Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad
Now when thou seest them, their outward appearance may please thee; and when they speak, thou art inclined to lend ear to what they say. [But though they may seem as sure of themselves] as if they were timbers [firmly] propped up, they think that every shout is [directed] against them. They are the [real] enemies [of all faith], so beware of them. [They deserve the imprecation,] "May God destroy them!" How perverted are their minds
M. M. Pickthall
And when thou seest them their figures please thee; and if they speak thou givest ear unto their speech. (They are) as though they were blocks of wood in striped cloaks. They deem every shout to be against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. Allah confound them! How they are perverted
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)
When thou lookest at them, their exteriors please thee; and when they speak, thou listenest to their words. They are as (worthless as hollow) pieces of timber propped up, (unable to stand on their own). They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies; so beware of them. The curse of Allah be on them! How are they deluded (away from the Truth)
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab
When you see them, their appearance impresses you. And when they speak, you listen to their ˹impressive˺ speech. But they are ˹just˺ like ˹worthless˺ planks of wood leaned ˹against a wall˺. They think every cry is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah condemn them! How can they be deluded ˹from the truth˺?
Safi Kaskas
When you see them, their appearance appeals to you. And when they speak, you listen to what they say. They are like propped up timber. They think every shout is aimed at them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May God destroy them; how devious they are?
Wahiduddin Khan
When you see them, their outward appearance pleases you; when they speak, you listen to what they say. But they are like propped up blocks of timber. They think that every shout is directed against them. They are the [real] enemies, so beware of them. The curse of God be upon them! How they turn away
Shakir
And when you see them, their persons will please you, and If they speak, you will listen to their speech; (they are) as if they were big pieces of wood clad with garments; they think every cry to be against them. They are the enemy, therefore beware of them; may Allah destroy them, whence are they turned back
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar
When thou hast seen them, their physiques impress thee. And when they speak, thou hast heard their saying. It is as if they had been propped up timber. They assume that every Cry is against them. They are the enemy so beware of them. God took the offensive. How they are misled!
T.B.Irving
Whenever you see them, their physical appearance may attract you, while if they speak, you will listen to what they say as if they were just sticks of kindling all stacked up. They reckon every shout is [directed] against them. They are the [real] enemy, so beware of them! May God assail them! How they shrug things off!
Abdul Hye
When you look at them, their good look pleases you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. Yet, they are as blocks of wood propped up (worthless). They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allah curse them! How are they deviated!
The Study Quran
And when thou seest them, their bodies impress thee, and if they speak, thou listenest to their speech. [Yet] they are like leaning timbers. They suppose that every cry is against them. They are the enemy; so be wary of them. May God curse them! How are they perverted
Talal Itani & AI (2024)
When you see them, their physical appearances impress you, and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are like propped-up hollow timber. They think every shout is against them; they are the enemy, so beware of them. May God combat them! How deluded they are!
Talal Itani (2012)
When you see them, their appearance impresses you. And when they speak, you listen to what they say. They are like propped-up timber. They think every shout is aimed at them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. God condemns them; how deluded they are
Dr. Kamal Omar
And when you looked at them, their bodies put you to wonder; and if they speak you become attentive to their statement. They are (worthless) pieces of timber, propped up, (unable to stand on their own). They regard every powerful sound against them. They are the enemy (of Islam and Al-Kitab ) — so take protection against them. Allah has condemed them. Where are they being misled in falsehood
When you see them, their good stature pleases you; and when they speak, you listen to what they say. Yet they are as worthless as hollow pieces of propped up timber. Every shout they hear, they think it to be against them. They are your enemies, so guard yourselves against them. May Allah destroy them! How perverse they are
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali
And when you see them, you admire their figures; and in case they speak, you hear their speech as if they were propped-up timbers. They reckon every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. Allah assail them! However are they diverged (from the Truth)
Muhammad Sarwar
Their physical appearance attracts you when you see them and when they speak, you carefully listen to them. In fact, they are like propped up hollow trunks of wood (They are so cowardly) they think that every cry which they hear is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May God condemn them. Where are they turning to, leaving behind the Truth
Muhammad Taqi Usmani
And if you see them, their physiques would attract you, and if they speak, you would (like to) listen to their speech (because of their eloquence). (Yet, being devoid of substance,) it is as if they were propped up beams of timber. They deem every shout (they hear) to be against them (out of cowardice). They are the enemy; so beware of them. May Allah destroy them. How perverted are they
Shabbir Ahmed
Now when you see them, their looks may impress you. And if they speak, you are inclined to listen to their speech. But they are like wooden logs propped up. (Empty of inner strength unable to stand on their own feet). They think that every call is directed against them. These are the real enemies, so beware of them. Allah condemns them. They are far deviated
Dr. Munir Munshey
(Oh prophet), the appearance of the hypocrites and their physiques are pleasing to look at. Their speech is so glib and pleasant, one likes to just keep on listening. It is as if they were carved out of wood and propped up (against the wall). They think (like cowards), that every call to action is against them. They are the enemies! Beware of them! May Allah curse them. How perverted are they
Syed Vickar Ahamed
And when you look at them, their bodies (that they show) please you; And when they speak, you listen to their words. They are like blocks of wood propped up, (unable to stand by themselves). They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so (keep yourselves) beware of them. May the curse of Allah be on them! How are they deluded (away from the right truth)
And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)
And when you see them, you are impressed by their physical stature; and when they speak, you listen to their eloquence. They are like blocks of wood propped-up. They think that every call is intended for them. These are the enemies, so beware of them. May God condemn them; they have deviated
Abdel Haleem
When you see them [Prophet], their outward appearance pleases you; when they speak, you listen to what they say. But they are like propped-up tim-bers––they think every cry they hear is against them––and they are the enemy. Beware of them. May God confound them! How devious they are
Abdul Majid Daryabadi
And when thou beholdest them, their persons please thee: and if they speak, thou listenest to their discourse; they are as though they were blocks of wood propped up. They deem every shout to be against them. They are the enemy; so beware of them. Perish them Allah! whither are they deviating
Ahmed Ali
Pleasing seem their persons when you look at them; and when they talk, you listen to their speech. Yet they are like the wooden panelling of a wall. They imagine every rebuke to be directed against them. They are the enemies, beware of them. May God damn them, how pervert are they
Aisha Bewley
When you see them, their outward form appeals to you, and if they speak you listen to what they say. But they are like propped-up planks of wood. They imagine every cry to be against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. Allah fight them! How they are perverted!
Ali Ünal
When you see them, their outward form pleases you, and (their posture and speech are attractive and effective so that) you give ear to their words when they speak. (In reality) they are like blocks of wood propped up and (draped over) in striped cloaks. They think (being themselves treacherous) every shout (they hear) to be against them. They are the enemies themselves, so beware of them. May God destroy them (they are liable to destruction by God)! How they are turned away from the truth (and pursue evil purposes)
Ali Quli Qara'i
When you see them, their bodies impress you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. Yet they are like dry logs set reclining [against a wall]. They suppose every cry is directed against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah assail them, where do they stray?
Hamid S. Aziz
And when you see them, their persons will please you, and if they speak, you will listen to their speech; they are like big pieces of wood clad with garments. They think every cry to be against them. They are the enemy, therefore beware of them; the curs
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad
And when you see them, their bodies impress you and if they speak, you listen to their speech, (but they are shallow) as if they are lumbers leaned (against a wall and can’t stand on their own), they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May God destroy them, how are they deviated (from the truth)?
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)
When you look at them, their appearance pleases you, and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as pieces of timber propped up, unable to stand on their own. They think that every complaint is against them. They are enemies, so beware of them. The curse of God is on them, and indeed they are deluded
Musharraf Hussain
When you see them their outward appearances please you, when they speak, you listen to them, but in reality, they are like propped-up wooden posts. They think any outcry is against them. They are the enemy, so be careful of them. May Allah destroy them; they are utterly lost
Maududi
When you look at them, their persons are pleasing, and when they speak, you pay heed to what they say. But in truth they are (merely) beams of timber propped-up (against a wall). They consider every shout they hear to be directed against them. They are your utter enemies; guard against them. May Allah do away with them! How are they being turned away (from the Truth)
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)
And when you see them, you are impressed by their physical stature; and when they speak, you listen to their eloquence. They are like blocks of wood propped-up. They think that every call is intended for them. These are the enemies, so beware of them. May God condemn them; they have deviated.
Mohammad Shafi
And when you see them, their body language impresses you. And when they speak, you do listen to what they say. As if they were propped up puppets! They think that every cry is [directed] upon them. They are the real enemies, so beware of them! Allah's curse be on them! How very false are they
Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)
And when you see them, their bodies seem pleasing to you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech attentively. They as though they were wooden beams fixed to a wall. They take every cry over themselves. They are enemies, therefore beware of them. Kill them Allah; whither are they perverting
When you see them, you may be impressed by their looks. And when they speak, you may listen to their eloquence. They are like standing logs. They think that every call is intended against them. These are the real enemies; beware of them. GOD condemns them; they have deviate
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah
When you see them their bodies please you, but when they speak and you listen to their sayings, they are like proppedup timber. Every shout (they hear) they take it to be against them. They are the enemy be wary of them. Allah kills them! How perverse they are
Maulana Muhammad Ali
And when thou seest them, their persons please thee; and if they speak, thou listenest to their speech. They are like pieces of wood, clad with garments. They think every cry to be against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them! How they are turned back
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira
And if you saw them , their bodies pleases/marvels you, and if they say (talk), you hear/listen to their statement/word as if they are supported wood (logs), they think/suppose each/ every loud strong cry/torture raid is on (against) them, they are the enemy, so be warned/cautious (of) them , God fought them , (so) where/how (do) they be turned away
Bijan Moeinian
When you meet the hypocrites, their appearance pleases you. When you listen to them, however, you detect their true nature which is as worthless of a hollow timber dressed up. They are suspicious of any spoken word and take it personally. They are the enemies of Islam; beware of them as they carry the curse of their Lord
Faridul Haque
And when you see them, their appearance would please you; and when they speak, you would listen carefully to their speech; like wooden blocks propped against the wall; they assume every cry to be against them; they are the enemy, so beware of them; may Allah slay them! Where are they reverting
Sher Ali
And when thou seest them, their figures please thee; and when they speak, thou listenest to their speech. They are as though they were blocks of wood propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. ALLAH's curse be upon them, how are they being turned away from the truth
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri
(O servant!) When you see them, their bodies (and height and structure) seem attractive to you, and if they speak, you lend ear to what they say (i.e., they will look sensible to you, but the fact is that) they are nothing but wooden planks propped up against a supporting wall. They take every loud voice (as some suffering and misery) befallen them. It is these (hypocrites) who are (your) enemies. So be on guard against them. May Allah ruin them; where are they wandering distracted
Amatul Rahman Omar
When you see them, their (handsome) figures please you, and if they speak (a masked and polished speech), you listen to their speech. (They look) as though they were wooden statues clad in garments. They think every loud cry is one (raised) against them. They themselves are (your) enemies (in reality), so beware of them. May Allah ruin them! To what (perversities) are they being turned away (from the Truth)
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali
And when you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allah curse them! How are they denying (or deviating from) the Right Path
New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame
And when you see them, their physical look marvels you and when they speak, you are inclined to listen to their speech. They are but like blocks buttressed up. They think of every outcry as being against them. They are the enemy so beware of them. The curse of Allah be upon them. Where then are they turned away?
Munir Mezyed
When you see them, you may be impressed by their looks, and when they speak, their words may sink into your ears. They are like standing logs. They think that every cry is against them. They are the real enemy, so beware of them. May Allâh assail them! How can they be (easily) deceived into going away from the Truth?
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher
And when you see them, their physique amazes you, and when they speak, you listen to their speech as if they were towering trees; they think that every shout is against them, they are the enemy, so be wary of them, may Allah destroy them, where to are they diverted?
Linda “iLHam” Barto
When you look at them, you are pleased with their outer appearances; when they speak, you listen to their words; but they are like wooden studs propped up [without any permanent supports]. They think every critical comment is about them. They are the enemies, so beware of them. Allah’s condemnation is upon them! They are delusional!
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation
Yet when yousg see them, their physiques impress you, and when they speak, you listen to what they say. They are like propped-up timber; they think every shout is aimed at them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah strike them down! How can they be averted (from the truth) ?
Irving & Mohamed Hegab
Whenever you see them, their physical appearance may attract you, while if they speak, you will listen to what they say as if they were just sticks of kindling all stacked up. They think every shout is [directed] against them. They are the [real] enemy, so beware of them! May Allah (God) assail them! How they shrug things off!
Samy Mahdy
And if you see them, their bodies admire you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech, as if they were pieces of wood propped up, they consider that every shout against them is the enemy, so be cautious of them. Allah fought them; So, How will they be fooled?
Ahmed Hulusi
When you see them, their bodies (outward appearance) pleases you... And when they speak, you listen to what they say... But they are like pieces of wood (unconscious bodies) stacked together! They think that every shout is directed against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them! May Allah kill them (so they see what the reality is)! How they are deluded (from their reality)!
Mir Aneesuddin
And when you see them, their personalities please you and if they speak, you listen to their speech. They are like beams of wood covered with (attractive) garments, they think that every loud cry is against them, they are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allah kill them, how they are turned away (from the truth)! are turned away (from the truth)!
If you see them you admire their physical or material frames, their looks speak affection and their discourse speaks their presence, and when they speak they speak all cream, skimmed, and they speak sense that you cannot help but open to them your heart's ears, while in effect their words are flattering and hollow, devoid of belief, just as hollow stems of trees are devoid of life. Prompted by sense of quiet and by anxiety for their safety, they are vulnerable and susceptible to a physical force, they are susceptible to a loud cry be it uttered in approbation or denunciation. They are the avowed enemy; beware of them; Allah condemns them in as much as they are worth. How could they deviate from the path of righteousness to the path of vanity
The Wise Quran
And when you see them, their bodies please you; and if they speak, you hear their speech as if they were pieces of wood propped up; they think every noise is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. God fight them. How are they turned away?