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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.
there has not arisen among those born of women anyone greater than John the Baptist
The word "arisen" is an metaphor for being active, referring here to John's activity as a prophet. Alternate translation: "no one born of women has been a greater prophet than John the Baptist" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
among those born of women
Even though Adam and Eve were not born of a woman, this is a way of referring to all humans. Alternate translation: "out of all people who have ever lived" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom)
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/jit/figs-metonymy)
is greater than he is
"is more important than John is"