As they persisted with their rebellious behavior, Our Law caused their disposition take a downward turn and they developed apish mentality. We told them, "Be the living symbols of humiliation."
So when they revoltingly persisted in that which they had been forbidden, We said to them: Be (as) apes, despised and hated
Muhammad Ahmed - Samira
So when they became arrogant/disobedient from what they were forbidden/prevented from it, We said to them: "Be/become despised/diminished apes/monkeys."
So when they exceeded the limits of what they were prohibited, We said to them: "Be you monkeys, despised and rejected." (It is a severe warning to the mankind that they should not disobey what Allah commands them to do, and be far away from what He prohibits them)
And when they became arrogant and transgressed that which was forbidden, We said to them, “Become despised apes (creatures who live in imitation of one another, who cannot use their intellect).”
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli
So when they defied what they had been forbidden from, We said to them: ' Be you apes scouted '
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim
When they insolently persisted in disobedience and buried exhortation in oblivion, We laid their transgression to their charge and decreed that they be monkeyfied and that their monkey- like character and behaviour be viewed with contempt, and that they be despised and rejected of men