richmahn_en_tn/mat/11/11.md

1012 B

Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to talk to the crowds about John the Baptist.

I say to you truly

"I tell you the truth." This phrase adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.

among those born of women

Even though Adam was not born of a women, this is a way of referring to all humans. Alternate translation: "out of all people who have ever lived" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

no one is greater than John the Baptist

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "John the Baptist is the greatest" or "John the Baptist is the most important"

the least important person in the kingdom of heaven

Here "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used only in Matthew. If possible, try to keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "the least important person under the rule of our God in heaven" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)

is greater than he is

"is more important than John is"