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Muhammad Asad   
And when Saul set out with his forces, he said: "Behold, God will now try you by a river: he who shall drink of it will not belong to me, whereas he who shall refrain from tasting it - he, indeed, will belong to me; but forgiven shall be he who shall scoop up but a single handful." However, save for a few of them, they all drank [their fill] of it. And as soon as he and those who had kept faith with him had crossed the river, the others said: "No strength have we today [to stand up] against Goliath and his forces!" [Yet] those who knew with certainty that they were destined to meet God, replied: "How often has a small host overcome a great host by God's leave! For God is with those who are patient in adversity."
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
When Saul marched forth with his army, he cautioned: “Allah will test you with a river. So whoever drinks ˹his fill˺ from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste it—except a sip from the hollow of his hands—is definitely with me.” They all drank ˹their fill˺ except for a few! When he and the ˹remaining˺ faithful with him crossed the river, they said, “Now we are no match for Goliath and his warriors.” But those ˹believers˺ who were certain they would meet Allah reasoned, “How many times has a small force vanquished a mighty army by the Will of Allah! And Allah is ˹always˺ with the steadfast.”
Safi Kaskas   
When Saul divided the troops, he said, "God will test you at a river. Whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste it is with me, except for those who scoop up a handful." All but a few drank from it. When he and the believers crossed it together, they said, "We do not have any strength against Goliath and his troops today." Those who thought they were about to meet God said, "How often small groups have defeated large groups by God's authority. God is with those who endure."

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Arabic   
فَلَمَّا فَصَلَ طَالُوتُ بِٱلۡجُنُودِ قَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُبۡتَلِیكُم بِنَهَرࣲ فَمَن شَرِبَ مِنۡهُ فَلَیۡسَ مِنِّی وَمَن لَّمۡ یَطۡعَمۡهُ فَإِنَّهُۥ مِنِّیۤ إِلَّا مَنِ ٱغۡتَرَفَ غُرۡفَةَۢ بِیَدِهِۦۚ فَشَرِبُوا۟ مِنۡهُ إِلَّا قَلِیلࣰا مِّنۡهُمۡۚ فَلَمَّا جَاوَزَهُۥ هُوَ وَٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ قَالُوا۟ لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا ٱلۡیَوۡمَ بِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِۦۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِینَ یَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُم مُّلَـٰقُوا۟ ٱللَّهِ كَم مِّن فِئَةࣲ قَلِیلَةٍ غَلَبَتۡ فِئَةࣰ كَثِیرَةَۢ بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِۗ وَٱللَّهُ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِینَ ۝٢٤٩
Transliteration (2021)   
falammā faṣala ṭālūtu bil-junūdi qāla inna l-laha mub'talīkum binaharin faman shariba min'hu falaysa minnī waman lam yaṭʿamhu fa-innahu minnī illā mani igh'tarafa ghur'fatan biyadihi fasharibū min'hu illā qalīlan min'hum falammā jāwazahu huwa wa-alladhīna āmanū maʿahu qālū lā ṭāqata lanā l-yawma bijālūta wajunūdihi qāla alladhīna yaẓunnūna annahum mulāqū l-lahi kam min fi-atin qalīlatin ghalabat fi-atan kathīratan bi-idh'ni l-lahi wal-lahu maʿa l-ṣābirīn
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Then when set out Talut with the forces he said, "Indeed, Allah will test you with a river. So whoever drinks from it then he is not from me, and whoever (does) not taste it then indeed, he (is) from me except whoever takes (in the) hollow (of) his hand." Then they drank from it except a few of them. Then when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said, "No strength for us today against Jalut and his troops." Said those who were certain that they (would) meet Allah, "How many of a company small overcame a company large by (the) permission (of) Allah. And Allah (is) with the patient ones."

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
And when Saul set out with his forces, he said: "Behold, God will now try you by a river: he who shall drink of it will not belong to me, whereas he who shall refrain from tasting it - he, indeed, will belong to me; but forgiven shall be he who shall scoop up but a single handful." However, save for a few of them, they all drank [their fill] of it. And as soon as he and those who had kept faith with him had crossed the river, the others said: "No strength have we today [to stand up] against Goliath and his forces!" [Yet] those who knew with certainty that they were destined to meet God, replied: "How often has a small host overcome a great host by God's leave! For God is with those who are patient in adversity."
M. M. Pickthall   
And when Saul set out with the army, he said: Lo! Allah will try you by (the ordeal of) a river. Whosoever therefore drinketh thereof he is not of me, and whosoever tasteth it not he is of me, save him who taketh (thereof) in the hollow of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of them. And after he had crossed (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: We have no power this day against Goliath and his hosts. But those who knew that they would meet Allah exclaimed: How many a little company hath overcome a mighty host by Allah's leave! Allah is with the steadfast
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "Allah will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army: Only those who taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused." but they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- He and the faithful ones with him,- they said: "This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces." but those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said: "How oft, by Allah's will, Hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere."
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
When Saul marched forth with his army, he cautioned: “Allah will test you with a river. So whoever drinks ˹his fill˺ from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste it—except a sip from the hollow of his hands—is definitely with me.” They all drank ˹their fill˺ except for a few! When he and the ˹remaining˺ faithful with him crossed the river, they said, “Now we are no match for Goliath and his warriors.” But those ˹believers˺ who were certain they would meet Allah reasoned, “How many times has a small force vanquished a mighty army by the Will of Allah! And Allah is ˹always˺ with the steadfast.”
Safi Kaskas   
When Saul divided the troops, he said, "God will test you at a river. Whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste it is with me, except for those who scoop up a handful." All but a few drank from it. When he and the believers crossed it together, they said, "We do not have any strength against Goliath and his troops today." Those who thought they were about to meet God said, "How often small groups have defeated large groups by God's authority. God is with those who endure."
Wahiduddin Khan   
When Talut set out with his forces, he said to them, God will test you with a river: whoever drinks from it is not with me and whoever does not drink is with me. There will, however, be no blame upon one who sips only a handful from it. But, except for a few of them, they all drank from it. When he and those who believed along with him had crossed the river, they said, We have no strength today against Goliath and his warriors. But those of them who believed that they would meet God replied, Many a small group, by God's command has prevailed against a large group. God is indeed with the steadfast
Shakir   
So when Talut departed with the forces, he said: Surely Allah will try you with a river; whoever then drinks from it, he is not of me, and whoever does not taste of it, he is surely of me, except he who takes with his hand as much of it as fills the hand; but with the exception of a few of them they drank from it. So when he had crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said: We have today no power against Jalut and his forces. Those who were sure that they would meet their Lord said: How often has a small party vanquished a numerous host by Allah's permission, and Allah is with the patient
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
So when Saul set forward with his army he said: Truly, God is One Who Tests you with a river. So whoever would drink of it, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, truly, he is of me, but he who scoops up with a scooping of his hand. So they drank of it, but a few of them. Then, when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said: There is no energy for us today against Goliath and his armies. Said those who think they truly would be ones who encounter God: How often a faction of a few vanquished a faction of many with the permission of God! And God is with the ones who remain steadfast.
T.B.Irving   
When Saul set out with the troops, he said: "God will test you at a river: anyone who drinks from it will not be on my side; while anyone who does not taste it is with me, except for someone who scoops up only a palmful in his hand." Yet all but a few of them drank some of it! When he and those who were along with him and believed had crossed over, they said: "We have no way today to prevail over Goliath and his troops!" Those who thought they were going to meet God said: "How often has a small detachment defeated a larger detachment with God´s permission! God stands alongside the patient!"
Abdul Hye   
Then when Saul set out with the army, he said: "Surely! Allah will test you with a river. Whoever drinks from it, he is not of me, and whoever not taste it, indeed he is of me, except him who takes in the hollow of his hand." Yet, they all drank from it, except a few of them. So when he had crossed the river and those who believed with him, they said: "There is no strength (left) for us today against Goliath and his forces." But those who knew that they were to meet Allah, said: "How often a small group overcame a large group by the Grace of Allah? Allah is with the patient ones.
The Study Quran   
And when Saul set out with the hosts he said, “Truly God will try you with a stream. Whosoever drinks from it is not of me, and whosoever tastes not of it is of me—save one who scoops out a handful.” But they drank from it, save a few among them. So when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said, “We have no power today against Goliath and his hosts.” Those who deemed they would meet their Lord said, “How many a small company have overcome a large company by God’s leave! And God is with the patient.
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
When Saul set out with the troops, he said, “God will test you with a river. Whoever drinks from it isn’t of me, and whoever doesn’t drink from it is of me, except for one who sips a handful with his hand.” Yet, they drank from it, except a few of them. When he and the faithful with him crossed it, they said, “We have no power today against Goliath and his warriors.” However, those sure that they would meet God said, “How often did a small group overcome a large group with God’s permission? God is with the patient.”
Talal Itani (2012)   
When Saul set out with the troops, he said, 'God will be testing you with a river. Whoever drinks from it does not belong with me. But whoever does not drink from it, does belong with me, except for whoever scoops up a little with his hand.' But they drank from it, except for a few of them. Then, when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said, 'We have no strength to face Goliath and his troops today.' But those who knew that they would meet God said, 'How many a small group has defeated a large group by God's will. God is with the steadfast.'
Dr. Kamal Omar   
And when Talut marched forward with the military regiments, he said: “Verily, Allah is going to test you at the stream, so one who drank freely (from the water to completely quench his thirst) from it, he is not of my own (people), and one who does not drink to satisfaction from it, then certainly he is of my own (people) except one who made a cup-like shape in (the palm of) his hand (and then drank a palm-cup only). But they drank to their satisfaction from this (stream) except a minority among them. So when he crossed it, (i.e., ) he and the people who had Believed with him, they (who had failed the test) said: “Today (we find) no power in us in comparison to Jalut (Goliath) and his forces.” Those who were convinced that they are those who must meet Allah said: “How often a tiny force has overwhelmed an overflowing force with the permission of Allah, and Allah is on the side of those who are patient and perseverent.”
M. Farook Malik   
When TaLut marched forth with his army, he announced: "Allah will test you at a certain river; anyone who will drink from its water shall cease to be my soldier, and those who will not drink to quench their thirst with its water except a sip or so from the hollow of their hands shall fight on my side." They all drank from it, inspite of this warning, except a few of them. When he and those who believed with him crossed the river, they said: "We have no power left this day against JaLut (Goliath) and his warriors." But the believers, who knew they would meet Allah, replied: "It has often happened that a small group, by the grace of Allah, has vanquished a mighty army. Allah is with those who endure with patience."
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Then as soon as Talut (Saul) departed with the hosts, he said, "Surely Allah will be trying you with a river; so whoever drinks of it, then he is not of me, and whoever does not taste (Literally: does not feed on it) it, then surely he is of me, excepting him who scoops up (a scoop) with his hand." Then they drank of it except a few of them. Then, as soon as he passed over it, he and the ones who believed with him, they said, "We have no capability today against Jalut (Goliath) and his hosts." (But) the ones who expect that they will be meeting Allah said, "How often a little community has overcome a much (larger) community by the permission of Allah; and Allah is with the patient."
Muhammad Sarwar   
When Saul set forth with the army he said, "God will test you with a river. Those who drink its water will not be of my people and those who do not even taste the water or who only taste some of it from within the hollow of their hand, will be my friends. They all drank the water except a few of them. When Saul and those who believed in him crossed the river, his people said, "We do not have the strength to fight against Goliath and his army." Those who thought that they would meet God said, "How often, with God's permission, have small groups defeated the large ones?" God is with those who exercise patience
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
So, when Talut set out along with the troops, he said: .Allah is going to test you by a river, so, whoever drinks from it is not my man, and whoever does not taste it is surely a man of mine, except the one who scoops a little with his hand. Then they drank from it, except a few of them. So, when it (the river) was crossed by him and by those who believed with him, they said: .There is no strength with us today against Jalut and his troops. Said those who believed in their having to meet Allah: .How many small groups have overcome large groups by the will of Allah. Allah is with those who remain patient
Shabbir Ahmed   
The Commander Saul then marched along with his soldiers to face the armies of Jaloot (Goliath). They came upon a rivulet on their way. Saul, in order to create discipline among his soldiers and to test their resolve commanded them to refrain from drinking that water, save a sip out of the hand. But except for a few they drank it. Their behavior was hardly strange when they crossed the rivulet. They complained, "This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his armies." But those who were resolute and were convinced that they were marching forward in the Cause of Allah, said, "How often a small force has overwhelmed a big army since it is the Law of Allah that He is with those who are proactively steadfast."
Dr. Munir Munshey   
When Talut set out (on a mission) with his army, he said, "Allah is surely going to put you through a test by the river. Whoever drinks (and quenches his thirst with) the water from the river shall not be (a devotee of) mine. Truly, (a follower of) mine would be the one who avoids the taste of the water from the river, save a sip or two out of the hollow of his hand." But, except for a few, they all drank the water from the river. When Talut, and those who believed in him, crossed (the river), the others said, "We do not have any strength left today against Goliath and his armies." Those who were certain about meeting their Lord, replied, "How often has it been that a smaller group prevailed over a much larger group, by Allah´s leave?" And Allah is certainly with the patient ones
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
When Talht started with the armies, he said: "Verily, Allah will test you at the stream: If any (of you) drinks from its water, He will not go with my army: Only those who do not taste from it (the stream) will go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused." But they all drank of it, except a few; When they— He and the faithful ones with him— Crossed the river, they said: "This day we cannot fight Goliath and his forces." But those who were convinced that they must (eventually) meet Allah, said: "How often, by Allah’s Will, has a small force overcome a big one (force)?" Allah is with those who constantly work (towards the good)
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
And when Saul went forth with the soldiers, he said, "Indeed, Allah will be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever does not taste it is indeed of me, excepting one who takes [from it] in the hollow of his hand." But they drank from it, except a [very] few of them. Then when he had crossed it along with those who believed with him, they said, "There is no power for us today against Goliath and his soldiers." But those who were certain that they would meet Allah said, "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah . And Allah is with the patient."
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
So when Saul set out with the soldiers, he said: "God will test you with a river, whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste from it except one scoop with his hand is with me." They all drank from it, except a few of them. So when he and those who believed with him crossed it, they said: "We have no power today against Goliath and his soldiers!" But the ones who understood that they would meet God said: "How many a time has a small group beaten a large group by God's leave, and God is with the patient ones!"
Abdel Haleem   
When Talut set out with his forces, he said to them, ‘God will test you with a river. Anyone who drinks from it will not belong with me, but anyone who refrains from tasting it will belong with me; if he scoops up just one handful [he will be excused].’ But they all drank [deep] from it, except for a few. When he crossed it with those who had kept faith, they said, ‘We have no strength today against Goliath and his warriors.’ But those who knew that they were going to meet their Lord said, ‘How often a small force has defeated a large army with God’s permission! God is with those who are steadfast.’
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
Then when Talut sallied forth with the hosts, he said, verily God will prove you with a river: then whosoever drinketh thereof shall be none of mine, and whosoever tasteth it not, verily shall be mine, excepting him who ladeth a lading with his hand. But they drank thereof, save a few of them. Then when he had crossed it, he,and those who believe with him, they said: We have no strength to-day against Jalut and his hosts. But those who imagined that they were going to meet Allah Said how oft hath a small party prevailed against a large party by God's leave! And Allah is with the patiently persevering
Ahmed Ali   
When Saul led his armies, he said: "God will test you by a stream. Whoever drinks its water will not be of me; but those who do not drink shall be on my side. The only exception will be those who scoop up a palmful of water with their hands." And but for a few they all drank of its water. When they had crossed it, and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no strength to combat Goliath and his forces today. But those who believed they have to face their Lord, said: "Many a time has a small band defeated a large horde by the will of God. God is with those who are patient (and persevere)."
Aisha Bewley   
When Talut marched out with the army, he said, ´Allah will test you with a river. Anyone who drinks from it is not with me. But anyone who does not taste it is with me — except for him who merely scoops up a little in his hand.´ But they drank from it — except for a few of them. Then when he and those who had iman with him had crossed it, they said, ´We do not have the strength to face Goliath and his troops today.´ But those who were sure that they were going to meet Allah said, ´How many a small force has triumphed over a much greater one by Allah´s permission! Allah is with the steadfast.
Ali Ünal   
And when Saul (Talut) set out with the army and said (to them): "God will put you to a test by (means of) a river: whoever then drinks of it is not of my company, and whoever does not taste it, he is of my company; but forgiven will he be who takes thereof in the hollow of his hand. But they drank thereof, all save a few of them; and when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him, (those who, with weak faith, took of the river in the hollow of their hands) said: "Today we have no power against Goliath and his forces." But those who had certainty of their meeting with God and felt as if always standing in His Presence said: "Many a small company has overcome a numerous company by God’s leave." God is with the patient and persevering
Ali Quli Qara'i   
As Saul set out with the troops, he said, ‘Allah will test you with a stream: anyone who drinks from it will not belong to me, but those who do not drink from it will belong to me, barring someone who draws a scoop with his hand.’ But they drank from it, [all] except a few of them. So when he crossed it along with the faithful who were with him, they said, ‘We have no strength today against Goliath and his troops.’ Those who were certain they will encounter Allah said, ‘How many a small party has overcome a larger party by Allah’s will! And Allah is with the patient.’
Hamid S. Aziz   
And when Saul set out with his army, he said, "Behold, Allah will try you with a river, and he who drinks there from, he is not of mine; but whoever tastes it not, he is of mine, save he who sips it with his hand." But they drank from it save a
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
So, when Talut (Saul) set out with the troops, he said: “God tests you with a river, anyone who drinks from it is not with me, and anyone who does not taste it or anyone who scoops a handful of it then he is indeed with me.” So, they all drank from it except a few of them. Then when he and those who believed with him crossed it (the river), they said: “We do not have the strength to face Goliath and his troops today.” Those who thought that they meet God said: “Many small forces overcome large forces by God’s permission, and God is with those who persevere (and the patient ones).”
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
When Talut marched with the soldiers he said, “God will challenge you at the stream. If any drinks of its water, he will not go with my army. Only those who do not drink it will go with me, a little sip from the hand is excused.” But they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river, he and the faithful with him said, “This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet God said, “How often, by God's will, has a small force vanquished a large one? God is with those who steadfastly persevere.
Musharraf Hussain   
When Talut set out with his army, he said: “Allah will test you near the river. Anyone who drinks from it will no longer be my soldier, but whoever does not taste it will be mine, except those who scoop it up in the palm of their hands”. So, they all drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed the riveralong with those who had believed him, they said: “We have no strength today to fight Jalut and his army”. But those who believed that they wouldmeet their Lord said: “How many times have small forces defeated large forces with the help of Allah, and Allah is with the patient”
Maududi   
And when Saul marched out with his army, he warned: "Allah is going to put you to a test by the side of a river: whoso drinks of its water shall cease to be my companion: he alone shall be~my companion who does not quench his thirst with its water: one may, however, take except a few, drank their fill of it. Afterwards when Saul, and those who had believed with him, crossed the river and advanced forward, the former said to Saul, "We have no power left this day to fight against Goliath and his hosts." But those who believed that one Day they shall meet Allah, declared, "lt has often been that a small host has, by Allah´s grace, overcome a big host: for Allah is with those who show fortitude."
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
So when Saul set out with the soldiers, he said: "God will test you with a river, whoever drinks from it is not with me, and whoever does not taste from it except one scoop with his hand is with me." They all drank from it, except for a few of them. So when he and those who believed with him crossed it, they said: "We have no power today against Goliath and his soldiers!" But the ones who understood that they would meet God said: "How many a time has a small group beaten a large group with the permission of God, and God is with the patient ones!"
Mohammad Shafi   
So then, when Tuaaloot set forth with his army, he said, "Allah is certainly going to test you with a river. Whosoever quenches his thirst therefrom, he is not with us. And whosoever doesn't do so, but just drinks a palmful of water therefrom, he is indeed with us." And they did quench their thirst therefrom, except for a few of them. So then, as they — he and those who believed with him — crossed over, the others said, "We do not have the strength this day to confront Jaaloot and his army." Said those who were certain they would be meeting Allah, "How often, by Allah's Will, has a small party got the better of a big one! And Allah is with those who exercise patience."

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
When Talut aparted taking the armies from the City spoke he: 'no doubt Allah is to test you with a stream. Then whoso drinks he is not mine, and whose drinks not, he is mine, but he who takes a sip with his hand, then all drank of it except a few of them. Again when Talut and the Muslim with him went across the stream spoke, 'we have no power against Jalut and his armies'. Those who were sure to meet Allah spoke, 'that often a small party has triumphed over a large party by Allah's Command, and Allah is with the steadfast.
Rashad Khalifa   
When Saul took command of the troops, he said, "GOD is putting you to the test by means of a stream. Anyone who drinks from it does not belong with me - only those who do not taste it belong with me - unless it is just a single sip." They drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed it with those who believed, they said, "Now we lack the strength to face Goliath and his troops." Those who were conscious of meeting GOD said, "Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD's leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere."
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
And when Saul marched out with his army, he said: 'Allah will test you with a river. He who drinks from it shall cease to be one of mine but he who does not drink from it, except he who scoops up once with his hand, shall be of mine. ' But for a few of them, they all drank from it. And when he had crossed it with those who believed, they said: 'We have no power this day against Goliath and his soldiers. ' But those of them who reckoned they would meet Allah replied: 'Many a small band has, by the permission of Allah, vanquished a mighty army. Allah is with the patient.
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
So when Saul set out with the forces, he said: surely Allah will try you with a river. Whoever drinks from it, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is surely of me, except he who takes a handful with his hand. But they drank of it save a few of them. So when he had crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said: We have to-day no power against Goliath and his forces. Those who were sure that they would meet their Lord said: How often has a small party vanquished a numerous host by Allah's permission! And Allah is with the steadfast
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
So when Saul/Taloot separated/parted with the soldiers/warriors , he said: "That God (is) testing you with a river/waterway, so who drank from it, so he is not from me, and who did not taste it , so he is from me, except who scooped a scoop, with his hand." So they drank from it, except a few from them, so when he crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "No power/ability/energy to us today with Goliath and his soldiers/warriors." Those who assume/suppose that they are meeting God said: "How many (times) from a little/small group defeated a group (of) many with God's will?" And God (is) with the patient/enduring
Bijan Moeinian   
When Saul started to march his army he said to his troop: “There will be a river in our passage. God will try your faith by the mean of this river. Those who drink from its water, except a sip perhaps, do not deserve to be a part of my troop. Most of them, however, failed the test and drank from the river. When they faced the enemy, they said: “We surely are incapable of beating Goliath and his mighty army.” The believers among them replied: “Throughout the history, many times a few believers, with the help of God, have defeated the mighty army of the disbelievers. God sides with those who are patient.”
Faridul Haque   
So when Talut left the city along with the armies, he said, "Allah will surely test you with a river; so whoever drinks its water is not mine - and whoever does not drink is mine - except him who takes it in the hollow of his hand"; so they all drank it, except a few of them; thereafter when Talut and the believers with him had crossed the river, they said, "We do not have power this day to face Jalut (Goliath) and his armies"; those who were certain of meeting Allah said, "Many a times has a smaller group overcome a bigger group by Allah’s command; and Allah is with the steadfast."
Sher Ali   
And when Talut set out with the forces, he said, `Surely, ALLAH will try you with a river. So he who drinks therefrom is not of me; and he who taste it not is assuredly of me, save him who takes only a handful of water with his hand.' But they drank of it, except a few of them. And when they crossed it - he and those who believed along with him - they said, `We have no power today against Jalut and his forces.' But those who knew for certain that they would one day meet ALLAH, said, `How many a small party has triumphed over a large party by ALLAH's command ! And ALLAH is with the steadfast.
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
So, when Talut (Saul) marched out of the city with his troops, he said: ‘Surely, Allah will try you by means of a stream. So he who drinks from it will not be (of my companions), and he who does not drink it will be of (my party), but if someone takes (only) a sip of it from the hollow of his hand (there is no harm).’ Yet, they all drank of it except a few. So, when Talut (Saul) and his companions in faith crossed the stream, they said: ‘We have no strength today to face Jalut (Goliath) and his forces.’ (But) those who were sure that (after martyrdom or death) they were going to meet Allah said: ‘Many a time a small party has overcome a (very) large party by the command of Allah! And Allah awards His companionship to the steadfast.
Amatul Rahman Omar   
So when Talut (- Saul) marched out with the forces, he said, `Verily, Allah is going to test you by (the ordeal of) a stream, whosoever drinks of it, he will not then belong to me, and whoso does not taste it, he shall certainly belong to me, excepting him who takes (only) a handful (of water) with his hand.' But they drank of it except a few of them. So that when he had crossed it, he and those who believed along with him, they said, `We have no power today against Jalut (- the assailant, the Goliath) and his forces.' But those who held it as certain that they (one day) were going to meet Allah said, How often a small company has triumphed over a numerous host, by the leave of Allah! And Allah is with the patiently-persevering.
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
Then when Taloot (Saul) set out with the army, he said: "Verily! Allah will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes (thereof) in the hollow of his hand." Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them. So when he had crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no power this day against Jaloot (Goliath) and his hosts." But those who knew with certainty that they were to meet their Lord, said: "How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allahs Leave?" And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.)

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
And when Saul went forth with the hosts he said, 'God will try you with a river; whosoever drinks of it is not of me, and whoso tastes it flot, he is of me, saving him who scoops up with his hand.' But they drank of it, except a few of them; and when he crossed it, and those who believed with him, they said, 'We have no power today against Goliath and his hosts.' Said those who reckoned they should meet God, 'How often a little company has overcome a numerous company, by God's leave! And God is with the patient.
George Sale   
And when Jalut departed with his soldiers, he said, verily God will prove you by the river: For he who drinketh thereof, shall not be on my side -- but he who shall not taste thereof he shall be on my side -- except he who drinketh a draught out of his hand. And they drank thereof, except a few of them. And when they had passed the river, he and those who believed with him, they said, we have no strength to day, against Jalut and his forces. But they who considered that they should meet God at the resurrection, said, how often hath a small army discomfited a great army, by the will of God? And God is with those who patiently persevere
Edward Henry Palmer   
And when Talut set out with his soldiery, he said, 'God will try you with a river, and he who drinks therefrom, he is not of mine; but whoso tastes it not, he is of mine, save he who laps it lapping with his hand.' And they drank from it save a few of them, and when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said, 'We have no power this day against Galut and his soldiery,' those who thought that they should meet their Lord said, 'How many a small division of men have conquered a numerous division, by the permission of God, for God is with the patient.
John Medows Rodwell   
And when Saul marched forth with his forces, he said, "God will test you by a river: He who drinketh of it shall not be of my band; but he who shall not taste it, drinking a drink out of the hand excepted, shall be of my band." And, except a few of them, they drank of it. And when they had passed it, he and those who believed with him, the former said, "We have no strength this day against (Djalout) Goliath and his forces:" But they who held it as certain that they must meet God, said, "How oft, by God's will, hath a small host vanquished a numerous host! and God is with the steadfastly enduring."
N J Dawood (2014)   
And when Saul marched out with his warriors, he said: ‘God will put you to the test at a certain river. He that drinks from it shall be no soldier of mine, but he that does not drink from it, or scoops a little in the hollow of his hand, shall fight by my side.‘¹ They all drank from it, except a few of them. And when he had crossed the river with those who shared his faith, they said: ‘We have no power this day against Goliath and his warriors.‘ Those of them who believed that they would meet God said: ‘Many a small band has, by God‘s grace, vanquished a mighty army. God is with those who endure with fortitude.‘

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
So when Talut set forth with the hosts he said, “Truly Allah is going to try you with a river. Whoever drinks from it is not of me and whoever does not partake of it he certainly is of me except one who takes a scoop with his hand.” But they drank from it except a few among them. So when he went past it, he and those who kept faith with him, they said, “Today we have no power against Goliath and his hosts.” But those who knew that they are going to meet Allah said, “How many a small group has overcome a bigger group by the leave of Allah.” and Allah is with those who are patient.
Munir Mezyed   
And when Saul set out with the soldiers, he said: ‘Indeed, Allâh will test your Faith by a river. So, whoever drinks from it is not of me, and whoever refrains form tasting, it is indeed of me, except the one who takes (thereof) in the hollow of his hand’. However, they drank from it, except a few of them. After he had crossed (the river), he and those who live by Faith with him said: ‘We have no power today (to fight) against Goliath and his soldiers’. Nevertheless, those who had firmly belief that they would meet Allâh said: ‘How often has it happened that a small force has triumphed over a much greater one by the will of Allâh. Surely He is with those who cling to patience (and act piously)’.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
And when Talut (Saul) departed with the soldiers he said: Allah will test you with a river; so whoever drinks from it, does not belong to me, and who does not taste it, belongs to me, except for one who takes a quick scoop with his hand. But they drank from it except a few of them. So when he and the believers with him crossed over, they said: We have no strength today against Jalut (Goliath) and his soldiers. Those who were sure that they would meet Allah said: How often did a small group overcome a big group with Allah´s permission � Allah is with those who are steadfast.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
Saul set forth with the brigades. He said, “Allah will certainly test you at the river. Whoever drinks from it [like an animal] will not proceed with me. Only those who do not taste it will go, plus those who sip from the hand.” They all drank [like animals] except a few. After (Saul) and the faithful ones with him had crossed the river, some of them decided, “No, this day we will not be able to cope with Goliath [the giant] and his forces.” Some were convinced that they must meet Allah that day [through their deaths]. They said, “How often, by Allah’s will, has a small force vanquished a larger one? Allah is with those who patiently persevere.”
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
So when Talut set out with the troops, he said, “Allah will indeed be testing you with a river. So whoever drinks from it does not belong with me, but whoever does not taste it does belong with me—except for whoever scoops up a scoopful with his hand.” Yet they drank from it, except for a few of them. Then when he had crossed it together with those who had attained faith with him, they said, “We have no strength to face Galut and his troops today.” Those expecting to meet Allah said, “How many a small battalion has overcome a large battalion by Allah’s leave, for Allah is with the patient ones.”
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
When Saul set out with the troops, he said: "Allah (God) will test you at a river: anyone who drinks from it will not be on my side; while anyone who does not taste it is with me, except for someone who scoops up only a palmful in his hand." Yet all but a few of them drank some of it! When he and those who were along with him and believed had crossed over, they said: "We have no way today to prevail over Goliath and his troops!" Those who thought they were going to meet Allah (God) said: "How often has a small detachment defeated a larger detachment with Allah (God)'s permission! Allah (God) stands alongside the patient!"
Samy Mahdy   
So, when Saul departed with the troops, he said, “Allah will be trying you with a river. So, whoever drinks from it does not belong to me? And whoever is not fed from it, so he belongs to me except for whoever scoops up a little with his hand?” So, they drank from it, except for a few among them. So, when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him said, “We have no energy to face Goliath and his troops Today.” Those who assumed that they would meet Allah said, “How many among a small group have overcome a large group by Allah’s permission. And Allah is with the patient ones.”
Ahmed Hulusi   
When Talut set out with his army, he said (to his soldiers), “Indeed Allah will test you with a river. Whoever drinks from it is not of me, whoever does not drink from it, is of me, except those who take but a handful from it”... Except a few of them, they all drank from it. When he and those with him crossed over to the other side of the river, they said, “We have no strength left to fight Goliath and his soldiers.” Those who knew (with certainty) from their essence (due to their faith) that they will meet Allah said, “Many times a small group has overcome a large group with the permission of Allah (B-iznillah). Allah is with those who persevere.”
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
So when Saul marched out with the troops he said: ' Verily Allah will try you by a river, whoever drinks from it he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is surely of me, including the one who tastes but a single handful.' But they all drank of it, except a few of them. And when he (Saul) crossed it (the river) , those who believed with him said: ' We have no power today against Goliath and his troop .' Those who knew that they would meet Allah said: ' How often a small party has overcome a numerous host by Allah's leave! And Allah is with the (steadfast) patient ones '
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
And when Talut advanced his troops and traversed some distance by marching, they came across a river. There and then said Talut to his troops: "Allah has preordained that you be tested now for inclination, sincerity and endurance, therefore, he who drinks of the river to satisfy his thirst shall be discharged from my forces, but he who does not drink shall join my forces, but excused is he who takes only a few sips from the palm of one hand. Yet they all satisfied their thirst except for a few. And when Talut crossed the river with those who exercised unqualified obedience to commands, they wrere confronted by Jalut (Goliath) and his superior forces whom they feared. They said: "On this day we are not a match for Jalut and his forces. But those who marched under the banner, believers touched by the divine hand, who believe they would be destined to be in Allah, the Creator’s, August Presence Hereafter, ventured to say: "How often, Allah willing, has a small force submitted a superior force?" Allah upholds the patient and persevering"
Mir Aneesuddin   
So when Talut departed with the forces, he said, "Allah will certainly test you through a river, so whoever drinks from it then he is not of me and whoever does not taste of it, then certainly he is of me, except he who takes in the hollow of his hand," but they drank from it except a few of them. Then when he had crossed (the river) with those who believed with him, they said, "Today we do not have power against Jalut and his forces." Those who expected that they would meet Allah, said, "How often has a small party over come a party consisting of many people by the order of Allah, and Allah is with those who are patient."

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "God will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army: Only those who taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused." but they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- He and the faithful ones with him,- they said: "This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces." but those who were convinced that they must meet God, said: "How oft, by God's will, Hath a small force vanquished a big one? God is with those who steadfastly persevere."
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Then when set out Talut with the forces he said, "Indeed, Allah will test you with a river. So whoever drinks from it then he is not from me, and whoever (does) not taste it then indeed, he (is) from me except whoever takes (in the) hollow (of) his hand." Then they drank from it except a few of them. Then when he crossed it, he and those who believed with him, they said, "No strength for us today against Jalut and his troops." Said those who were certain that they (would) meet Allah, "How many of a company small overcame a company large by (the) permission (of) Allah. And Allah (is) with the patient ones.
OLD Transliteration   
Falamma fasala talootu bialjunoodi qala inna Allaha mubtaleekum binaharin faman shariba minhu falaysa minnee waman lam yatAAamhu fa-innahu minnee illa mani ightarafa ghurfatan biyadihi fashariboo minhu illa qaleelan minhum falamma jawazahu huwa waallatheena amanoo maAAahu qaloo la taqata lana alyawma bijaloota wajunoodihi qala allatheena yathunnoona annahum mulaqoo Allahi kam min fi-atin qaleelatin ghalabat fi-atan katheeratan bi-ithni Allahi waAllahu maAAa alssabireena