## touch them, but ## This could also be translated as separate sentences: "touch them. But." ## rebuked ## The disciples expressed strong disapproval of the parents who were bringing their babies to Jesus. ## Permit ## "Allow" ## little children ## This is a different word than "infants" which was used for the babies that the people were bringing. "Little children" were somewhat older than "infants." ## do not forbid them ## "do not hinder them" or "do not prevent the little children" ## belongs to such ones ## This could also be translated "belongs to people who are like these little children." ## Truly I say to you ## "Surely I say to you." Jesus used this expression to emphasize the importance of what he was about to say. ## as a child ## This is a simile that compares the attitude of a child to people who are entering the kingdom of God. The points of similarity are humility and trust. The simile means "they will humbly receive God's kingdom just as a child is humble and trusting." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) ## enter it ## This could also be translated as "enter into God's kingdom" (UDB).