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Muhammad Asad   
or any [other] substance which, to your minds, appears yet farther removed [from life]!" And [if] thereupon they ask, "Who is it that will' bring us back [to life]?"-say thou: "He who has brought you into being in the first instance." And [if] thereupon they shake their heads at thee [in disbelief] and ask, "When shall this be?"-say thou: "It may well be soon
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
or whatever you think is harder to bring to life!” Then they will ask ˹you˺, “Who will bring us back ˹to life˺?” Say, “The One Who created you the first time.” They will then shake their heads at you and ask, “When will that be?” Say, “Perhaps it is soon!”
Safi Kaskas   
or any created thing, which, in your minds, is more difficult, [it is still possible]. They will say, “Who will bring us back again?” Say: “He who brought you forth the first time." And [if] they shake their heads in disbelief and ask you, “When will this happen?” Say, “It might be soon.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
أَوۡ خَلۡقࣰا مِّمَّا یَكۡبُرُ فِی صُدُورِكُمۡۚ فَسَیَقُولُونَ مَن یُعِیدُنَاۖ قُلِ ٱلَّذِی فَطَرَكُمۡ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةࣲۚ فَسَیُنۡغِضُونَ إِلَیۡكَ رُءُوسَهُمۡ وَیَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هُوَۖ قُلۡ عَسَىٰۤ أَن یَكُونَ قَرِیبࣰا ۝٥١
Transliteration (2021)   
aw khalqan mimmā yakburu fī ṣudūrikum fasayaqūlūna man yuʿīdunā quli alladhī faṭarakum awwala marratin fasayun'ghiḍūna ilayka ruūsahum wayaqūlūna matā huwa qul ʿasā an yakūna qarība
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Or a creation of what (is) great in your breasts." Then they will say, "Who will restore us?" Say, "He Who created you (the) first time." Then they will shake at you their heads and they say, "When (will) it (be)?" Say, "Perhaps that (it) will be soon."

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
or any [other] substance which, to your minds, appears yet farther removed [from life]!" And [if] thereupon they ask, "Who is it that will' bring us back [to life]?"-say thou: "He who has brought you into being in the first instance." And [if] thereupon they shake their heads at thee [in disbelief] and ask, "When shall this be?"-say thou: "It may well be soon
M. M. Pickthall   
Or some created thing that is yet greater in your thoughts! Then they will say: Who shall bring us back (to life). Say: He Who created you at the first. Then will they shake their heads at thee, and say: When will it be? Say: It will perhaps be soon
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
"Or created matter which, in your minds, is hardest (to be raised up),- (Yet shall ye be raised up)!" then will they say: "Who will cause us to return?" Say: "He who created you first!" Then will they wag their heads towards thee, and say, "When will that be?" Say, "May be it will be quite soon
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
or whatever you think is harder to bring to life!” Then they will ask ˹you˺, “Who will bring us back ˹to life˺?” Say, “The One Who created you the first time.” They will then shake their heads at you and ask, “When will that be?” Say, “Perhaps it is soon!”
Safi Kaskas   
or any created thing, which, in your minds, is more difficult, [it is still possible]. They will say, “Who will bring us back again?” Say: “He who brought you forth the first time." And [if] they shake their heads in disbelief and ask you, “When will this happen?” Say, “It might be soon.
Wahiduddin Khan   
or any other substance which you think unlikely to be given life. Then they will ask, Who is it that shall restore us to life? Answer them, He who created you the first time. They will then shake their heads at you and say, When will that be? Say, It may well be very soon
Shakir   
Or some other creature of those which are too hard (to receive life) in your minds! But they will say: Who will return us? Say: Who created you at first. Still they will shake their heads at you and say: When will it be? Say: Maybe it has drawn nigh
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
or any creation that is more troublesome in your breasts to raise up? Then, they will say: Who will cause us to return? Say: He Who originated you the first time. Then, they will nod their heads at thee and say: When will it be? Say: Perhaps it is near.
T.B.Irving   
or any creation that seems important enough to fill your breasts;" so they will say: "Who will bring us back [to life]?" SAY: "The One Who originated you in the first place." They will wag their heads at you and say: "When will it be?" SAY: "Perhaps it is near!
Abdul Hye   
or even a creation that is greater (or harder) than you may think of.” Then they will ask: “Who will return us (back to life)?” Say: “He Who created you first time.” Then they will shake their heads at you and ask: “When it will be?” Say: “Perhaps it is near (soon)!”
The Study Quran   
or some other created thing more difficult [to resurrect] to your minds.” Then they will say, “Who will bring us back?” Say, “He Who originated you the first time.” And they will shake their heads at thee and say, “When will it be?” Say, “It may well be nigh.
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
Or any creation you deem more even formidable.” Then they will question, “Who will restore us?” Respond, “The One who created you in the first place.” Then they’ll shake their heads at you and ask, “When will this happen?” Say, “It could be quite soon.”
Talal Itani (2012)   
Or some substance, which, in your minds, is even harder.' Then they will say, 'Who will restore us?' Say, 'The One who originated you the first time.' Then they will nod their heads at you, and say, 'When will it be?' Say, 'Perhaps it will be soon.'
Dr. Kamal Omar   
or some created thing out of that which gives a feeling of ‘hard’ and ‘great’ (to your mind) in your chests.” Then soon will they say: “Who shall bring us back (to life)?” Say: “He Who created you for the first time!” Then they will nod their heads at you and will say: “When (will that (be)?” Say: “Perhaps, that, it becomes very close.
M. Farook Malik   
or even something harder than this that you may think of." Then they will ask: "Who will restore us?" Say: "The One Who created you the first time." Then they will shake their heads at you and ask: "Well, when will this be?" Say, "It may be quite soon
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Or (some) creation from among that which is (yet) greatly (admired) in your breasts!" Then they will soon say, "Who will bring us back?" Say, "The one who originated you the first time." Then they will wag their heads at you and they will say, "When will it be?" Say, "It may be drawing near."
Muhammad Sarwar   
or anything that you think is harder to be brought to life." They will soon ask, "Who will bring us back to life?" Say,"The One who created you in the first place." They will shake their heads and say, "When will He bring us back to life?" Say, "Perhaps very soon
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
or any creation you deem harder in your hearts. Thereupon they will ask, .Who will bring us back?. Say, .The One who created you for the first time. So, they will shake their heads before you and say, .When shall that be?. Say, .May be, it is near
Shabbir Ahmed   
"Or fossilize into forms as far away from life as you can imagine, you shall be raised up." Then they might say, "Who shall bring us back to life?" Tell them, "He Who initiated you in the first place." They will then shake their heads and say, "When will that be?" Say, "It may be sooner than you think!"
Dr. Munir Munshey   
"Or any other matter which, in your mind is harder (to resurrect)." They will say, "Who will bring us back?" Say, "The One who brought you into being the first time!" Then, they will shake their heads at you and say, "When will that happen?" Say, "It might be close at hand!"
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
"Or (be any) created matter which to you, is greater (and harder) in your hearts (to be raised up— Still you shall be raised up)!" Then they will (still) say: "Who will cause us to come back (alive)?” Say: "He, Who created you first!" Then they will shake their heads towards you and say, "When will that be?” Say, "May be, it is near
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
Or [any] creation of that which is great within your breasts." And they will say, "Who will restore us?" Say, "He who brought you forth the first time." Then they will nod their heads toward you and say, "When is that?" Say, "Perhaps it will be soon
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
"Or a creation that is held dear in your chests." They will Say: "Who will return us" Say: "The One who initiated you the first time." They will shake their heads to you and Say: "When is this" Say: "Perhaps it is near."
Abdel Haleem   
or any other substance you think hard to bring to life.’ Then they will say, ‘Who will bring us back?’ Say, ‘The One who created you the first time.’ Then they will shake their heads at you and say, ‘When will that be?’ Say, ‘It may well be very soon
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
Or anything created of the things more remote in your breasts. Then they will say: who will restore us! Say thou: He who created you the first time. Then they will wag their heads at thee and say; when will it be! Say thou: belike it is nigh
Ahmed Ali   
Or some other created thing which may seem to you most difficult (to create)!" They will then say: "Who will revert us back?" Say: "He who originated you in the first place." They will shake their heads at you and say: "When will that be?" Say: "In the near future, perhaps
Aisha Bewley   
Or indeed any created thing that you think is harder still!´ They will say, ´Who will bring us back again?´ Say: ´He who brought you into being in the first place.´ They will shake their heads at you and ask, ´When will it happen?´ Say: ´It may well be that it is very near.´
Ali Ünal   
"Or any other created substance which, in your minds, is greater (in its resistance to being given life)." Then they will say: "Who will bring us back to life?" Say: "He Who originated you in the first instance with a unique individuality." They will shake their heads at you (in amazement and derision) and say: "When will that be?" Say: "It may well be soon
Ali Quli Qara'i   
or a creature more fantastic to your minds!’ They will say, ‘Who will bring us back?’ Say, ‘He who originated you the first time.’ They will nod their heads at you, and say, ‘When will that be?’ Say, ‘Maybe it is near
Hamid S. Aziz   
"Or a created thing which, in your mind, is greater (or harder to reproduce) yet you shall be raised" Then they shall say, "Who is to restore us?" Say, "He who originated you at first;" Then they will wag their heads and say
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
or a creation which is great in your chests/minds (you still will be resurrected).” Then they are going to say: “Who returns us (back to life)?” Say: “He Who created you the first time.” Then they are going to shake their heads at you and say: “When is that?” Say: “Perhaps it is close,
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
“Or created matter which, in your minds, is hardest.” Then they will say, “Who will cause us to return?” Say, “He who created you first.” Then they will shake their heads at you and say, “When will that be?” Say, “Perhaps it will be soon
Musharraf Hussain   
or any substance you may think unlikely to be given life.” They ask, “Who will bring us back?” Say: “The One who created you the first time.” They will shake their heads saying, “When will that be?” Say: “It’s perhaps near.”
Maududi   
or any other form of creation you deem hardest of all (to recreate from)." They will certainly ask: "Who will bring us back (to life)?" Say: "He Who created you in the first instance." They will shake their heads at you and inquire: "When will that be?" Say: "Perhaps that time might have drawn near
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
"Or a creation that is held dear in your chests." They will say: "Who will return us?" Say: "The One who initiated you the first time." They will shake their heads to you and say: "When is this?" Say: "Perhaps it is near."
Mohammad Shafi   
"Or some other creation that is too hard to be revived to life in your minds!" Then they will ask, "Who will revive us?" Say, "He Who created you the first time." Then they will shake their heads at you in disbelief and say, "When will it be?" Say, "Maybe it is near. "

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
Or any other creation which may be bigger in your thinking, then now they will say, 'Who will create us again. Say you, 'He Who created' you for the first time, now then they will say shaking their heads, jesting towards you, when it is,' Say you, 'perhaps it may be near.'
Rashad Khalifa   
"Even if you turn into any kind of creation that you deem impossible." They will then say, "Who will bring us back?" Say, "The One who created you in the first place." They will then shake their heads and say, "When will that be?" Say, "It may be closer than you think."
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
or any other creation yet more monstrous in your minds. ' They will ask: 'Who will restore us? ' Say: 'He who originated you at first. ' They will shake theirheads and ask: 'When will this be? ' Say: 'Maybe it is near
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
Or some other creature of those which are too hard (to receive life) in your minds! But they will say: Who will return us? Say: He Who created you at first. Still they will shake their heads at thee and say: When will it be? Say: Maybe it has drawn nigh
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
Or a creation from what enlarges in your chests (innermosts). So they will say: "Who returns/repeats us?" Say: "Who created you/brought you into life (the) first time." So they will shake/shiver their heads to you in wonderment and say: "When/at what time it is?" Say: "Maybe/perhaps (it) becomes near/close."
Bijan Moeinian   
Say: “The One Who created you at first place.” Then they will shake their heads at you [as a sign of making fun of ] and say: “When will this happen?” Say: “Perhaps sooner than you think!”
Faridul Haque   
"Or some other creation which you deem great"; so they will now say, "Who will create us again?"; proclaim, "He Who created you for the first time"; so now they will mockingly shake their heads at you, and question, "When is this going to occur?"; say, "It could perhaps be soon."
Sher Ali   
`Or created matter of any kind which appears hardest in your minds, even then shall you be raised up.' Then will they ask, `Who shall restore us to life?' Say, `He who created you the first time.' Still they will shake their heads at thee and say, ``When will it be?' Say, `May be, it is nigh
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
Or any other created matter which you deem even harder (than these things, and which is not susceptible to becoming a living thing).’ Then (in this condition) they will say: ‘Who will bring us back to life?’ Say: ‘He Who created you the first time.’ They will then shake their heads at you (by way of wonder and ridicule) and will say: ‘When will it happen?’ Say: ‘It is expected to occur soon.
Amatul Rahman Omar   
`Or some other creation yet more hard (that you can possibly conceive) in your mind, (even then you shall be raised to a new life).' Thereupon they will say, `Who will restore us (to life)?' Say, `The same Who originated you the first time.' At this, then, they will shake their heads at you (expressing wonder and disbelief in being raised) and will say, `When will it come to pass?' Say, `May be it is near.
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
"Or some created thing that is yet greater (or harder) in your breasts (thoughts to be resurrected, even then you shall be resurrected)" Then, they will say: "Who shall bring us back (to life)?" Say: "He Who created you first!" Then, they will shake their heads at you and say: "When will that be ?" Say: "Perhaps it is near!"

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
or some creation yet more monstrous in your minds!' Then they will say, 'Who will bring us back?' Say: 'He who originated you the first time.' Then they will shake their heads at thee, and they will say, 'When will it be?' Say: 'It is possible that it may be nigh
George Sale   
or some creature more improbable in your opinions to be raised to life. But they will say, who shall restore us to life? Answer, He who created you the first time: And they will wag their heads at thee, saying, when shall this be? Answer, peradventure it is nigh
Edward Henry Palmer   
`or a creature, the greatest your breasts can conceive -!' Then they shall say, 'Who is to restore us?' Say, 'He who originated you at first;' and they will wag their heads and say, 'When will that be?' Say, 'It may, perhaps, be nigh.
John Medows Rodwell   
or any other creature, to your seeming, yet harder to be raised." But they will say, "Who shall bring us back?" SAY: "He who created you at first." And they will wag their heads at thee, and say, "When shall this be?" SAY: "Haply it is nigh."
N J Dawood (2014)   
or any other substance you may think unlikely to be given life.‘ They will say: ‘Who will restore us?‘ Say: ‘He that created you at first.‘ They will shake their heads at you and say: ‘When will this be?‘ Say: ‘It may well be near at hand

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
or any other form of creation that looks great in your bosoms and they will say, “who is going to bring us back?” Say, “the one who created you the first time.” They will then nod their heads to you and say, “When will that be?” say, “Perhaps it will be soon.”
Munir Mezyed   
Or some other creature of those which are too hard (to be given a new lease on life) in your thoughts. Then, they will say: ‘Who will bring us back to life?’ Say: ‘The One Who created you in the first time’. Then, they will shake their heads at you and say: ‘When will that be?’ Say: ‘Maybe in the near future’.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
Or some creation which seems greater to you. Then they will say: who will bring us back? Say: the One who originated you the first time. Then they will shake their heads at you and say: when will it be? Say: maybe it will be soon.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
Even if you were material, that, in your minds, would be even more difficult!” They will then say, “Who will cause us to return?” Say, “He who first created you!” Then they will shake their heads at you and say, “When will that be?” Say, “Perhaps it will be quite soon.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
or any sort of creation which is greatly admired in yourpl chests.” Then they will say, “Who will restore us?” Saysg, “The One Who originated youpl the first time.” Then they will nod their heads at yousg and say, “When will it be?” Say, “Hopefully, it will be soon,
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
or any creation that seems important enough to fill your hearts;" so they will say: "Who will bring us back [to life]?" SAY: "The One Who originated you in the first place." They will wag their heads at you and say: "When will it be?" SAY: "Perhaps it is near!
Samy Mahdy   
Or a creation from what is bigging in your chests.” So, they will be saying, “Who will return us?” Say, “The One who originated you the first time.” So, they will be nodding their heads toward you, and be saying, “When is it?” Say, “Perhaps that will be soon.”
Sayyid Qutb   
or some other form of creation which, to your minds, appears even harder [to bring to life].' They will say: 'Who is it that will bring us back [to life]?' Say: 'He who created you the first time.' Thereupon they shake their heads [in disbelief] and ask: 'When will this be?' Say: 'It may very well be near at hand.
Ahmed Hulusi   
“Or imagine yourselves to be extraordinary (great beings in your world; consciousness) (you will still be resurrected)!” They will say, “Who will restore us (to life)?” Say, “The One who created you the first time!”... (Mockingly) they will shake their heads and say, “When is that?” Say, “Perhaps it will be soon!”
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
Or any (other) creature harder in your minds! ' They will immediately say: 'Who will return us ' Say: 'He Who created you the first time. ' Then, they will shake their heads at you, and say: 'When will it be Say: 'Maybe it will be nigh'.
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
"Or any other material you have in mind and you know it is beyond animation" There and then they shall say: "who will then restore us to life?" Say to them: "He who brought you into being and caused you to exist in the first creation". There, they shall shake their heads to you in doubt and ask: "When". Say to them: "It may well be quite soon"
Mir Aneesuddin   
or a creation from (something) which you consider great in your minds.” Then they will say, “Who will return us (to life)?” Say, “He Who initiated your creation the first time.” Then they will shake their heads towards you and say, “When will it be?” Say, “Perhaps it is near,
The Wise Quran   
Or a creation of what is great in your breasts.' Then they shall say, 'Who will restore us?' Say, 'The one who originated you the first time;' Then soon they will shake their heads towards you, and they will say, 'When will it be?' Say, 'It may be that it is near.'

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
"Or created matter which, in your minds, is hardest (to be raised up),- (Yet shall ye be raised up)!" then will they say: "Who will cause us to return?" Say: "He who created you first!" Then will they wag their heads towards thee, and say, "Whe n will that be?" Say, "May be it will be quite soon
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Or a creation of what (is) great in your breasts." Then they will say, "Who will restore us?" Say, "He Who created you (the) first time." Then they will shake at you their heads and they say, "When (will) it (be)?" Say, "Perhaps that (it) will be soon.
OLD Transliteration   
Aw khalqan mimma yakburu fee sudoorikum fasayaqooloona man yuAAeeduna quli allathee fatarakum awwala marratin fasayunghidoona ilayka ruoosahum wayaqooloona mata huwa qul AAasa an yakoona qareeban