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959 B
Truly I say to you
"I tell you the truth." This adds emphasis to what Jesus says next.
unless you turn ... children, you will in no way enter the kingdom of heaven
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "you will enter the kingdom of heaven only if you turn ... children" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives)
become like little children
Jesus uses a simile to teach the disciples that they should not be concerned with who is most important. They should be concerned with becoming humble like a child. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile)
enter the kingdom of heaven
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" refers to God's rule as king. This phrase is used only in the book of Matthew. If possible, keep "heaven" in your translation. Alternate translation: "enter God's kingdom" or "belong to our God in heaven when he establishes his rule on earth" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy)