to as "publicans" in some translations, were responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman authorities. They were generally despised by the Jewish population for several reasons. Firstly, they were seen as collaborators with the occupying Roman forces. Secondly, they were notorious for their corrupt practices, often collecting more than what was required and pocketing the excess. This reputation is reflected in the Gospel accounts, where tax collectors are frequently mentioned alongside "sinners" (<a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Matthew 9:10-11</a>).<br><br>Despite their negative reputation, the New Testament provides several instances where tax collectors are shown in a more positive light, particularly in the context of repentance and redemption. One of the most famous tax collectors in the Bible is Zacchaeus, who, upon encountering Jesus, repented of his wrongdoings and vowed to make restitution (<a href="/luke/19.htm">Luke 19:1-10</a>). Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus highlights the theme of forgiveness and transformation, demonstrating that even those considered outcasts can find redemption.<br><br>Another significant figure is Matthew, also known as Levi, who was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus' twelve apostles (<a href="/matthew/9-9.htm">Matthew 9:9</a>). His calling illustrates the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and the potential for change in every individual, regardless of their past.<br><br><b>Parables and Teachings</b><br><br>Jesus often used tax collectors in His parables to convey spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (<a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a>), Jesus contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the humility of the tax collector, who acknowledges his sinfulness and seeks God's mercy. This parable underscores the importance of humility and repentance in the eyes of God.<br><br><b>Old Testament References</b><br><br>While the New Testament provides a more detailed account of tax collectors, the Old Testament also contains references to collectors, particularly in the context of gathering resources for the temple or the king's treasury. For example, during the reign of King Solomon, officials were appointed to collect provisions for the royal household (<a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7</a>).<br><br><b>Spiritual Implications</b><br><br>From a spiritual perspective, the role of collectors, especially tax collectors, serves as a reminder of the dangers of greed and corruption. However, it also highlights the power of grace and the possibility of redemption. The transformation of individuals like Zacchaeus and Matthew serves as a testament to the transformative power of encountering Christ and the hope available to all who seek forgiveness.<br><br>In summary, collectors in the Bible, particularly tax collectors, are emblematic of both human fallibility and the potential for divine grace. Their accounts encourage believers to pursue righteousness, humility, and a heart open to God's transformative work.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/5057.htm"><span class="l">5057. telones -- tax collector</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Word Origin from telos and oneomai Definition a farmer of taxes, ie a tax collector<br> NASB Word Usage collector (1), tax collector (5), tax <b>collectors</b> (15). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5057.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 7k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/edersheim/sketches_of_jewish_social_life/chapter_18_brief_outline_of.htm"><span class="l">Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Jesus "the Apostle and High-Priest of our profession" (Hebrews 3:1). Besides these<br> functionaries, we also read of "Gabaei Zedakah," or <b>collectors</b> of charity <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 18 brief outline of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hengstenberg/christology_of_the_old_testament/the_prophet_joel.htm"><span class="l">The Prophet Joel.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the <b>Collectors</b> were guided<br> by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm</font><p><a href="/library/neander/the_life_of_jesus_christ_in_its_historical_connexion/section_191_the_stater_in.htm"><span class="l">The Stater in the Fish. (Matt. , xvii. , 27. )</span></a> <br><b>...</b> On his return, the <b>collectors</b> came to Peter, who was regarded as the spokesman of<br> the little society, and asked why his Master did not pay the tribute. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../section 191 the stater in.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tolstoy/the_kingdom_of_god_is_within_you/chapter_xi_the_christian_conception.htm"><span class="l">The Christian Conception of Life Has Already Arisen in Our Society <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Governors, police officials, tax <b>collectors</b> often have compassion on the people<br> and try to find pretexts for not collecting the tax from them. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xi the christian conception.htm</font><p><a href="/library/greene/the_development_of_religious_liberty_in_connecticut/chapter_viii_the_first_victory.htm"><span class="l">The First victory for Dissent</span></a> <br><b>...</b> that hath declared himself of y'e Church of England, that he can conveniently and<br> doth attend y'e public worship there, then the <b>collectors</b>, having first <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm</font><p><a href="/library/davidson/the_canon_of_the_bible/chapter_xi_the_canon_from.htm"><span class="l">The Canon from Semler to the Present Time, with Reflections on Its <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> in the Hagiographa. We cannot, therefore, credit the <b>collectors</b> or editors<br> of the books with great critical sagacity. But they did <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter xi the canon from.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hodson/old_daniel/chapter_four_bible_in_the.htm"><span class="l">Bible in the Canarese Language.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> a good beginning, but the work has to be completed; every man, woman, and child<br> has to be converted; and therefore the young Missionary <b>collectors</b> all over <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter four bible in the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/anonymous/mother_stories_from_the_new_testament/the_lost_piece_of_money.htm"><span class="l">The Lost Piece of Money.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The publicans of those days were the <b>collectors</b> of taxes for the Romans, and it<br> was a constant complaint against them that they exacted more from the people <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the lost piece of money.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tertullian/the_prescription_against_heretics/chapter_xxxix_what_st_paul_calls.htm"><span class="l">What St. Paul Calls Spiritual Wickednesses Displayed by Pagan <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> On the same principle, those poetasters are commonly called Homerocentones, "<b>collectors</b><br> of Homeric odds and ends," who stitch into one piece, patchwork fashion <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter xxxix what st paul calls.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_b/the_coin_in_the_fishs.htm"><span class="l">The Coin in the Fish's Mouth</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The question of the <b>collectors</b>, 'Doth not your Master pay tribute?' does not sound<br> like the imperative demand which a 'publican' would have made for payment of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coin in the fishs.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/collectors.htm"><span class="l"><b>Collectors</b> (16 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Collectors</b> (16 Occurrences). Matthew <b>...</b> have?<br> Don't even the tax <b>collectors</b> do the same? (WEB NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/collectors.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sinners.htm"><span class="l">Sinners (132 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Matthew 9:10 It happened as he sat in the house, behold, many tax <b>collectors</b><br> and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sinners.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/eating.htm"><span class="l">Eating (151 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say,'Behold, a<br> gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax <b>collectors</b> and sinners!' But <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/eating.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/eat.htm"><span class="l">Eat (690 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Matthew 9:11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your<br> teacher eat with tax <b>collectors</b> and sinners?" (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/eat.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tax.htm"><span class="l">Tax (43 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Matthew 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't<br> even the tax <b>collectors</b> do the same? <b>...</b> Don't even the tax <b>collectors</b> do the same? <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tax.htm - 47k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/glutton.htm"><span class="l">Glutton (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say,'Behold, a<br> gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax <b>collectors</b> and sinners!' But <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/glutton.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gluttonous.htm"><span class="l">Gluttonous (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say,'Behold, a<br> gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax <b>collectors</b> and sinners!' But <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gluttonous.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/reclining.htm"><span class="l">Reclining (25 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mark 2:15 It happened, that he was reclining at the table in his house, and many<br> tax <b>collectors</b> and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/reclining.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/eats.htm"><span class="l">Eats (57 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mark 2:16 The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the<br> sinners and tax <b>collectors</b>, said to his disciples, "Why is it that he eats <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/eats.htm - 24k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/drunkard.htm"><span class="l">Drunkard (15 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say,'Behold, a<br> gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax <b>collectors</b> and sinners!' But <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/drunkard.htm - 11k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-tax-collectors.html">Why does the Bible speak so negatively about tax collectors? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Matthew in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-with-sinners.html">What is the significance of Jesus eating with sinners? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Collectors (16 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/5-46.htm">Matthew 5:46</a></span><br />For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> do the same?<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/5-47.htm">Matthew 5:47</a></span><br />If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> do the same?<br /><span class="source">(WEB)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Matthew 9:10</a></span><br />It happened as he sat in the house, behold, many tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/9-11.htm">Matthew 9:11</a></span><br />When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and sinners?"<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Matthew 11:19</a></span><br />The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say,'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children. "<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Matthew 17:24</a></span><br />After their arrival at Capernaum the <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> of the half-shekel came and asked Peter, "Does not your Teacher pay the half-shekel?"<br /><span class="source">(WEY RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31</a></span><br />Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that the tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and the prostitutes are entering into the Kingdom of God before you.<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32</a></span><br />For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him, but the tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn't even repent afterward, that you might believe him.<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Mark 2:15</a></span><br />It happened, that he was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him.<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Mark 2:16</a></span><br />The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span>, said to his disciples, "Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/3-12.htm">Luke 3:12</a></span><br />Tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what must we do?"<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/5-29.htm">Luke 5:29</a></span><br />Levi made a great feast for him in his house. There was a great crowd of tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and others who were reclining with them. <br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/5-30.htm">Luke 5:30</a></span><br />Their scribes and the Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and sinners?"<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/7-29.htm">Luke 7:29</a></span><br />When all the people and the tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John's baptism.<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/7-34.htm">Luke 7:34</a></span><br />The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say,'Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and sinners!'<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Luke 15:1</a></span><br />Now all the tax <span class="boldtext">collectors</span> and sinners were coming close to him to hear him. <br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/collectors.htm">Collectors</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/collectors.htm">Collectors (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/collects.htm">Collects (2 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/collector.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Collector"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Collector" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/collector's.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Collector's"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Collector's" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>