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Muhammad Asad   
And they have been succeeded by [new] generations who - [in spite of] having inherited the divine writ-clutch but at the fleeting good of this lower world and say, "We shall be forgiven, the while they are ready, if another such fleeting good should come their way, to clutch at it [and sin again]. Have they not been solemnly pledged through the divine writ not to attribute unto God aught but what is true, and [have they not] read again and again all that is therein? Since the life in the hereafter is the better [of the two] for all who are conscious of God -will you not, then, use your reason
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Then they were succeeded by other generations who inherited the Scripture. They indulged in unlawful gains, claiming, “We will be forgiven ˹after all˺.” And if similar gain came their way, they would seize it. Was a covenant not taken from them in the Scripture that they would not say anything about Allah except the truth? And they were already well-versed in its teachings. But the ˹eternal˺ Home of the Hereafter is far better for those mindful ˹of Allah˺. Will you not then understand?
Safi Kaskas   
They have been succeeded by generations who, [in spite of] having inherited the Book, hold onto the momentary treasures of this world [in preference to the Hereafter] and say, "We will be forgiven". Yet if the same opportunity comes around again they will take it. Didn't they make a commitment based on the Book, not to say anything about God that was not the Truth and [haven't they] studied its contents well? Since the life in the Hereafter is the better [of the two] for all who are mindful of God, will you not use your common sense?

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ خَلۡفࣱ وَرِثُوا۟ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ یَأۡخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡأَدۡنَىٰ وَیَقُولُونَ سَیُغۡفَرُ لَنَا وَإِن یَأۡتِهِمۡ عَرَضࣱ مِّثۡلُهُۥ یَأۡخُذُوهُۚ أَلَمۡ یُؤۡخَذۡ عَلَیۡهِم مِّیثَـٰقُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ أَن لَّا یَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡحَقَّ وَدَرَسُوا۟ مَا فِیهِۗ وَٱلدَّارُ ٱلۡءَاخِرَةُ خَیۡرࣱ لِّلَّذِینَ یَتَّقُونَۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ ۝١٦٩
Transliteration (2021)   
fakhalafa min baʿdihim khalfun warithū l-kitāba yakhudhūna ʿaraḍa hādhā l-adnā wayaqūlūna sayugh'faru lanā wa-in yatihim ʿaraḍun mith'luhu yakhudhūhu alam yu'khadh ʿalayhim mīthāqu l-kitābi an lā yaqūlū ʿalā l-lahi illā l-ḥaqa wadarasū mā fīhi wal-dāru l-ākhiratu khayrun lilladhīna yattaqūna afalā taʿqilūn
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Then succeeded from after them successors (who) inherited the Book taking goods (of) this the lower (life) and they say, "It will be forgiven for us." And if comes to them goods similar to it they will take it. Was not taken on them Covenant (of) the Book that not they will say about Allah except the truth while they studied what (is) in it? And the home (of) the Hereafter (is) better for those who fear Allah. So will not you use intellect?

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
And they have been succeeded by [new] generations who - [in spite of] having inherited the divine writ-clutch but at the fleeting good of this lower world and say, "We shall be forgiven, the while they are ready, if another such fleeting good should come their way, to clutch at it [and sin again]. Have they not been solemnly pledged through the divine writ not to attribute unto God aught but what is true, and [have they not] read again and again all that is therein? Since the life in the hereafter is the better [of the two] for all who are conscious of God -will you not, then, use your reason
M. M. Pickthall   
And a generation hath succeeded them who inherited the scriptures. They grasp the goods of this low life (as the price of evil-doing) and say: It will be forgiven us. And if there came to them (again) the offer of the like, they would accept it (and would sin again). Hath not the covenant of the Scripture been taken on their behalf that they should not speak aught concerning Allah save the truth? And they have studied that which is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better, for those who ward off (evil). Have ye then no sense
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
After them succeeded an (evil) generation: They inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the vanities of this world, saying (for excuse): "(Everything) will be forgiven us." (Even so), if similar vanities came their way, they would (again) seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to Allah anything but the truth? and they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in the Hereafter. Will ye not understand
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Then they were succeeded by other generations who inherited the Scripture. They indulged in unlawful gains, claiming, “We will be forgiven ˹after all˺.” And if similar gain came their way, they would seize it. Was a covenant not taken from them in the Scripture that they would not say anything about Allah except the truth? And they were already well-versed in its teachings. But the ˹eternal˺ Home of the Hereafter is far better for those mindful ˹of Allah˺. Will you not then understand?
Safi Kaskas   
They have been succeeded by generations who, [in spite of] having inherited the Book, hold onto the momentary treasures of this world [in preference to the Hereafter] and say, "We will be forgiven". Yet if the same opportunity comes around again they will take it. Didn't they make a commitment based on the Book, not to say anything about God that was not the Truth and [haven't they] studied its contents well? Since the life in the Hereafter is the better [of the two] for all who are mindful of God, will you not use your common sense?
Wahiduddin Khan   
They were succeeded by generations who inherited the Scripture and took to the fleeting gains of this world, saying, We shall certainly be forgiven. If there came to them similar fleeting gains again, they would take them. Was a pledge not taken from them, written in the Scripture, that they would not say anything but the truth about God? And they have studied whatever is in it. Surely the Home of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Him. Will you not understand
Shakir   
Then there came after them an evil posterity who inherited the Book, taking only the frail good of this low life and saying: It will be forgiven us. And if the like good came to them, they would take it (too). Was not a promise taken from them in the Book that they would not speak anything about Allah but the truth, and they have read what is in it; and the abode of the hereafter is better for those who guard (against evil). Do you not then understand
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
Then, after that succeeded successors who inherited the Book. They take advantage of this nearer world, and they say: We will be forgiven. And if an advantage approaches them like it, they will take it. Is not a solemn promise taken from them with the Book that they would say about God only The Truth? And studied they not what is in it, and know that the Last Abode is better for those who are Godfearing? Will you not, then, be reasonable?
T.B.Irving   
Successors replaced them afterward who inherited the Book, taking on the show of this lowly place and saying: ´It will be forgiven us.´ If a show like it were give them (again), they would accept it. Was not an agreement concerning the Book accepted by them: that they would tell nothing but the Truth about God? They studied what was in it. A home in the Hereafter is better for those who do their duty - do they not use their reason?
Abdul Hye   
Then after them evil successors succeeded who inherited the book, but they chose goods of this low life (evil pleasures of the world) saying (as excuse): “We shall be forgiven.” If similar offer (evil pleasures of the world) comes to them, they would again seize them. Was not the covenant of the book taken on them that they would not say about Allah anything but the truth? And they have studied what is in it. Abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Then don’t you understand?
The Study Quran   
Then a generation succeeded them who inherited the Book. They grasp the ephemeralities of this lower world and say, “It will be forgiven us.” And if other ephemeralities like them were to come their way, they would grasp them [also]. Did not the covenant of the Book commit them to say naught of God save the truth? They have studied what is in it. And the Abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are reverent. Will you not understand
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
After them, succeeded generations who inherited the Scripture, they chose the fleeting pleasures of this world, saying, “We will be forgiven.” And if similar pleasures came their way, they would again seize them. Weren’t they bound by a covenant to uphold the Scripture and to speak nothing but the truth about God? Didn’t they study what was in it? The home of the Hereafter is better for the righteous. Don’t you understand?
Talal Itani (2012)   
They were succeeded by generations who inherited the Scripture and chose the materials of this world, saying, 'We will be forgiven.' And should similar materials come their way, they would again seize them. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the Scripture, and to not say about God except the truth? Did they not study its contents? But the Home of the Hereafter is better for the cautious; will you not understand
Dr. Kamal Omar   
Then succeeded after them a generation: they inherited Al-Kitab. They collect and patronise the paltry goods of this immediate world and they say: “Soon it shall be forgiven to us.” And if (there) come to them the paltry goods similar to it (again and again), they collect and patronise it (repeatedly). Was not the covenant from Al-Kitab imposed on them that they must not say about Allah except Al-Haqq and they have studied what is in it (i.e., in Al-Kitab)? And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who pay obedience (to Allah). Will you not then understand
M. Farook Malik   
Then they were succeeded by an evil generation who inherited the Book; they indulged in the vanities of this nether life, saying: "We expect to be forgiven" assuming that they are favorites of Allah and somehow He will spare them. Yet if similar vanities come their way they would again seize them. Was not a covenant taken from them in the Book that they would not speak anything about Allah except the truth? And they have studied what is in the Book. Best for the righteous is the home of the hereafter, don’t you understand
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Then there succeeded even after them a succession who inherited the Book, taking the advantage of this meaner (life), and saying, "Soon it will be forgiven us." And in case an advantage, the like of it, comes up to them, they will take it. Has not the compact of the Book been taken upon them, that they should say nothing concerning Allah except the truth? And they studied what is in it; and the Last Residence is most charitable for the ones who are pious. Then do you not consider (that?.
Muhammad Sarwar   
Their descendants who inherited the Book gained (by bribery only) worthless things from the worldly life saying, "We shall be forgiven (for what we have done). They would have even doubled such gains if they could have received more. Did they not make a covenant (with God) in the Book not to speak any thing other than the Truth about God and to study its contents well? The life hereafter is much better for the pious ones. Will you not then think
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
Then, after them, came a generation that inherited the Book, opting for the mundane stuff of this world and saying, .We shall be forgiven. But if there comes to them similar stuff, they would opt for it (again). Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them that they should not say anything but the truth about Allah? They learnt what it contained. Certainly, the Last Abode is better for those who fear Allah. Have you then, no sense
Shabbir Ahmed   
But, the succeeding generations that inherited the Scripture, did no better. They became more materialistic, falling for instant gains. Yet, they insist, "We will be forgiven," and won't have to account for it. And they keep longing for material gains. Didn't they promise to uphold the Scripture, and not to say about God but the Truth? And they have studied the Commands in it! The long-term benefit and the abode of the Hereafter are better for those who deal justly with people and walk aright. Do you not use sense
Dr. Munir Munshey   
Then, the unworthy and evil generation succeeded them and inherited the scriptures. They chose the benefits of this lowly temporal world and said, "We would be forgiven all our sins." Yet, whenever the (chance to attain the) worldly gains of a similar kind came by, they grabbed it again. Hadn´t they made a covenant by the scriptures that they would not say anything about Allah except the truth? And they have studied the scriptures! The abode of the life-to-come is better for those who are righteous. Then, do you not understand
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
After them succeeded an (evil) generation: They took over the (holy) Book, but they chose the showy things of this world, saying (for excuse): "(Everything) will be forgiven for us." (Even then), when similar things came their way, they would (once again) grab them. Was the sacred Promise of the Book not taken from them, that they would not say about Allah anything but the truth? And that they would study what is in the Book? And best for the righteous is the home in the Hereafter. Will you not understand
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
And there followed them successors who inherited the Scripture [while] taking the commodities of this lower life and saying, "It will be forgiven for us." And if an offer like it comes to them, they will [again] take it. Was not the covenant of the Scripture taken from them that they would not say about Allah except the truth, and they studied what was in it? And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah , so will you not use reason
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
A generation came after them who inherited the Scripture, but they took the materialism of this world, which is lower; and they Say: "It will be forgiven for us." And if materialism again comes to them they take it; was not the covenant of the Scripture taken on them that they would only say the truth about God And they studied what was in it; but the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are aware. Do you not comprehen
Abdel Haleem   
and they were succeeded by generations who, although they inherited the Scripture, took the fleeting gains of this lower world, saying, ‘We shall be forgiven,’ and indeed taking them again if other such gains came their way. Was a pledge not taken from them, writ-ten in the Scripture, to say nothing but the truth about God? And they have studied its contents well. For those who are mindful of God, the Hereafter is better. ‘Why do you not use your reason?’
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
Then there succeeded them a posterity; they inherited the Book taking this near world's gear and saying surety it will be forgiven, And if there cometh unto them anot her gear like thereunto they shall take it. Hath there not lain upon them the bond of the Book that they shall not say of God aught but the truth? And they have read that which is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who fear. Understand then ye not
Ahmed Ali   
Then after them a new generation inherited the Book. They took to the things of this base world, and said: "We shall (surely) be forgiven this." Yet they will accept similar things if they came their way again. Had they not been covenanted in the Book to say nothing in the name of God but the truth? And they have read this in it. The abode of the life to come is better for those who fear God. Can they not comprehend
Aisha Bewley   
An evil generation has succeeded them, inheriting the Book, taking the goods of this lower world, and saying, ´We will be forgiven.´ But if similar goods come to them again they still take them. Has not a covenant been made with them in the Book, that they should only say the truth about Allah and have they not studied what is in it? The Final Abode is better for those who have taqwa. Will you not use your intellect?
Ali Ünal   
And there have succeeded after them new generations who inherited the Book, taking the gains of this low life (for which they sell it), and saying: "We will be forgiven." (Although by saying so they recognize what they do as a sin), if there comes to them the same sort of fleeting gains, they are ready to take them (instead of refraining). Was there not taken from them the promise concerning the Book that they should say of God nothing but the truth? and they (are people who) have studied and taught what is therein. But the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who keep from disobedience to God in reverence for Him and piety. Will you not, then, reason and understand
Ali Quli Qara'i   
Then they were succeeded by an evil posterity which inherited the Book: they grab the transitory gains of this lower world, and say, ‘It will be forgiven us.’ And if similar transitory gains were to come their way, they would grab them too. Was not the covenant of the Book taken with them that they shall not attribute anything to Allah except the truth? They have studied what is in it, and [know that] the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are Godwary. Do you not apply reason
Hamid S. Aziz   
But after them a generation succeeded them who inherited the Book (Scriptures)! They chose the vanities of this lower world, saying, "Everything will be forgiven us." But if similar vanities came to them again they would seize them too! Was the
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
Then successors followed after them who inherited the book, taking material of this world and saying: “It is going to be forgiven for us.” And if similar material comes to them, they take it (again). Was not the commitment of the book taken from them that they should not say anything from God except the truth, and they studied what is in it? The home of Hereafter is better for those who are cautious (of God). Do you not understand?
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
After them succeeded another generation. They inherited the Book, but they chose the vanities of the present saying, “For us, everything will be forgiven.” If similar vanities came their way, they would again seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from those who would not ascribe to God anything but the truth? And they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in the hereafter. Will you not then understand
Musharraf Hussain   
After them came a successor nation, who inherited the Book but practised only the easy parts of the Book’s teachings, saying, “We’ll be forgiven,” and if the like of it comes their way from a source other than the Book, they willingly take that too. Will they not be taken to task over the pledge in the Book to say nothing but the truth about Allah, given that they have studied whatever is in the Book? The home of the Hereafter is better for the mindful. Do you not understand
Maududi   
Then others succeeded them who inherited the scriptures, and yet kept themselves occupied in acquiring the goods of this world and kept saying: ´We shall be forgiven.´ And when there comes to them an opportunity for acquiring more of those goods, they seize it. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them that they would not ascribe to Allah anything but the truth? And they have read what is in the Book and know that the abode of the Hereafter is better for the God-fearing. Do you not understand
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
Then, a generation came after them who inherited the Book, but they opted for the materialism of that which is lower; and they say: "It will be forgiven for us." And they continue to opt for the materialism if it comes to them; was not the covenant of the Book taken on them that they would only say the truth about God, and they studied what was in it? And the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are aware. Do you not comprehend
Mohammad Shafi   
Then, there came after them a posterity that inherited the Book, taking what this worldly life offers and saying, "We will be forgiven!" And if a like offer came to them again, they would take it too! Was not a promise taken from them in the Book that they would not speak anything about Allah but the truth? And they have read what is there in it! And the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah. Don't you understand

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
Then after them came such degenerate successors who inherited the Book. They take the goods of this world and say, 'now we shall be for given'. And if more goods the like of them came to them, they would take them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they should say nothing concerning Allah but the truth, and they have read that? And undoubtedly, the last abode is better for the God-fearing. Have you then no wisdom?
Rashad Khalifa   
Subsequent to them, He substituted new generations who inherited the scripture. But they opted for the worldly life instead, saying, "We will be forgiven." But then they continued to opt for the materials of this world. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the scripture, and not to say about GOD except the truth? Did they not study the scripture? Certainly, the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who maintain righteousness. Do you not understand?
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
Then others succeeded them who inherited the Book and availed themselves of the vanities of this lower world, saying: 'It will be forgiven us. ' But if similar vanities came their way, they would again take them. Have they not taken the covenant of the Book, which they have studied, to tell nothing of Allah except what is true? Surely, the Everlasting Life is better for the cautious, do you not understand
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
Then after them came an evil posterity who inherited the Book, taking the trail goods of this low life and saying: It will be forgiven us. And if the like good came to them, they would take it (too). Was not a promise taken from them in the Book that they would not speak anything about Allah but the truth? And they study what is in it. And the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who keep their duty. Do you not then understand
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
So from after them succeeded/followed successions, they inherited The Book , they take/receive that enjoyable accessories/non-essentials/vanities the nearer , and they say: "(It) will be forgiven for us." And if enjoyable accessories/non-essentials/vanities similar/equal to it comes to them they take/receive it, was not The Book's promise/covenant being taken on (from) them, that they not say on God except the truth ? And they studied/memorized what is in it, and the home/house (of) the end (other life is) better/best , to those who fear and obey, so do you not reason/understand
Bijan Moeinian   
The generations after them inherited the Scripture, but they preferred the vanities of this low life and said: "God will forgive us (as they were considering themselves the favorites of the Lord)!" Now if they would have received another [shameful] proposal, they would not have hesitated in accepting it. Did they not make a solemn covenant that they will uphold the Scripture and say nothing but the truth about the Lord? They have studied the Scriptures and know that the Hereafter is much better for the righteous ones? Do they ever contemplate
Faridul Haque   
And after them in their place, came those unworthy successors who inherited the Books - they accept the goods of this world (as bribes) and say, "We shall soon be forgiven"; and if similar goods come to them again, they would accept it; was not the covenant taken from them in the Book, that they must not relate anything to Allah except the truth, and they have studied it? And indeed the abode of the Hereafter is better for the pious; so do you not have sense
Sher Ali   
Then there came after them an evil generation who inherited the Book. They take the paltry goods of this low world and say, `It will be forgiven us.' But if there came to them similar goods again, they would take them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not say of ALLAH anything but the truth? And they have studied what is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Will you not then understand
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
Then after them a characterless people who inherited the Book succeeded (them). These (successors) take (as bribe) the wealth and riches of this base (world) and say: ‘Soon shall we be forgiven,’ whilst if more of similar riches come to them, they will take that too. Was the promise of the Book (of Allah) not taken from them that they would not say of Allah (anything) but the truth? And they had read (all) that was (written) in it. And the abode of the Hereafter is of greater value for those who adopt Godwariness. Do you not understand
Amatul Rahman Omar   
Then there succeeded them an evil generation who having inherited the Scripture (of Moses), go on taking the paltry goods of this base (life) and say, `We shall surely be protected.' And if the like of these goods (again) come their way, they will take them (and sin persistently). Were they not bound to the covenant mentioned in the Scripture that they would not say of Allah anything but the truth? And they have read for themselves what it (- the Scripture) contains. And the abode of the Hereafter is better only for those who become secure against evil. Have you then no sense
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
Then after them succeeded an (evil) generation, which inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life (evil pleasures of this world) saying (as an excuse): "(Everything) will be forgiven to us." And if (again) the offer of the like (evil pleasures of this world) came their way, they would (again) seize them (would commit those sins). Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them that they would not say about Allah anything but the truth? And they have studied what is in it (the Book). And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious - see V.2:2). Do not you then understand

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
And there succeeded after them a succession who inherited the Book, taking the chance goods of this lower world, and saying, 'It will be forgiven us'; and if chance goods the like of them come to them, they will take them. Has not the compact of the Book been taken touching them, that they should say concerning God nothing but the truth? And they have studied what is in it; and the Last Abode is better for those who are godfearing. Do you not understand
George Sale   
Then there came after them an evil generation who inherited the Book. They take the paltry goods of this low world and say, 'It will be forgiven us.' But if there came to them similar goods again, they would take them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not say of God anything but the truth? And they have studied what is therein. And the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Will you not then understand
Edward Henry Palmer   
But there succeeded them successors who inherited the Book! They take the goods of this lower world and say, 'It will be forgiven us.' But if the like goods came to them they would take them too! Was there not taken from them a covenant by the Book, that they should not say against God aught but the truth? Yet they study therein! But the abode of the future life is better for those who fear - do ye not then understand
John Medows Rodwell   
And they have had successors to succeed them: they have inherited the Book: they have received the passing good things of this lower world, and say, "It will be forgiven us." Yet if the like good things came to them again, they would again receive them. But hath there not been received on their part a covenant through the Scripture that they should speak nought of God but the truth? And yet they study its contents. But the mansion of the next world hath more value for those who fear God - Do ye not then comprehend?
N J Dawood (2014)   
Then others succeeded them who inherited the Book and took to these nether vanities. ‘We shall be forgiven,‘ they said. And if such vanities came their way once more, they would again take to them. Are they not committed in the Book to tell nothing of God but what is true? And they have studied it well; surely the world to come is better for those that fear God. Have you no sense

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
So after them came the evil successors who inherited the book, they grab onto the fleeting gain of this world and they say [in excuse] “It will be forgiven for us” But if similar fleeting gain comes their way they will grab it again. Was not the covenant of the book taken from them that they will not attribute to Allah except the truth? and they did study all that is in it. And the home of the hereafter is better for those who revere Allah. Will you not then understand?
Munir Mezyed   
Then there came after them an (evil) posterity who inherited the Scripture. They chose to take the transient things of this wordily life, saying: "We will be forgiven." But if it happened that similar transient things were to come to them again, they would decide to adopt them. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the Scripture, that they would not attribute to Allâh anything except for the truth? Did they not study the Scripture? The abode of the Hereafter is better for those who act piously. Don't you have conscious thoughts at least in this sense?
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
Then there were descendants after them who inherited the book; they take from the availability of this lesser world and say: we will be forgiven. And when a similar availability reaches them, they take it. Was not the promise of the book taken from them that they should not say anything about Allah except the truth, and they studied what it contained? And the abode of the hereafter is better for those who beware (of Allah) - don´t you think?
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
After them another generation came. They inherited the (Bible), but they preferred the vanities of this world. They said, “We will be forgiven.” Whenever similar vanities came their way, they would seize them. Was a promise not taken from them in the (Bible) that they would not ascribe to Allah anything but the truth? They studied what is in (the Bible). The home of the hereafter is best for the righteous. Why won’t they understand?
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
Thus they were succeeded by generations who inherited the Scripture while seizing the materials of this lower (world), and saying, “We will be forgiven.” And should similar materials come their way, they would again seize them. Was not the pledge of the Scripture taken by them, to say nothing about Allah but the truth? Did they not study its contents? But the Home of the Hereafter is better for the mindfulpl (of God). Will you not reason?
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
Successors replaced them afterward who inherited the Book (the Bible), taking on the show of this lowly place and saying: 'It will be forgiven us.' If a show like it were give them (again), they would accept it. Was not an agreement concerning the Book (the Bible) accepted by them: that they would tell nothing but the Truth about Allah (God)? They studied what was in it. A home in the Hereafter is better for those who do their duty - do they not use their reason?
Samy Mahdy   
So, they were succeeded by successors after those who inherited the Book take this lower life goods offer , saying, “It will be forgiven for us.” And if a similar offer came to them, they would take it. Was not the book’s charter taken upon them that they would not say about Allah except the right, and they studied what was in it? And the Hereafter Home is better for those who show the piety of Allah, so will you not be reasoning?
Sayyid Qutb   
They were succeeded by generations who inherited the Book. Yet these are keen to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of this lower world and say, “We shall be forgiven.” Should some similar pleasures come their way, they would certainly be keen to indulge them. Have they not solemnly pledged through their Scriptures to say nothing but the truth about God? And have they not studied well what is in [the Scriptures]? Surely the life in the hereafter is better for all who are God-fearing. Will you not use your reason?
Ahmed Hulusi   
And following them were new generations who inherited the knowledge of the reality... They were living to attain the wealth of this base worldly life and were claiming, “We will be forgiven anyhow.” If they were offered an equal amount of worldly goods, they would have taken that too... Was a covenant not taken from them that they would not say things about Allah not based on the Truth? Did they not take a lesson from it and study what is in it? The eternal life to come is better for the protected ones... Will you not use your reason?
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
Then there succeeded after them (an evil) posterity (who) inherited the Book (Turah) , taking the transitory goods of this lower world, and saying: ' It will be forgiven us '. And if similar transitory goods were to come to them (again) , they would take them, too. Was not the covenant of the Book taken with them that they should not attribute anything to Allah except the truth? And they have studied what is in it, while the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who keep from evil.Have you then no sense ?
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
Then, there came their successors on whom the weight of AL-Tawrah had devolved and the responsibility of subscribing to its precept had fallen. Yet they chose to go by the world and its vanities, and unmerited forgiveness haunted their imagination; They said: "We will be forgiven our iniquities", and in vanity they wasted their days. Every opportunity favourable to a wicked end or purpose gave them occasion to a burst of merriment. Do they not recall to the mind that they did subscribe to the covenant Allah had revealed in AL-Tawrah which they have carefully studied; the covenant forbidding them to relate to Allah but the truth and emphasizing that the Hereafter is infinitely far better and more advantageous to those who entertain the profound reverence dutiful to Allah. Can you - people- not reflect
Mir Aneesuddin   
Then successors who succeeded after them inherited the book, they accepted the apparent good of this low (life) and said, "We will be forgiven." And if a similar apparent good (again) comes to them they would accept it. Was not a pledge taken from them (through) the book, that they should not say anything about Allah except the truth? And they read that which is in the (book). And the home of the hereafter is better for those who guard (against evil). Will you not then understand?

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
After them succeeded an (evil) generation: They inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the vanities of this world, saying (for excuse): "(Everything) will be forgiven us." (Even so), if similar vanities came their way, they would (again) seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to God anything but the truth? and they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in the Hereafter. Will ye not understand
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Then succeeded [after] them successors (who) inherited the Book taking goods (of) this the lower (life) and they say, "It will be forgiven for us." And if comes to them goods similar to it they will take it. Was not taken on them Covenant (of) the Book that not they will say about Allah except the truth while they studied what (is) in it? And the home (of) the Hereafter (is) better for those who consciously revere Allah. So will not you use intellect
OLD Transliteration   
Fakhalafa min baAAdihim khalfun warithoo alkitaba ya/khuthoona AAarada hatha al-adna wayaqooloona sayughfaru lana wa-in ya/tihim AAaradun mithluhu ya/khuthoohu alam yu/khath AAalayhim meethaqu alkitabi an la yaqooloo AAala Allahi illa alhaqqa wadarasoo ma feehi waalddaru al-akhiratu khayrun lillatheena yattaqoona afala taAAqiloona