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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: Dura</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/d/dura.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><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/daniel/3-1.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/d/dura.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> > Dura</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/d/duplicity.htm" title="Duplicity">◄</a> Dura <a href="/topical/naves/d/dura--plain_of.htm" title="Dura: Plain of">►</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="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</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><b>Overview:</b><br>Dura is a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Daniel. It is most notably recognized as the site where King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon erected a large golden statue, which he commanded all his subjects to worship. The account of Dura is significant in illustrating themes of idolatry, faithfulness, and divine deliverance.<br><br><b>Biblical Reference:</b><br>The primary biblical reference to Dura is found in <a href="/daniel/3.htm">Daniel 3:1</a>: "King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon." <br><br><b>Historical and Geographical Context:</b><br>Dura is described as a plain in the province of Babylon. The exact location of Dura is not definitively known, but it is traditionally believed to be near the ancient city of Babylon, in present-day Iraq. The name "Dura" itself is thought to derive from a Semitic word meaning "wall" or "fortress," suggesting it may have been a fortified area or a notable landmark within the Babylonian Empire.<br><br><b>Significance in the Book of Daniel:</b><br>The event at Dura is central to the narrative of <a href="/bsb/daniel/3.htm">Daniel 3</a>, where Nebuchadnezzar's decree to worship the golden statue serves as a test of faith for Daniel's companions—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three Jewish men refuse to bow to the idol, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the God of Israel. Their defiance leads to their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace, a testament to God's power and protection over those who remain faithful to Him.<br><br><b>Theological Themes:</b><br>1. <b>Idolatry vs. True Worship:</b> The incident at Dura highlights the tension between idolatry and the worship of the one true God. It serves as a reminder of the first two commandments given to Moses, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-4</a>).<br><br>2. <b>Faith and Obedience:</b> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to worship the statue exemplifies steadfast faith and obedience to God, even in the face of severe consequences. Their account encourages believers to remain faithful under pressure and to trust in God's sovereignty.<br><br>3. <b>Divine Deliverance:</b> The miraculous preservation of the three men in the fiery furnace underscores God's ability to save and protect His people. It serves as a powerful illustration of God's presence with His followers during trials and His ultimate authority over earthly powers.<br><br><b>Cultural and Religious Impact:</b><br>The account of Dura and the fiery furnace has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for believers throughout history. It is often cited in discussions of religious persecution and the importance of maintaining one's faith in the face of societal pressures. The account has also been depicted in various forms of art, literature, and music, reflecting its enduring impact on Christian thought and culture.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b><br>While the precise location of Dura remains uncertain, its role in the biblical narrative is clear. The events that transpired on the plain of Dura continue to resonate with believers, offering lessons on faith, courage, and the power of God to deliver His people from adversity.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Dura</span><p>same as Dor<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Dura</span><p>(<i>a circle</i>), the plain where Nebuchadnezzar set up the golden image, (<a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Daniel 3:1</a>) has been sometimes identified with a tract a little below <i>Tekrit</i> , on the left bank of the Tigris, where the name <i>Dur</i> is still found. M. Oppert places the plain (or, as he calls it, the "valley") of Dura to the southeast of Babylon, in the vicinity of the mound of <i>Dowair</i> or <i>Duair</i> , where was found the pedestal of a huge statue.<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Dura</span><p>The plain in Babylon where Nebuchadnezzar set up his golden image. <a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Daniel 3:1</a>. </p><a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>The circle, the plain near Babylon in which Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image, mentioned in <a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Dan. 3:1</a>. The place still retains its ancient name. On one of its many mounds the pedestal of what must have been a colossal statue has been found. It has been supposed to be that of the golden image. <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>n.</I>) Short form for Dura mater.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">DURA</span><p>du'-ra (dura'): The name of the plain on which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, set up the great golden image which all his subjects were ordered to worship (<a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Daniel 3:1</a>). Oppert placed it to the Southeast of Babylon, near a small river and mounds bearing the name of Douair or Duair, where, also, was what seemed to be the base of a great statue (Exped. scientifique en Mesopotamie, I, 238). Others have believed that name to indicate a portion of the actual site of Babylon within the great wall (duru) of the city-perhaps the rampart designated dur Su-anna, "the rampart (of the city) Lofty-defense," a name of Babylon.<br><br>The fact that the plain was within the city of Babylon precludes an identification with the city Duru, which seems to have lain in the neighborhood of Erech (Hommel, Grundriss, 264, note 5). It is noteworthy that the Septuagint substitutes Deeira, for Dura, suggesting that the Greek translators identified it with the Babylonian Deru, a city which apparently lay toward the Elamite border. It seems to have been called also Dur-ili, "god's rampart." That it was at some distance is supported by the list WAI, IV, 36 [38], where Duru, Tutul and Gudua (Cuthah), intervene between Deru or Dur-ili and Tindir (Babylon). "The plain of the dur" or "rampart" within Babylon would therefore seem to be the best rendering.<br><br>T. G. Pinches<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/1757.htm"><span class="l">1757. <b>Dura</b> -- a place near Bab.</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1756, 1757. <b>Dura</b>. 1758 . a place near Bab. Transliteration: <b>Dura</b> Phonetic<br> Spelling: (doo-raw') Short Definition: <b>Dura</b>. Word Origin <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1757.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/daubney/the_three_additions_to_daniel_a_study/date_and_place.htm"><span class="l">Date and Place.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> <b>Dura</b>, according to Keith Johnston's map, is close to the hills. But the<br> position of "the plain of <b>Dura</b>," where the martyrdom took <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/date and place.htm</font><p><a href="/library/white/the_story_of_prophets_and_kings/chapter_41_the_fiery_furnace.htm"><span class="l">The Fiery Furnace</span></a> <br><b>...</b> it is not surprising that in a land where idol worship was of universal prevalence,<br> the beautiful and priceless image in the plain of <b>Dura</b>, representing the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 41 the fiery furnace.htm</font><p><a href="/library/marshall/the_wonder_book_of_bible_stories/the_story_of_the_fiery.htm"><span class="l">The Story of the Fiery Furnace</span></a> <br><b>...</b> covered with gold. This image he set up, as an idol to be worshipped, on<br> the plain of <b>Dura</b>, near the city of Babylon. When it was <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the fiery.htm</font><p><a href="/library/prudentius/the_hymns_of_prudentius/xi_hymnus_viii_kalendas_ianuarias.htm"><span class="l">Hymnus viii. Kalendas Ianuarias</span></a> <br><b>...</b> nardo et nectare. Te cuncta nascentem puer sensere <b>dura</b> et barbara, 70<br> victusque saxorum rigor obduxit herbam cotibus. Iam mella <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xi hymnus viii kalendas ianuarias.htm</font><p><a href="/library/white/the_story_of_prophets_and_kings/chapter_42_true_greatness.htm"><span class="l">True Greatness</span></a> <br><b>...</b> concerning the nations was lost sight of later in his experience; yet when his proud<br> spirit was humbled before the multitude on the plain of <b>Dura</b>, he once more <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 42 true greatness.htm</font><p><a href="/library/sherman/the_childrens_bible/the_test_by_fire.htm"><span class="l">The Test by Fire</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Nebuchadrezzar, the king, made an image of gold ninety feet high and nine feet wide.<br> He set it up in the plain of <b>Dura</b>, in the province of Babylon. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the test by fire.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/city_of_god/chapter_2_that_there_is_no.htm"><span class="l">That There is no Entity Contrary to the Divine, Because Nonentity <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Supreme Being, and Author of all beings whatsoever. Footnotes: [526] Essentia.<br> [527] Exodus 3:14. [528] Quintilian calls it <b>dura</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 2 that there is no.htm</font><p><a href="/library/yonge/the_chosen_people/lesson_xi_babylon.htm"><span class="l">Babylon.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the taking of Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar threw the three other princes into the fiery<br> furnace, for refusing to bow down to the golden image on the plains of <b>Dura</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lathbury/childs_story_of_the_bible/chapter_xxxi_the_four_captive.htm"><span class="l">The Four Captive Children.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> friends. Nebuchadnezzar soon forgot God, for he set up a great golden image<br> on the plain of <b>Dura</b>, and called a feast of dedication. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxi the four captive.htm</font><p><a href="/library/rolle/the_fire_of_love/the_fire_of_lovebook_i.htm"><span class="l">The Fire of Love --Book I</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Chapter X. Note xix., p.48"L. fortis est ut mors dileccio, <b>dura</b> sicut<br> infernus emulacio'; which is the Vulgate reading. Compare <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/the fire of lovebook i.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/d/dura.htm"><span class="l"><b>Dura</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> It has been supposed to be that of the golden image. Noah Webster's Dictionary.<br> (n.) Short form for <b>Dura</b> mater. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>DURA</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dura.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/duplicity.htm"><span class="l">Duplicity (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/duplicity.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/durable.htm"><span class="l">Durable (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/durable.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/adoraim.htm"><span class="l">Adoraim (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Common consent identifies it with <b>Dura</b>, about five miles West by South of<br> Hebron. Multi-Version Concordance Adoraim (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/adoraim.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shadrach.htm"><span class="l">Shadrach (14 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1:6, 7; 3:12-30). He and his two companions refused to bow down before the<br> image which Nebuchadnezzar had set up on the plains of <b>Dura</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shadrach.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/ninety.htm"><span class="l">Ninety (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Daniel 3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty<br> cubits, and its breadth six cubits: he set it up in the plain of <b>Dura</b>, in the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/ninety.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nebuchadnez'zar.htm"><span class="l">Nebuchadnez'zar (55 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king hath made an image of gold, its height sixty cubits,<br> its breadth six cubits; he hath raised it up in the valley of <b>Dura</b>, in the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nebuchadnez'zar.htm - 24k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nebuchadrezzar.htm"><span class="l">Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> That Nebuchadnezzar should have made an image of gold and put it up in the Plain<br> of <b>Dura</b> is entirely in harmony with what we know of his other "pious deeds." (3 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nebuchadrezzar.htm - 29k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nine.htm"><span class="l">Nine (55 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Daniel 3:1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty<br> cubits, and its breadth six cubits: he set it up in the plain of <b>Dura</b>, in the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nine.htm - 22k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nebuchadnezzar.htm"><span class="l">Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> That Nebuchadnezzar should have made an image of gold and put it up in the Plain<br> of <b>Dura</b> is entirely in harmony with what we know of his other "pious deeds." (3 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nebuchadnezzar.htm - 57k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/dura.htm">Dura: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</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">Dura (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/daniel/3-1.htm">Daniel 3:1</a></span><br />Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits, and its breadth six cubits: he set it up in the plain of <span class="boldtext">Dura</span>, in the province of Babylon.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/d/dura.htm">Dura</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/d/dura--plain_of.htm">Dura: Plain of</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/duplicity.htm">Duplicity (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/durable.htm">Durable (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adoraim.htm">Adoraim (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shadrach.htm">Shadrach (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/ninety.htm">Ninety (27 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nebuchadnez'zar.htm">Nebuchadnez'zar (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nebuchadrezzar.htm">Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nine.htm">Nine (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nebuchadnezzar.htm">Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/width.htm">Width (58 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sixty.htm">Sixty (70 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/threescore.htm">Threescore (87 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shinar.htm">Shinar (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/province.htm">Province (66 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/breadth.htm">Breadth (100 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hight.htm">Hight (48 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/d/duplicity.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Duplicity"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Duplicity" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/d/dura--plain_of.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Dura: Plain of"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Dura: Plain of" /></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>