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Muhammad Asad   
Thus it will be more likely that people will offer testimony in accordance with the truth-or else they will [have cause to] fear that their oaths will be refuted by the oaths of others. Be, then, conscious of God, and hearken [unto Him]: for God does not bestow His guidance upon iniquitous folk
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
In this way it is more likely that witnesses will give true testimony or else fear that their oaths could be refuted by those of the heirs. Be mindful of Allah and obey. For Allah does not guide the rebellious people.
Safi Kaskas   
It will be more likely that people will offer the truth in their testimony because they will be afraid that others might refute their oaths. Remain mindful of God and listen. God does not guide those who are defiantly disobedient.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَن يَأْتُوا بِالشَّهَادَةِ عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهَا أَوْ يَخَافُوا أَن تُرَدَّ أَيْمَانٌ بَعْدَ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاسْمَعُوا وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِين
Transliteration (2021)   
dhālika adnā an yatū bil-shahādati ʿalā wajhihā aw yakhāfū an turadda aymānun baʿda aymānihim wa-ittaqū l-laha wa-is'maʿū wal-lahu lā yahdī l-qawma l-fāsiqīn
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
That (is) closer that they will give the testimony in its (true) form or they would fear that will be refuted their oaths after their (others) oaths. And fear Allah and listen; and Allah (does) not guide the people, defiantly disobedient ,

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
Thus it will be more likely that people will offer testimony in accordance with the truth-or else they will [have cause to] fear that their oaths will be refuted by the oaths of others. Be, then, conscious of God, and hearken [unto Him]: for God does not bestow His guidance upon iniquitous folk
M. M. Pickthall   
Thus it is more likely that they will bear true witness or fear that after their oaths the oaths (of others) will be taken. So be mindful of your duty (to Allah) and hearken. Allah guideth not the froward folk
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
That is most suitable: that they may give the evidence in its true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths would be taken after their oaths. But fear Allah, and listen (to His counsel): for Allah guideth not a rebellious people
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
In this way it is more likely that witnesses will give true testimony or else fear that their oaths could be refuted by those of the heirs. Be mindful of Allah and obey. For Allah does not guide the rebellious people.
Safi Kaskas   
It will be more likely that people will offer the truth in their testimony because they will be afraid that others might refute their oaths. Remain mindful of God and listen. God does not guide those who are defiantly disobedient.
Wahiduddin Khan   
That makes it more likely that people will bear true witness, or else they will fear that their oaths will be contradicted by the oaths of others. Heed God and listen; God does not guide a rebellious, disobedient people
Shakir   
This is more proper in order that they should give testimony truly or fear that other oaths be given after their oaths; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, and hear; and Allah does not guide the transgressing people
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
That is likelier that they bring testimony in proper form or they fear that their oaths will be repelled after the others’ oaths. So be Godfearing of God and hear. And God guides not the folk, the ones who disobey.
T.B.Irving   
That is more appropriate for you in order to secure testimony at its face value, or for them to fear you may check back by means of [fresh] oaths following their own oaths [now]. Heed God and listen; God does not guide immoral folk.
Abdul Hye   
That is closer that they give evidence in its true nature or they fear that their oaths will be disproved after others’ oaths. So fear Allah and listen. And Allah does not guide those who are disobedient transgressors.
The Study Quran   
Thus it is more likely that they will bear true witness, or fear that their oaths will be countered by oaths thereafter. And reverence God and listen. God guides not iniquitous people
Dr. Kamal Omar   
This prescribed procedure is more positive that they shall come with testimony in its true perspective; else they would fear that (other) oaths would be sought for after their oaths. And pay obedience to Allah and listen. And Allah does not guide a nation of Al-Fasiqun
Farook Malik   
By this procedure, it is more likely that they will bear true witness or at least fear that their oaths could be contradicted by subsequent oaths. Have fear of Allah and listen; Allah does not guide to those who are disobedient transgressors.
Talal A. Itani (new translation)   
That makes it more likely that they will give true testimony, fearing that their oaths might be contradicted by subsequent oaths. So fear God, and listen. God does not guide the disobedient people
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
So, it is likelier that they will bear testimony in proper form (Literally: come up with the testimony at its "proper" face) or fear that after their (other) oaths may be turned back to. And be pious to Allah and give ear (obediently); and Allah does not guide the immoral people
Muhammad Sarwar   
This will help preserve a proper testimony because the witness will be afraid of the denial of their own testimony by a second pair of witness. Have fear of God and listen (properly). God does not guide the evil doing people
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
Thus, it is more likely that the former people (i.e. the executors of the bequest) will bear witness in its proper way, or they will fear that oaths will be taken in rebuttal of their oaths. Fear Allah and listen. Allah does not lead sinning people to the right path
Shabbir Ahmed   
This procedure will encourage an honest testimony to begin with. The first witnesses will be more likely to bear true witness fearing that after their oath, the oath of others might be taken. Be mindful of Allah's Laws, and listen. Allah does not guide those who decide to drift away from the Straight Path
Dr. Munir Munshey   
That way, it is more likely that they will bear witness (properly and truthfully) as they should. They will fear that sworn testimony of others might contradict their own sworn testimony. Fear Allah and listen (carefully)! Allah does not guide the evil disobedient nation
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
That is most suitable: That they may give evidence in its true nature and shape, (and in its true meaning) or else they would fear that other statements would be taken after their statements. And fear Allah, and listen (with sincerity to His Word): For Allah does not guide people who are rebellious
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
That is more likely that they will give testimony according to its [true] objective, or [at least] they would fear that [other] oaths might be taken after their oaths. And fear Allah and listen; and Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
This is best so that they would bring the testimony on its face value, for fear that their oaths would be discarded after being made. And be aware of God, and listen; God does not guide the wicked people
Abdel Haleem   
that will make it more likely they will give true and proper testimony, or fear that their oaths might be refuted by others afterwards. Be mindful of God and listen; God does not guide those who break His laws
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
That shall make it more likely that they shall produce the testimony according to the fact thereof or they shall fear that other oaths would be admitted after their oaths. And fear Allah and hearken; and Allah guideth not a transgressing people
Ahmed Ali   
It is thus likely that men will bear witness rightly, or else fear that their oaths may be disproved by oaths given after them. So fear God, and do not forget that God does not guide the iniquitous
Aisha Bewley   
That makes it more likely that they will give their evidence properly or be afraid that their oaths will be refuted by subsequent oaths. Have taqwa of Allah and listen carefully. Allah does not guide deviant people.
Ali Ünal   
That (way) it is more likely that people will offer correct testimony or else they will (at least) fear that their oaths will be rebutted by other oaths. Keep from disobedience to God in reverence for Him and piety and pay heed (to His commandments). God does not guide people of transgression
Ali Quli Qara'i   
That makes it likelier that they give the testimony in its genuine form, or fear that other oaths will be taken after their oaths. Be wary of Allah and listen, and Allah does not guide the transgressing lot
Hamid S. Aziz   
Thus is it more likely that they will bear true testimony according to its purport; else must they fear lest an oath be given to rebut their own oath. So let them be mindful of their duty to Allah and listen, for Allah guides not the people who do evil
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
That is more likely that they give the testimony correctly or they fear that their oaths will be disproved after other oaths. And be cautious of God and listen. And God does not guide the disobedient people
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
That is most suitable, that they may give the evidence in its true form, or else they should fear that other testimonies would be taken over their testimony. So be conscious of God, and listen, for God does not guide a rebellious people
Musharraf Hussain   
It’s more fitting they produce their testimony in this way or stand in fear that the previous oaths be upheld after they had pronounced their oaths. Be mindful of Allah and listen carefully. Allah does not guide the disobedient
Maududi   
Thus it is more likely that they will either bear the right testimony or else they will at least fear that their oaths may be rebutted by other oaths. Have fear of Allah and pay heed. Allah does not direct the disobedient to the right way
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
This is best as they are more likely to bring the testimony as intended, or face that their oaths would be disregarded as the previous oaths. And be aware of God, and listen; God does not guide the wicked people.
Mohammad Shafi   
That should make the testimony more transparent. Or else, they may fear rejection of other testimonies after theirs. And fear Allah and listen. And Allah does not guide the transgressing people

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
It is nearer that they may give the evidence as it should be or fear that some oaths may be rebutted after their oaths. And fear Allah and listen to His commands. And Allah gives not the way to the dis-obedients.
Rashad Khalifa   
This is more apt to encourage an honest testimony on their part, fearing that their oath may be disregarded like that of the previous witnesses. You shall observe GOD and listen. GOD does not guide the wicked.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
So it is likelier that they will bear testimony in proper form, or else they will be afraid that oaths may be rejected after their oaths. Fear Allah, and listen; Allah does not guide the people of the evildoers
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
Thus it is more probable that they will give true testimony or fear that other oaths will be taken after their oaths. And keep your duty to Allah and hearken. And Allah guides not the transgressing people
Muhammad Ahmed - Samira   
That (is) nearer that they come with the testimony/certification on its face/direction , or they fear that oaths be returned after their oaths, and fear and obey God and hear/listen, and God does not guide the nation the debauchers
Bijan Moeinian   
It is expected that in this manner the people will say the whole truth for the fear of their reputation being at stake as it may be challenged by the others’ testimonies. Fear the Lord and listen to Him. Know that the Lord will not guide the corrupt people
Faridul Haque   
This is more suitable than their bearing testimony as they wish or fear that some oaths may be made void, after their taking oath; so fear Allah and heed the commands; and Allah does not guide the disobedient
Sher Ali   
Thus it is more likely that they will give evidence according to facts or that they will fear that other oaths will be taken after their oaths. And fear ALLAH and hearken. And ALLAH guides not the disobedient people
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
This (method) is closer to the mode of making people give their evidence true to the facts, or they feel afraid that (in the case of false testimony,) following their oaths, (equally solemn) oaths will be turned (towards closer heirs). So fear Allah with perseverance and always listen (attentively to the commandments of Allah). And Allah does not guide the people who disobey and defy
Amatul Rahman Omar   
This way is more likely to ensure that they (-the witnesses) will give the testimony in its true form and nature or atleast they will be afraid that other oaths will be taken after their oaths (to counter them). Therefore take Allah as a shield and listen (to Him) for Allah guides not the disobedient people to the way of success
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
That should make it closer (to the fact) that their testimony would be in its true nature and shape (and thus accepted), or else they would fear that (other) oaths would be admitted after their oaths. And fear Allah and listen ( with obedience to Him). And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqoon (the rebellious and disobedient)

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
So it is likelier that they will bear testimony in proper form, or else they will be afraid that after their oaths, oaths may be rebutted. Fear God, and hearken; God guides not the people of the ungodly
George Sale   
Thus it is more likely that they will give evidence according to facts or that they will fear that other oaths will be taken after their oaths. And fear God and hearken. And God guides not the disobedient people
Edward Henry Palmer   
thus is it easier for men to bear testimony according to the purport thereof, else must they fear lest an oath be given to rebut their own oath; but let them fear God and listen, for God guides not the people who do ill
John Medows Rodwell   
Thus will it be easier for men to bear a true witness, or fear lest after their oath another oath be given. Therefore fear God and hearken; for God guideth not the perverse
N J Dawood (2014)   
Thus will they be more likely to bear true witness or to fear that the oaths of others may contradict theirs. Fear God and be attentive. God does not guide the ungodly

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
This [course of action] will make it more likely that people will offer honest testimony. Otherwise, they will fear that their oaths will be refuted by the oaths of others. Fear Allah and listen [to His counsel]. Allah does not guide rebellious people.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
That is more appropriate for you in order to secure testimony at its face value, or for them to fear you may check back by means of [fresh] oaths following their own oaths [now]. Heed Allah (God) and listen; Allah (God) does not guide immoral folk.
Sayyid Qutb   
Thus it will be more likely that people will offer testimony in accordance with the truth; or else they will fear that the oaths of others may be taken after their oaths. Have fear of God and hearken [to Him]. God does not guide those who are iniquitous.
Ahmed Hulusi   
This makes it more likely that people will bear true witness upon His face (in the name of Allah) and bring a solution to their (perjurers’) fear that their testimony will be rejected after they bear witness... Protect yourselves from Allah and perceive! Allah does not guide people who are corrupt (in faith) to the reality!
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
This (style) is more proper that they give testimony truely, or fear that other oaths be given after their oaths. And be in awe of Allah and hearken (His commandments) , and Allah does not guide the transgressing people
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim   
This prudent course of action is less likely to make the witnesses depart from moral righteousness; it will induce them to honesty lest their testimony be rejected and be replaced by others. Therefore, keep you people Allah in mind and entertain the profound reverence dutiful to Him; Allah does not guide to His path of righteousness those who are given to evil
Mir Aneesuddin   
(If this procedure is followed) it is more likely that they (first set of two witnesses) will come out with evidence as it really appears to be, or (else) they will fear that other oaths will be taken after their oaths; and fear Allah and listen, and Allah does not guide a people who are transgressors.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
That is most suitable: that they may give the evidence in its true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths would be taken after their oaths. But fear God, and listen (to His counsel): for God guideth not a rebellious people
OLD Literal Word for Word   
That (is) closer that they will give the testimony in its (true) form or they would fear that will be refuted their oaths after their (others) oaths. And consciously revere Allah and listen; and Allah (does) not guide the defiantly disobedient peo