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Popular and/or Featured Works
Muhammad Asad   
[Whenever] He sends down water from the sky, and [once-dry] river-beds are running high according to their measure, the stream carries scum on its surface; and, likewise, from that [metal] which they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, [there rises] scum. In this way does God set forth the parable of truth and falsehood: for, as far as the scum is concerned, it passes away as [does all] dross; but that which is of benefit to man abides on earth. In this way does God set forth the parable
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
He sends down rain from the sky, causing the valleys to flow, each according to its capacity. The currents then carry along rising foam, similar to the slag produced from metal that people melt in the fire for ornaments or tools. This is how Allah compares truth to falsehood. The ˹worthless˺ residue is then cast away, but what benefits people remains on the earth. This is how Allah sets forth parables.
Safi Kaskas   
He sends rain down from the sky and watercourses flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries rising foam-like the foam that appears when people melt metal with fire to make ornaments or utensils. Thus God depicts Truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off, but that which benefits human beings remains behind. In this way God presents analogies.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَاۤءِ مَاۤءࣰ فَسَالَتۡ أَوۡدِیَةُۢ بِقَدَرِهَا فَٱحۡتَمَلَ ٱلسَّیۡلُ زَبَدࣰا رَّابِیࣰاۖ وَمِمَّا یُوقِدُونَ عَلَیۡهِ فِی ٱلنَّارِ ٱبۡتِغَاۤءَ حِلۡیَةٍ أَوۡ مَتَـٰعࣲ زَبَدࣱ مِّثۡلُهُۥۚ كَذَ ٰلِكَ یَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡحَقَّ وَٱلۡبَـٰطِلَۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلزَّبَدُ فَیَذۡهَبُ جُفَاۤءࣰۖ وَأَمَّا مَا یَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ فَیَمۡكُثُ فِی ٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ كَذَ ٰلِكَ یَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ ۝١٧
Transliteration (2021)   
anzala mina l-samāi māan fasālat awdiyatun biqadarihā fa-iḥ'tamala l-saylu zabadan rābiyan wamimmā yūqidūna ʿalayhi fī l-nāri ib'tighāa ḥil'yatin aw matāʿin zabadun mith'luhu kadhālika yaḍribu l-lahu l-ḥaqa wal-bāṭila fa-ammā l-zabadu fayadhhabu jufāan wa-ammā mā yanfaʿu l-nāsa fayamkuthu fī l-arḍi kadhālika yaḍribu l-lahu l-amthāl
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
He sends down from the sky water and flows the valleys according to their measure, and carries the torrent a foam rising. And from what they heat [on] it in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, a foam like it. Thus sets forth Allah the truth and the falsehood. Then as for the foam it passes away (as) scum, and as for what benefits the mankind, remains in the earth. Thus sets forth Allah the examples.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
[Whenever] He sends down water from the sky, and [once-dry] river-beds are running high according to their measure, the stream carries scum on its surface; and, likewise, from that [metal] which they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, [there rises] scum. In this way does God set forth the parable of truth and falsehood: for, as far as the scum is concerned, it passes away as [does all] dross; but that which is of benefit to man abides on earth. In this way does God set forth the parable
M. M. Pickthall   
He sendeth down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood beareth (on its surface) swelling foam - from that which they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments and tools riseth a foam like unto it - thus Allah coineth (the similitude of) the true and the false. Then, as for the foam, it passeth away as scum upon the banks, while, as for that which is of use to mankind, it remaineth in the earth. Thus Allah coineth the similitudes
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure: But the torrent bears away to foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils therewith, there is a scum likewise. Thus doth Allah (by parables) show forth Truth and Vanity. For the scum disappears like froth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth Allah set forth parables
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
He sends down rain from the sky, causing the valleys to flow, each according to its capacity. The currents then carry along rising foam, similar to the slag produced from metal that people melt in the fire for ornaments or tools. This is how Allah compares truth to falsehood. The ˹worthless˺ residue is then cast away, but what benefits people remains on the earth. This is how Allah sets forth parables.
Safi Kaskas   
He sends rain down from the sky and watercourses flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries rising foam-like the foam that appears when people melt metal with fire to make ornaments or utensils. Thus God depicts Truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off, but that which benefits human beings remains behind. In this way God presents analogies.
Wahiduddin Khan   
He sends down water from the sky that fills riverbeds to overflowing, each according to its measure. The torrent carries along swelling foam, akin to what rises from smelted ore from which man makes ornaments and tools. God thus depicts truth and falsehood. The scum is cast away, but whatever is of use to man remains behind. God thus speaks in parables
Shakir   
He sends down water from the cloud, then watercourses flow (with water) according to their measure, and the torrent bears along the swelling foam, and from what they melt in the fire for the sake of making ornaments or apparatus arises a scum like it; thus does Allah compare truth and falsehood; then as for the scum, it passes away as a worthless thing; and as for that which profits the people, it tarries in the earth; thus does Allah set forth parables
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
He caused water to descend from heaven and it flowed into valleys according to their measure. Then, the flood bears away the froth. And from what they kindle in a fire, looking for glitter or sustenance, there is a froth the like of it. Thus, God compares The Truth and falsehood. Then, as for the froth, it goes as swelling scum while what profits humanity abides on the earth. Thus, God propounds parables.
T.B.Irving   
He sends down water from the sky so that river valleys flow according to how much there is. The torrent carries along swelling foam, foam just like what comes out of fire they have kindled to smelt jewelry or some equipment with. Even so God knocks Truth and falsehood together [to compare them]. As for the foam, the scum will go away; while whatever benefits mankind lingers on in the earth, Thus God compares things with one another.
Abdul Hye   
He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and also from that ore they heat it in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, raises foam like to it. Thus Allah does set forth examples of truth and falsehood. As for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which benefits mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth examples.
The Study Quran   
He sends down water from the sky, so that the riverbeds flow according to their measure and the torrent carries a swelling froth; and from that which they kindle in the fire, seeking ornament or pleasure, is a froth like unto it. Thus does God set forth truth and falsehood. As for the froth, it passes away as dross. And as for that which benefits mankind, it remains on the earth. Thus does God set forth parables
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
He sends down water from the sky, and valleys flow according to their capacity. The torrent carries overflowing foam, akin to what emerges from metals when melted for crafting jewelry and tools. Thus, God illustrates truth and falsehood. The foam dissipates, but what benefits humanity remains on earth. Thus, God presents parables.
Talal Itani (2012)   
He sends down water from the sky, and riverbeds flow according to their capacity. The current carries swelling froth. And from what they heat in fire of ornaments or utensils comes a similar froth. Thus God exemplifies truth and falsehood. As for the froth, it is swept away, but what benefits the people remains in the ground. Thus God presents the analogies
Dr. Kamal Omar   
He sent down water from the direction of the sky, then the valleys overflowed according to their capacity.Then the flowing gush of water held the foam that rises up; and (also) from that (ore which) people subject to heat in the fire seehead of state ornaments or (other) possessions (comes out) a foam similar to it. Thus Allah illustrates the truth and the falsehood. Then as to the useless foam, it disappears out as scum (along the banks), while as to that which benefits mankind, it settles down on the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables
M. Farook Malik   
He sends down water from the skies and each channel starts flowing according to its measure, and then the torrent bears a swelling foam - like the scum which appears from metal which are melted in the furnace for making ornaments and utensils. By such examples Allah depicts truth and falsehood. As for the scum, it is thrown away, being worthless, but that which is useful for the mankind remains behind on the earth. In this way Allah cites examples to make His message clear
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
He sends down from the heaven water so that valleys flow, each to its determined (course), so that the flood carries away (on its surface) a swelling scum. And from that on which they kindle fire (i.e., or) seeking (to make) ornaments or belongings, out of that there is a scum like it. Thus Allah strikes the Truth and the untruth. So, as for the scum, then it goes away as jetsam (i.e., vanishes as useless) and as for whatever profits mankind, then it stays in the earth. Thus Allah strikes the similitudes
Muhammad Sarwar   
When God sends down water from the sky and floods run through the valleys, certain quantities of foam rise on the surface of the flood water. This is similar to that foam which rises when you expose something to the heat of a fire to manufacture ornaments or for other reasons. To God Truth and falsehood are like these examples. The foam disappears but what is profitable to the human being stays in the land. Thus, does God coin His parables
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
He sent down water from the heavens, so the canals flowed according to their capacity, and the flood carried bulging scum. And a similar scum comes up from what they melt in the fire to obtain ornaments or other objects. This is how Allah depicts the truth and the untruth. As for the scum, it goes to be thrown away, while that which benefits people remains on the earth. This is how Allah brings out the parables
Shabbir Ahmed   
He sends down water from the height causing the riverbeds to flow according to their measure, and the flood bears on its surface swelling foam. And, when they use fire to refine metals for their jewelry or equipment, foam is produced like it. In this way Allah is citing for you the example of the Truth and the Falsehood. For, as far as the foam is concerned, it passes away as scum upon the banks. While that which is of benefit to mankind, abides on earth. (The real existence on earth is of the person or the system that benefits humanity). This is how Allah uses analogies for you to understand
Dr. Munir Munshey   
The rainwater He sends down fills the drains to their capacity. The rushing water carries the froth on top. When purified over fire, the jewelry and other fineries also yield froth. Allah illustrates the truth and falsehood with these examples! The froth gets discarded, while that which is useful stays behind to serve the earth! In this manner Allah cites the parables
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the channels flow (with water), each by its measure: But the flood carries away (to clean) the foam that comes up to the surface. And like this, from the (ore) which they heat (to melt) in the fire, to make ornaments or pots (and pans) from it, also there is a scum (or foam). Thus Allah clearly shows forth truth and vanity for the scum disappears when it is thrown out; Whereas what remains is for the good of mankind on the earth. Thus Allah does set forth examples (parables)
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
He sends down from the sky, rain, and valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that [ore] which they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it. Thus Allah presents [the example of] truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah present examples
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
He sent down water from the sky, so valleys flowed according to their capacity, and the flood produces foam. And from what they burn to smelt jewellery or goods is produced a similar foam. It is in such a manor that God strikes the falsehood with the truth. As for the foam, it passes away, and as for what benefits mankind, it remains in the Earth. It is such that God cites the examples
Abdel Haleem   
He sends water from the sky that fills riverbeds to overflowing, each according to its measure. The stream carries on its surface a growing layer of froth, like the froth that appears when people melt metals in the fire to make ornaments and tools: in this way God illustrates truth and falsehood- the froth disappears, but what is of benefit to man stays behind- this is how God makes illustrations
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
He sendeth down water from the heaven, so that the valleys flow according to their measure; then the torrent beareth the scum on top, and from that over which they kindle a fire seeking ornament or goods- ariseth a scum like thereto: Thus doth Allah propound the truth and falsity. Then as for the scum, it departeth as rubbish, and as for that which benefiteth the mankind, it lasteth on the earth: Thus doth Allah propound the similitudes
Ahmed Ali   
He sends down water from the skies, which flows in channels according to their capacity, with the scum borne on the surface of the torrent, as rises the scum when metals are heated on the fire for making ornaments and household utensils. This is how God determines truth and falsehood. The scum disappears like the foam on the bank, and that which is useful to man remains on the earth. That is how God sets forth precepts of wisdom
Aisha Bewley   
He sends down water from the sky and river-beds fill up and flow according to their size, and the floodwater carries with it an increasing layer of scum; a similar kind of scum comes from what you heat up in the fire, when you desire to make jewellery or other things. That is how Allah depicts the true and the false. As for the scum, it is quickly swept away. But as for that which is of use to people, it remains behind in the ground. That is a metaphor which Allah has made
Ali Ünal   
He sends down water from the sky and the valleys flow (in abundance) each according to its measure, and the flood carries a swelling foam (on its surface). And out of what they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, there rises a scum like it. Thus does God strike a parable to illustrate truth and falsehood. For, as for the scum, it vanishes as does all dross, but that which is of use to people abides on earth. In this way does God strike parables
Ali Quli Qara'i   
He sends down water from the sky whereat the valleys are flooded to [the extent of] their capacity, and the flood carries along a swelling scum. And from what they smelt in the fire for the purpose of [making] ornaments or wares, [there arises] a similar scum. That is how Allah compares the truth and falsehood. As for the scum, it leaves as dross, and that which profits the people remains in the earth. That is how Allah draws comparisons
Hamid S. Aziz   
He sends down from the sky water, and the channels flow according to their measure, and the torrent bears away the foam that mounts to the surface. Even so from that which they heat in the fire (metal ore etc.), craving to make ornaments or utensils, com
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
He sends down water (rain) from the sky and it flows in the river valleys (riverbeds) according to their measure, then the current carries the foam that is built up (on its surface). And a similar foam (builds up) from what they melt in the fire to make ornaments or utensils. That is how God gives example of (compares) truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it goes away uselessly, but what benefits people stays on the earth. This is how God gives the examples.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
He sends down water from the skies. And the channels flow, each according to its measure. But the torrent washes away foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that which they heat in the fire to make ornaments or utensils, there is a scum likewise, similarly does God reveal truth and falsehood. For the scum disappears as froth cast out, while that which is for the good of humanity remains on the earth
Musharraf Hussain   
He brings rain from the sky that flood the valleys, as the flash flood flows carrying away the surface froth, and from the ores that blacksmiths smelt in the fire to make jewellery and tools, a similar froth appears. This is how Allah illustrates truth and falsehood. The froth is carried away like garbage, but the useful minerals remain in the Earth for people. This is how Allah gives examples.
Maududi   
Allah sends down water from the heavens and the river-beds flow, each according to its measure, and the torrent carries along a swelling scum. In like manner, from that metal which they smelt in the fire to make ornaments and utensils, there arises scum like it. Thus does Allah depict truth and falsehood. As for the scum, it passes away as dross; but that which benefits mankind abides on the earth. Thus does Allah explain (the truth) through examples
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
He sends down water from the sky, so valleys flow according to their capacity, and the flood produces foam. And from what they burn to smelt jewelry or goods is produced a similar foam. It is in such a manner that God strikes the falsehood with the truth. As for the foam, it passes away, and as for what benefits the people, it remains in the earth. It is such that God puts forth the examples
Mohammad Shafi   
He sends down water from the sky. And valleys flow with water as per their given measure. And the stream bears the swelling froth. And from what they melt in the fire for making ornaments or apparatus arises similar froth. Thus does Allah compare truth with untruth. Then, as for the froth, it just passes away as a worthless thing. And as for that which profits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah explain things giving examples

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
He sent down water from the sky. then the channels flow according to its capacity, then the flux of water carried with it the swelling foam, and from that over which they kindle a fire for making ornaments or other goods arises foams similar to it. Thus Allah illustrates truth and false hood. Then the foam is blown up and that which benefits mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah illustrates the examples.
Rashad Khalifa   
He sends down water from the sky, causing the valleys to overflow, then the rapids produce abundant foam. Similarly, when they use fire to refine metals for their jewelry or equipment, foam is produced. GOD thus cites analogies for the truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it goes to waste, while that which benefits the people stays close to the ground. GOD thus cites the analogies.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
He sends down water from the sky and the valleys (wadis) flow each in their measure, and the torrent carries a swelling scum; and fire from that which they kindle; desiring ornament or ware, from that rises a scum like it. As such, Allah strikes both the truth and the false. As for the scum it is cast away as jetsam, but, that which profits people remains on the earth. As such Allah strikes the parables
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
He sends down water from the clouds, then watercourses flow according to their measure, and the torrent bears along the swelling foam. And from that which they melt in the fire for the sake of making ornaments or apparatus arises a scum like it. Thus does Allah compare truth and falsehood. Then as for the scum, it passes away as a worthless thing; and as for that which does good to men, it tarries in the earth. Thus does Allah set forth parables
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
He descended from the sky water, so it dissolved/flowed (in)valleys, with its capability/power ,so the flood/torrent carried/bore , increasing foam and from what they ignite/kindle on in the fire desiring ornament/decoration or enjoyment foam as/like it, as/like that God gives (examples of) the truth , and the falsehood, so but the foam so it goes useless/worthless, and but what benefits the people, so it remains in the earth/Planet Earth, as/like that God gives the examples
Bijan Moeinian   
God is the One Who pours down water from the sky causing the valleys to overflow. The river then produces lots of foam as the water runs fast. The metals, melted to make ornaments or utensils, too, produces lots of scum. By these examples the Lord wants to explain how the truth (like the water or the melted metal) which is useful for the people stays and how the falsehood (the foam or the scum which is good for nothing) disappears
Faridul Haque   
He sent down water from the sky, so valleys flowed according to their measure, therefore the water flow brought forth the froth swollen upon it; and upon which they ignite the fire, to make ornaments and tools, from that too rises a similar froth; Allah illustrates that this is the example of the truth and the falsehood; the froth then bursts and disappears; and that which is of use to people, remains in the earth; this is how Allah illustrates the examples
Sher Ali   
HE sends down water from the sky so that the valleys flow according to their measure and the flood bears on its surface swelling foam. And from that which they heat in the fire, seeking to make ornaments or utensils, comes out a foam similar to it. Thus does ALLAH illustrate truth and falsehood. Now, as to the foam it goes away as rubbish and perishes but as to that which benefits men, it stays in the earth. Thus does ALLAH set forth parables
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
He sends down water from the sky and the valleys flow according to their (respective) capacity. Then the floodwater carries the scum raised to the surface. And the items that are heated in the fire for making ornaments or other articles also have foam that comes up the same way. Thus Allah illustrates examples of the truth and falsehood. So, (whether produced by water or by fire,) the foam or scum passes away useless, but what is beneficial to the people endures in the earth. That is how Allah illustrates examples
Amatul Rahman Omar   
He sends down some water from the clouds so that the water courses flow up to their capacity, and the torrent carries (on its surface) swelling foam. And out of that (metal) which the people heat in the fire seeking to make ornaments and other articles a similar foam rises to (the surface of) it. In this way does Allah illustrate truth and falsehood. As for the foam it goes away as (does all) dross, but as to that which does good to mankind it stays in the earth. That is how Allah sets forth excellent description of things
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood. Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables (for the truth and falsehood, i.e. Belief and disbelief)

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
He sends down out of heaven water, and the wadis flow each in its measure, and the torrent carries a swelling scum; and out of that over which they kindle fire, being desirous of ornament or ware, out of that rises a scum the like of it. So God strikes both the true and the false. As for the scum, it vanishes as jetsam, and what profits men abides in the earth. Even so God strikes His similitudes
George Sale   
He causeth water to descend from heaven, and the brooks flow according to their respective measure, and the floods bear the floating froth: And from the metals which they melt in the fire, seeking to cast ornaments or vessels for use, there ariseth a scum like unto it: Thus God setteth forth truth and vanity. But the scum is thrown off, and that which is useful to mankind remaineth on the earth. Thus doth God put forth parables
Edward Henry Palmer   
He sends down from the sky water, and the water-courses flow according to their bulk, and the torrent bears along the floating scum: and from what they set fire to, craving ornaments or utensils, comes a scum like that;- thus does God hit the truth and the falsehood;- and as for the scum it is thrown off, and as for what profits man it stays on the earth. Thus does God strike out parables
John Medows Rodwell   
He sendeth down the rain from Heaven: then flow the torrents in their due measure, and the flood beareth along a swelling foam. And from the metals which are molten in the fire for the sake of ornaments or utensils, a like scum ariseth. In this way doth God depict (set forth) truth and falsehood. As to the foam, it is quickly gone: and as to what is useful to man, it remaineth on the earth. Thus doth God set forth comparisons
N J Dawood (2014)   
He sends down water from the sky which fills the riverbeds to overflowing, so that the torrent bears a swelling foam, akin to that which rises from smelted ore when men make ornaments and tools. Thus God depicts Truth and falsehood. The scum is cast away, but that which is of use to man remains behind. Even thus God speaks in parables

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
He sent down water from the heaven and with it flew valleys each according to its capacity then the water flow carried swelling scum. From those things which they heat up in the fire seeking ornament or items of utility there is scum like unto it. Thus Allah sets the truth against the falsehood. As for the scum, it goes away in vain. As to what benefits the humankind, it stays in the earth. Thus Allah sets the parables.
Munir Mezyed   
He sends down water from the sky and the valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood carries along the swelling foam. From that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make adornments and utensils out of that rises a scum the like of it. This is how Allâh strikes both the truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes as jetsam and what avails the people remains on the earth. This is how Allâh strikes the parables.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
He sends water down from the sky and its force makes it flow through channels, then the torrent carries a foam on top, and of what they melt in the fire to fashion into jewellery or utensils there is a similar foam, this is how Allah points out truth and falsehood. So as for the foam, it is carried away as useless, and as for what benefits people, it remains on the ground; this is how Allah coins examples.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
He sends water down from the skies. Rivers flow, each according to its measure. Rushing water carries foam on its surface. [Ore] is heated in fire for the purpose of making ornaments and utensils. A scum is also produced by that. In this way, Allah shows truth and vanity. The scum disappears like foam is eliminated. The things that are good for humanity remains on the earth. This is how Allah shows things by parables.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
He sent down water from the sky, so valleys flowed—each according to its capacity—and the current carried swelling froth. And from what they burn in fire, seeking to make ornaments or utensils, comes a similar froth. Thus Allah exemplifies truth and falsehood: so as for the froth—it fades away, and as for what benefits mankind—it remains in the earth; thus Allah sets forth parables.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
He sends down water from the sky so that river valleys flow according to how much there is. The torrent carries along swelling foam, foam just like what comes out of fire they have kindled to smelt jewelry or some equipment with. Even so Allah (God) knocks Truth and falsehood together [to compare them]. As for the foam, the scum will go away; while whatever benefits mankind lingers on in the earth, Thus Allah (God) compares things with one another.
Samy Mahdy   
He sends down water from the sky, so the valleys flow with their quantities. So, the torrent carries a rising foam. And from what they fuel upon it in the fire for seeking ornaments or utensils, of a foam similar to it. Thus, Allah cites the right and the invalid. So as for the foam, it is gone as a slag, but what benefits the people will be bide in the earth. Thus, Allah cites the examples.
Sayyid Qutb   
He sends down water from the sky, so that riverbeds flow according to their measure, and the torrent bears a swelling foam. Likewise, from what people smelt in the fire to make ornaments or utensils rises similar foam. Thus does God illustrate truth and falsehood. The scum is cast away, while that which is of benefit to mankind abides on earth. Thus does God set forth His parables.
Ahmed Hulusi   
He sent down water (the qualities of the Names) from the sky and valleys (compositions of Names as individual forms) flow (as intellectual activity) according to their capacity (the amount of the forces in their unique composition)... That torrent carries rising foam (the material life)... And from what they heat and melt in the fire in desire of ornaments and adornments, is foam like it... But foam is thrown out as unnecessary excess... Thus Allah exemplifies the truth and the falsity... But as for that which benefits people, that remains on earth... Thus Allah gives examples.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
He sent down water from the sky, then rivers flew according to their capacity and the floodwater carried along a swelling foam, and from metals, which they melt with fire so as to make an ornament or goods, arises a foam similar to it. Thus does Allah illustrate the Truth and falsehood; then as for the foam passes away as a worthless thing, and what is beneficial for people remains on the earth. Thus Allah sets forth the parables.
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
He sends the rain-water from the floor of the vault of heaven and there it is conveyed along channels of various capacities in due measure. Where the torrent flows, it drives before it unworthy matter and impurities floating on the surface gathering into a heap of froth resembling aptly the foamy admixture and impurities mounting to the surface of the heated ores for the separation of precious metals used for ornaments and other uses. Thus does Allah give examples with allegorical representations of truth and falsehood. As to the froth and the scum, they are rejected and disappear, whereas what is profitable to the people remains behind on earth. Thus does Allah describe a subject under the guise of some other subject of aptly suggestive resemblance
Mir Aneesuddin   
He sends down water from the sky which flows in valleys according to its programme, so that the torrent bears (on its surface) a swelling foam, and from that which they melt in fire for making ornaments or things (of utility, rises) a foam similar to it, thus Allah strikes (a comparison between) the truth and the falsehood. So as for the foam it passes away as useless froth and as for that which is useful to mankind, it remains in the earth. Thus does Allah (explain by) striking examples.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure: But the torrent bears away to foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils the rewith, there is a scum likewise. Thus doth God (by parables) show forth Truth and Vanity. For the scum disappears like froth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth God set forth parables
OLD Literal Word for Word   
He sends down from the sky water and flows the valleys according to their measure, and carries the torrent a foam rising. And from what they heat [on] it in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, a foam like it. Thus Allah sets forth the truth and the falsehood. Then as for the foam it passes away (as) scum, and as for what benefits the mankind, remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth the examples
OLD Transliteration   
Anzala mina alssama-i maan fasalat awdiyatun biqadariha faihtamala alssaylu zabadan rabiyan wamimma yooqidoona AAalayhi fee alnnari ibtighaa hilyatin aw mataAAin zabadun mithluhu kathalika yadribu Allahu alhaqqa waalbatila faamma alzzabadu fayathhabu jufaan waamma ma yanfaAAu alnnasa fayamkuthu fee al-ardi kathalika yadribu Allahu al-amthala