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Muhammad Asad   
ALL MANKIND were once one single community; [then they began to differ -] whereupon God raised up the prophets as heralds of glad tidings and as warners, and through them bestowed revelation from on high, setting forth the truth, so that it might decide between people with regard to all on which they had come to hold divergent views. Yet none other than the selfsame people who had been granted this [revelation] began, out of mutual jealousy, to disagree about its meaning after all evidence of the truth had come unto them. But God guided the believers unto the truth about which, by His leave, they had disagreed: for God guides onto a straight way him that wills [to be guided]
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Humanity had once been one community ˹of believers before they lost faith˺. Then Allah raised prophets as deliverers of good news and as warners, and revealed to them the Scriptures in truth to judge among people regarding their disputes. And no one disputed the Scriptures except the very people who received them after clear proofs had come to them—out of jealousy. Then Allah, by His grace, has guided the believers to the truth regarding those disputes. And Allah guides whoever He wills to the Straight Path.
Safi Kaskas   
Human beings were [once] all one nation. God sent prophets carrying good news and warnings, and with them He sent the Book in Truth to judge between people in matters on which they differ. Yet rivalry between those who received it led them to disagreement, even after having received clear signs. God willingly guided believers to the truth about which they differed. God guides whoever wants to be guided into a straight path

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةࣰ وَ ٰحِدَةࣰ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِیِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِینَ وَمُنذِرِینَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِیَحۡكُمَ بَیۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِیمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُوا۟ فِیهِۚ وَمَا ٱخۡتَلَفَ فِیهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِینَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَاۤءَتۡهُمُ ٱلۡبَیِّنَـٰتُ بَغۡیَۢا بَیۡنَهُمۡۖ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لِمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُوا۟ فِیهِ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ بِإِذۡنِهِۦۗ وَٱللَّهُ یَهۡدِی مَن یَشَاۤءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَ ٰطࣲ مُّسۡتَقِیمٍ ۝٢١٣
Transliteration (2021)   
kāna l-nāsu ummatan wāḥidatan fabaʿatha l-lahu l-nabiyīna mubashirīna wamundhirīna wa-anzala maʿahumu l-kitāba bil-ḥaqi liyaḥkuma bayna l-nāsi fīmā ikh'talafū fīhi wamā ikh'talafa fīhi illā alladhīna ūtūhu min baʿdi mā jāathumu l-bayinātu baghyan baynahum fahadā l-lahu alladhīna āmanū limā ikh'talafū fīhi mina l-ḥaqi bi-idh'nihi wal-lahu yahdī man yashāu ilā ṣirāṭin mus'taqīmi
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Was mankind a community single, then raised up Allah [the] Prophets (as) bearers of glad tidings and (as) warners, and sent down with them the Book in [the] truth to judge between [the] people in what they differed [in it]. And (did) not differ[ed] in it except those who were given it from after [what] came to them the clear proofs, (out of) jealousy among themselves. And guided Allah those who believe[d] regarding what they differed [in it] of the Truth with His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a path straight.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
ALL MANKIND were once one single community; [then they began to differ -] whereupon God raised up the prophets as heralds of glad tidings and as warners, and through them bestowed revelation from on high, setting forth the truth, so that it might decide between people with regard to all on which they had come to hold divergent views. Yet none other than the selfsame people who had been granted this [revelation] began, out of mutual jealousy, to disagree about its meaning after all evidence of the truth had come unto them. But God guided the believers unto the truth about which, by His leave, they had disagreed: for God guides onto a straight way him that wills [to be guided]
M. M. Pickthall   
Mankind were one community, and Allah sent (unto them) prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and revealed therewith the Scripture with the truth that it might judge between mankind concerning that wherein they differed. And only those unto whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it, after clear proofs had come unto them, through hatred one of another. And Allah by His Will guided those who believe unto the truth of that concerning which they differed. Allah guideth whom He will unto a straight path
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
Mankind was one single nation, and Allah sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. Allah by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guided whom He will to a path that is straight
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Humanity had once been one community ˹of believers before they lost faith˺. Then Allah raised prophets as deliverers of good news and as warners, and revealed to them the Scriptures in truth to judge among people regarding their disputes. And no one disputed the Scriptures except the very people who received them after clear proofs had come to them—out of jealousy. Then Allah, by His grace, has guided the believers to the truth regarding those disputes. And Allah guides whoever He wills to the Straight Path.
Safi Kaskas   
Human beings were [once] all one nation. God sent prophets carrying good news and warnings, and with them He sent the Book in Truth to judge between people in matters on which they differ. Yet rivalry between those who received it led them to disagreement, even after having received clear signs. God willingly guided believers to the truth about which they differed. God guides whoever wants to be guided into a straight path
Wahiduddin Khan   
Mankind was once a single community, [but then people developed differences], so God sent prophets to them as bearers of good tidings and warning, and sent down with them the Book containing the truth, so that He might judge between their disputes. It was only those to whom it [the scripture] was given who disagreed about it after clear signs had come to them, because of rivalry between them. God by His will guided the believers to the truth about which the others had disputed. God guides whom He will to a straight path
Shakir   
(All) people are a single nation; so Allah raised prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He revealed with them the Book with truth, that it might judge between people in that in which they differed; and none but the very people who were given it differed about it after clear arguments had come to them, revolting among themselves; so Allah has guided by His will those who believe to the truth about which they differed and Allah guides whom He pleases to the right path
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
Humanity had been of one community. Then, God raised up the Prophets, ones who give good tidings and ones who warn. And with them He caused the Book to descend with The Truth to give judgment among humanity about what they were at variance in it. None were at variance in it but those who were given it after the clear portents drew near them because of their insolence to one another. Then, God guided those who believed to The Truth—about what they were at variance in it— with His permission. And God guides whom He wills to a straight path.
T.B.Irving   
Mankind was [once] one nation, so God dispatched prophets as heralds and warners. He sent the Book down along with them to bring the Truth, so as to decide among mankind concerning whatever they had been disagreeing about. However only those to whom it was given disagreed about it out of envy towards one another, after explanations had been brought them. By His permission God has guided those who believe to any Truth they may have disagreed about. God guides anyone He wishes to a Straight Road.
Abdul Hye   
Mankind was one community (with one religion). Allah sent the prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them sent the Scripture with the truth to judge between people in which they differed. Only those to whom the book (Scripture) was given differed in it after clear proofs came to them through hatred of one to another. Then Allah guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. Allah guides whom He wills to Right Way.
The Study Quran   
Mankind was one community; then God sent the prophets as bearers of glad tidings and as warners. And with them He sent down the Book in truth, to judge among mankind concerning that wherein they differed. And only they who were given it differed concerning it, after clear proofs came to them, out of envy among themselves. Then God guided those who believe to the truth of that wherein they differed, by His Leave. And God guides whomsoever He will unto a straight path
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
Mankind was a single community, and God sent Messengers with good news and warnings. Alongside them, He revealed the Scripture with the truth to judge between people in their disputes. It was only after receiving clear proofs that they began to differ, due to mutual envy. By His will, God guided the believers to the truth about which they had disputed. God guides whom He wills onto a straight path.
Talal Itani (2012)   
Humanity used to be one community; then God sent the prophets, bringing good news and giving warnings. And He sent down with them the Scripture, with the truth, to judge between people regarding their differences. But none differed over it except those who were given it—after the proofs had come to them—out of mutual envy between them. Then God guided those who believed to the truth they had disputed, in accordance with His will. God guides whom He wills to a straight path.
Dr. Kamal Omar   
Mankind is one single community: so Allah raised Prophets — those who gave good news as well as warnings; and He delivered with them Al-Kitab in original so that (The Book) may give verdict to mankind in matters wherein they had conflicting opinions. And differed not therein except those who had received this (Book) — when Al-Bayyinat had reached them. (This they did as) a mutual rebellion among themselves (against each other). So Allah gave guidance to those who Believed in what they differed therein deviating from the original. And Allah guides whom He thinks proper to Sirat-al-Mustaqim
M. Farook Malik   
Mankind was one nation having one religion. Later when people invented other religions, Allah appointed Prophets as bearers of good news and warnings; and revealed to them the Book with the True Guidance to settle the matters of dispute between mankind. But the very people to whom it was given, started disputes after the clear arguments had come to them, because of rivalry between one another. Allah has guided the believers by His will to the truth in those matters in which they had differences. Allah guides whom He pleases towards the Right Way
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Mankind was one nation; so, Allah sent forth the Prophets, constant bearers of good tidings and constant warners, and He sent down with them the Book with the Truth, to judge among mankind concerning that in which they differed. And in no way did anyone differ concerning it except the ones to whom it was brought even after the supreme evidences had come to them, being inequitable among themselves; So Allah guided the ones who believed to the Truth, concerning which they differed, by His permission, and Allah guides whomever He decides to a straight Path
Muhammad Sarwar   
At one time all people were only one nation. God sent Prophets with glad news and warnings. He sent the Book with them for a genuine purpose to provide the people with the ruling about disputed matters among them. No one disputed this matter except those who had already received evidence before. Their dispute was only because of their own hostility. To deal with this dispute, God, through His will, sent guidance to the believers. God guides to the right path whomever He wants
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
All men used to be a single ‘Ummah (i.e. on a single faith). Then (after they differed in matters of faith), Allah sent prophets carrying good news and warning, and sent down with them the Book with Truth to judge between people in matters of their dispute. But it was no other than those to whom it (the Book) was given who, led by envy against each other, disputed it after the clear signs had come to them. Then Allah, by His will, guided those who believed to the truth over which they disputed; and Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path
Shabbir Ahmed   
Mankind were one community. (Nature's provision was abundant and open for all (2:36). Then Satan, their selfish desire, divided them (10:19)) Allah sent Prophets as heralds of good news and as Warners. He sent down with them the Scripture with the Truth to judge among people in their differences. After the Prophet passed on, people started differing in the Scripture that was given to them with clear verses. And they did so in stubborn rivalry. Allah by His Will keeps the sincere believers guided in Truth concerning whatever differences arise among them. Allah guides people according to His Laws. (Using your faculties of listening, observing and reasoning will help you achieve guidance, while selfishness, arrogance and blind following will lead people astray (2:170), (6:56), (40:35), (41:17))
Dr. Munir Munshey   
Mankind was all a single community (with a single faith). Then, (they differed and so) Allah raised prophets (among them) as bearers of good news, and as warners. He also revealed to them the scripture containing the truth, so it may settle matters about which people had differed among themselves. They did not (splinter and) differ until after the manifest proofs had already come to them; (and they differed) because of mutual hatred (and jealousy). Then, by His leave, Allah guided the believers towards the truth concerning all matters in which they had differed. Allah guides to the straight path whomever He wants
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
Mankind was a single nation, and Allah sent messengers with glad tidings and warning; And with them He sent down the Book in Truth to judge between people in matters where they (the people) differed: but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except those with selfishness and rejection. Allah by His Grace guided the believers to the Truth concerning that in what they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over the Scripture except those who were given it - after the clear proofs came to them - out of jealous animosity among themselves. And Allah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they had differed, by His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
The people used to be one nation, then God sent the prophets as bearers of good news and warners, and He sent down with them the Scripture with the facts so that they may judge between the people in what they were disputing. But after receiving the clarity, the people disputed in it due to animosity between them. And God guided those who believed with His permission regarding what they disputed in of the truth. And God guides whoever He wishes to a straight path
Abdel Haleem   
Mankind was a single community, then God sent prophets to bring good news and warning, and with them He sent the Scripture with the Truth, to judge between people in their disagreements. It was only those to whom it was given who disagreed about it after clear signs had come to them, because of rivalry between them. So by His leave God guided the believers to the truth they had differed about: God guides whoever He will to a straight path
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
Mankind was one community; thereafter Allah raised prophets as bearers of glad tidings and warners, as He sent down the Book With truth that He may judge between mankind in that wherein they disputed. And none differed therein save those unto whom it was vouchsafed after the evidences had come to them, out of spite among themselves; then Allah guided those who believed unto the truth of that regarding which they differed, by His leave. Allah guideth whomsoever He listeth unto a path straight
Ahmed Ali   
Men belonged to a single community, and God sent them messengers to give them happy tidings and warnings, and sent the Book with them containing the truth to judge between them in matters of dispute; but only those who received it differed after receiving clear proofs, on account of waywardness (and jealousies) among them. Then God by His dispensation showed those who believed the way to the truth about which they were differing; for God shows whom He please the path that is straight
Aisha Bewley   
Mankind was a single community. Then Allah sent out Prophets bringing good news and giving warning, and with them He sent down the Book with truth to decide between people regarding their differences. Only those who were given it differed about it, after the Clear Signs had come to them, envying one another. Then, by His permission, Allah guided those who had iman to the truth of that about which they had differed. Allah guides whomever He wills to a straight path.
Ali Ünal   
Humankind were (in the beginning) one community (following one way of life without disputing over provision and other similar things. Later on differences arose and) God sent Prophets as bearers of glad tidings (of prosperity in return for faith and righteousness) and warners (against the consequences of straying and transgression), and He sent down with them the Book with the truth (containing nothing false in it) so that it might judge between the people concerning that on which they were differing. And only those who were given it differed concerning it, after the most manifest truths came to them, because of envious rivalry and insolence among themselves. God has guided by His leave those who have believed (in the Book and the Prophets, those who now believe in the Qur’an and Muhammad) to the truth about that on which they were differing. God guides whomever He wills to a straight path
Ali Quli Qara'i   
Mankind were a single community; then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He sent down with them the Book with the truth, that it may judge between the people concerning that about which they differed, and none differed in it except those who had been given it, after the manifest proofs had come to them, out of envy among themselves. Then Allah guided those who had faith to the truth of what they differed in, by His will, and Allah guides whomever He wishes to a straight path
Hamid S. Aziz   
Mankind were one nation once, and Allah sent them prophets with good tidings and with warnings, and sent down with them the Book in truth, to judge between men in that wherein they disagreed; but only those unto whom the scripture was given disagreed the
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
People were a single community, then God sent the prophets, givers of good news and warners, and He sent down the book with them in truth, to judge between people in what they disagreed about. And only those who were given it (the book) disagreed about it, after clear evidences had come to them, because of envy among them. So, God by His permission guided those who believed regarding what they disagreed about of the truth. God guides whom He wants to a straight path.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
Humankind was once one nation. And God sent messengers with good news and warnings, and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between the people in matters wherein they differed, but the people of the Book, after the clear signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through stubborn refusal. God, by His grace, guided the believers to the truth concerning that wherein they differed, for God guides whom He wills to a path that is straight
Musharraf Hussain   
Humanity was once a single nation. Then Allah sent prophets, who brought good news and warnings, and He sent with them the Book containing the truth, providing rulings to help people solve their differences. This was due to the rivalry that arose from differences of interpretationafter clear signs had come to the People of The Book. However, Allah, by His authority, guided the believers to the truth regarding the point of disagreement. Allah guides to the straight path anyone who wants to be guided
Maududi   
In the beginning all the people followed the same way. (Afterwards there came a change and differences arose). Then Allah sent Prophets to give good tidings to those who followed the Right Way and warnings to those who swerved from it. And He sent down with them the Book based on the Truth so that it should judge between the people concerning their differences. (Differences arose not because people were not given the knowledge of the Truth in the beginning, nay), differences arose between those very people who had been given clear teachings, and (for no other reasons than that) they wanted to tyrannize over one another. So Allah, by His leave, guided those who believed in the Prophets to the Truth about which they had differed; AIIah guides whomever He pleases to the Right Way
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
The people used to be one nation, then God sent the prophets as bearers of good news and warners, and He sent down with them the Book with the truth so that they may judge between the people in what they were disputing. But after receiving the clarity, the people disputed in it due to animosity between them. And God guided those who believed with His permission regarding what they disputed in of the truth. And God guides whoever He wishes to a straight path.
Mohammad Shafi   
Mankind had once been a single community. Allah then raised the Prophets to herald news of a good future and to warn, and He sent down with them the Book with the Truth to distinguish right from wrong in matters of dispute among mankind.h And, differed in it not but those to whom it had been given — after clear Verses had come to them — because of rivalry amongst themselves.h, Allah then guided those who believed so that what they contended in the dispute in it was based on Truth by His leave. And Allah guides whomsoever He wishes towards Straight Path

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
People were on one religion thereafter Allah sent prophets giving good tidings and warning and sent down with them the true Book that it should judge between people in their differences. And only those differed in the Book to whom it was given after clear commands had come to them, through refraction among themselves. Then Allah showed the truth to the believers in which they were quarrelling by His Command, and Allah shows the straight path whomsoever He pleases.
Rashad Khalifa   
The people used to be one community when GOD sent the prophets as bearers of good news, as well as warners. He sent down with them the scripture, bearing the truth, to judge among the people in their disputes. Ironically, those who received the scripture were the ones who rejected any new scripture, despite clear proofs given to them. This is due to jealousy on their part. GOD guides those who believe to the truth that is disputed by all others, in accordance with His will. GOD guides whoever wills in a straight path
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
The people were one nation. Then Allah sent forth Prophets to give them glad tidings and to warn them; and with them He sent down the Book with the truth, that He might rule between the people in that which they differ. Only those to whom it had been given differed about it after the clear verses had come to them, transgressing between themselves. Then Allah guided those who believed concerning that which they were at variance in the truth, by His permission. Allah guides whom He will to the Straight Path
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
Mankind is a single nation. So Allah raised prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He revealed with them the Book with truth, that it might judge between people concerning that in which they differed. And none but the very people who were given it differed about it after clear arguments had come to them, envying one another. So Allah has guided by His will those who believe to the truth about which they differed. And Allah guides whom He pleases to the right path
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
The people were one nation , so God sent the prophets, announcing good news and warners/givers of notice , and He descended with them The Book , with the truth/correct to judge/rule between the people in what they differed/disputed in it, and no (one) differed/disputed in it except those who were given it from after what the evidences came to them, oppression/transgression/corruption between them, so God guided those who believed, for what they differed/disputed in it from the truth , with His permission , and God guides whom He wills/wants to a straight/direct road/way
Bijan Moeinian   
At the beginning, there was only one nation. God sent to this nation, the prophets (messengers) to give them the good news (about the meaning of their lives as well as the continuation of their lives in Hereafter.) God also sent them the book to be used in the settlement of their disputes. However, whenever a new prophet came with undeniable miracles, the jealous ones did not follow him (thus mankind divided himself into different nations.) God (of course) guided the righteous ones (who belong to the nation of submitters;) God will guide whoever He wishes to the right path
Faridul Haque   
Mankind was on one religion; so Allah sent Prophets giving glad tidings and warnings - and with them sent down the true Book to judge between mankind on their differences; and only those to whom it was given created disputes regarding the Book, after clear commands had come to them, due to hostility of one another; so Allah, by His command, made the truth clear to the believers, concerning their disputes; and Allah may guide whomever He wills to the Straight Path
Sher Ali   
Mankind were one community, then they differed among themselves, so ALLAH raised Prophets as bearers of good tidings and as warners, and sent down with them the book containing the truth that HE might judge between the people wherein they differed. But then they began to differ about the Book, and none differed about it except those to whom it was given, after clear Signs had come to them, out of envy towards one another. Now has ALLAH, by HIS command, guided the believers to the truth in regard to which they (the unbelievers) differed; and ALLAH guides whomsoever HE pleases to the right path
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
(In the beginning) all the people agreed upon the same Din (Religion. And later, when differences emerged amongst them,) Allah sent His Messengers as Bearers of good news and Warners and sent down with them the Book based on truth, so that it might judge those matters amongst the people in which they had developed differences. Then, only those very people whom the Book was given differed about it, despite the fact that the clear signs had come to them. (And they differed also) because of mere jealousy and malice amongst themselves. Then Allah, by His command, made the believers understand that matter of truth about which they had differed. And Allah guides whom He pleases to the straight road
Amatul Rahman Omar   
Mankind are a single community (but they differed), so Allah raised (His) Prophets as Bearers of good tidings and as Warners, and with them He revealed the Scriptures containing the truth, that He might judge between various people concerning all their mutual differences. But none differed therein except the very (astray) whom it (- the Scripture) had been given, and (they differed only) after clear proofs had come to them, out of spite against one another. Now Allah guided those who believed, by His leave, to the truth concerning which they (- the disbelievers) had differed. And Allah guides whosoever wishes (to be guided) to the right and straight path
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
The people were one nation; then God sent forth the Prophets, good tidings to bear and warning, and He sent down with them the Book with the truth, that He might decide between the people touching their differences; and only those who had been given it were at variance upon it, after the clear signs had come to them, being insolent one to another; then God guided those who believed to the truth, touching which they were at variance, by His leave; and God guides whomsoever He will to a straight path
George Sale   
Mankind was of one faith, and God sent prophets bearing good tidings, and denouncing threats, and sent down with them the scripture in truth, that it might judge between men of that concerning which they disagreed: And none disagreed concerning it, except those to whom the same scriptures were delivered, after the declarations of God's will had come unto them, out of envy among themselves. And God directed those who believed, to that truth concerning which they disagreed, by his will: For God directeth whom he pleaseth into the right way
Edward Henry Palmer   
Men were one nation once, and God sent prophets with good tidings and with warnings, and sent down with them the Book in truth, to judge between men in that wherein they disagreed; but none did disagree therein save those who had been given it after that manifest signs had come to them, through greed amongst themselves; and God guided those who did believe to that truth concerning which they disagreed by His permission, for God guides whom He will unto the right path
John Medows Rodwell   
Mankind was but one people; and God sent prophets to announce glad tidings and to warn; and He sent down with them the Book of Truth, that it might decide the disputes of men; and none disputed but those to whom the Book had been given, after the clear tokens had reached them, - being full of mutual jealousy. And God guided those who believed to the truth of that about which, by his permission, they had disputed; for God guideth whom he pleaseth into the straight path
N J Dawood (2014)   
People were once but one community. Then God sent forth prophets to give them joyful tidings and to warn them, and with these He sent down the Book with the Truth, that it might serve as arbiter in people‘s disputes. None disputed it save those to whom it was given, and that was through envy of one another, after veritable signs had been vouchsafed them. So God guided by His will those who believed in the Truth which had been disputed. God guides whom He will to a straight path

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
The mankind was one nation before and Allah sent the prophets as bringers of glad tidings and as warners and He sent down with them the book by the truth so that it may judge with wisdom between the mankind regarding matters in which they disagreed. And only those who were given it [the book] disagreed about it after that the clear signs had come unto them because of their internecine transgression. So Allah guided those who believed unto that in which they disagreed from the truth by His permission and Allah guides whom He pleases unto a path most upright.
Munir Mezyed   
Humanity had once been united in one Faith but they differed, so Allâh sent Prophets to announce the Glad Tidings (of how to attain salvation) and to give (the people) sufficient warning (about how to avoid Hellfire). And We sent down with them the Scripture in truth in order to judge between the people regarding that in which they had differed. And none differed over it except for those who were given It after having received the Full Knowledge of the Truth, revolting among themselves. Then Allâh inspired those who adhered to the Faith (through His Word) to the Truth in which they differed. And Allâh inspires (His Word) to whom He pleases in order to lead him to the straight path.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
People were one single community; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good news and warners and sent with them the book with the truth so that they would judge between people with regard to what they differed in � and they did not differ about it until it was given to them, after the clear proofs had come to them, out of transgression amongst each other � so Allah guided by His permission those who believed towards that of the truth which they differed in, and Allah guides whom He pleases unto a straight path.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
Humanity was one single nation. Allah sent prophets with glad tidings and warnings. With them, He sent the Book in truth. With it, people can learn about things about which they differ. After the clear signs had come to them, people differed only because of jealousy. Allah, by His grace, guided the believers to the truth of things about which they disagreed. Allah guides whom He will to a path that is straight.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
Mankind used to be one community, then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of glad tidings and as forewarners. And He sent down with them the Scripture with the truth to judge between mankind regarding whatever they differed over. But none differed over it except those who were given it—after evident proofs had come to them—out of mutual envy between them. Then Allah guided those who attained faith to the truth they had disputed, by His knowledge. For Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
Mankind was [once] one nation, so Allah (God) dispatched prophets as heralds and warners. He sent the Book (all God’s Books) down along with them to bring the Truth, so as to judge among mankind concerning whatever they had been disagreeing about. However only those to whom it was given disagreed about it out of envy towards one another, after clear explanations had been brought them. By His permission Allah (God) has guided those who believe to any Truth they may have disagreed about. Allah (God) guides anyone He wishes to a Straight Road.
Samy Mahdy   
The people were one community; So, Allah missioned the prophets, preachers and Warners. And He sent down with them the Book, by the right, to judge between the people in what they differed in it. And they did not differ in it, except those who were given it after the proof had come to them - out of hostility between them. So, Allah guided those who believed for what they have differed in it among the right, with his permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.
Ahmed Hulusi   
Mankind was once a single community. Then Allah revealed Nabis (manifestations of the perfection of Nubuwwah from within them) as bearers of good news and as warners. He revealed to them the Book (the knowledge of the reality and sunnatullah) in Truth, to judge between their disputes. Those to whom the Book was given disagreed with it out of jealousy, even after clear truths had come to them. Allah, by His will (B-iznihi; the suitability of the Names comprising their being) guided the believers to the truth about which the others disputed. Allah guides to a straight path (enables the realization of one’s innermost essential reality) whom He wills.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
(All) Mankind was but a single nation, then Allah raised Prophets as bearers of good tidings and warners, and He sent down with them the Book with the Truth that it might judge between people on that wherein they differed. And none were at odds over it, except those very (people) whom it was given unto, after clear arguments had come to them, revolting among themselves. So Allah guided by His Will, those who believed regarding that which people had differed about the truth. And Allah guides whomever He wills to the Straight Path.
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
Mankind was a single ‘Ummah (Nation) of common descent occupying a definite territory. By natural generation, numbers multiplied and were scattered in various directions and became disunited emotionally and mentally. There and then Allah sent Prophets as a spectacle and warning to all. He equipped them with the Book of Truth guiding into all truth in order to judge between people regarding issues of reason. Yet those who disputed its precepts were the same who were given the Book (Ahl Al-Kitab) imparting enough signs guiding them into illumination and mental enlightenment. But they were no longer disposed to the truth due to their mutual enmity and malignant intention. Nonetheless, Allah will guide the truth-seeking believers to His path. Allah guides whom He will to the path of righteousness
Mir Aneesuddin   
Human beings were a single community, then Allah sent prophets as conveyers of good news and as warners and sent down with them the book containing the truth, so that it may (serve as a source of) judgment between human beings in (matters) in which they differed. And none differed there in except those who were given (the book containing prescribed laws), after (receiving) the clear proofs which had come to them, (and this they did) due to mutual envy. So Allah by His will, guided those who believed, in those (matters in) which they had differed from the truth. And Allah guides whom He wills towards the straight path.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
Mankind was one single nation, and God sent Messengers with glad tidings and warnings; and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves, except through selfish contumacy. God by His Grace Guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For God guided whom He will to a path that is straight
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Was mankind a community single, then raised up Allah [the] Prophets (as) bearers of glad tidings and (as) warners, and sent down with them the Book in [the] truth to judge between [the] people in what they differed [in it]. And (did) not differ[ed] in it except those who were given it from after [what] came to them the clear proofs, (out of) jealousy among themselves. And guided Allah those who believe[d] regarding what they differed [in it] of the Truth with His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a path straight
OLD Transliteration   
Kana alnnasu ommatan wahidatan fabaAAatha Allahu alnnabiyyeena mubashshireena wamunthireena waanzala maAAahumu alkitaba bialhaqqi liyahkuma bayna alnnasi feema ikhtalafoo feehi wama ikhtalafa feehi illa allatheena ootoohu min baAAdi ma jaat-humu albayyinatu baghyan baynahum fahada Allahu allatheena amanoo lima ikhtalafoo feehi mina alhaqqi bi-ithnihi waAllahu yahdee man yashao ila siratin mustaqeemin