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Muhammad Asad   
And as for those who are unable to marry, let them live in continence until God grants them sufficiency out of His bounty, And if any of those whom you rightfully possess desire [to obtain] a deed of freedom, write it out for them if you are aware of any good in them: and give them [their share of the wealth of God which He has given you. And do not, in order to gain some of the fleeting pleasures of this worldly life, coerce your [slave] maidens into whoredom if they happen to be desirous of marriage; and if anyone should coerce them, then, verily, after they have been compelled [to submit in their helplessness], God will be much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
And let those who do not have the means to marry keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them out of His bounty. And if any of those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession desires a deed of emancipation, make it possible for them, if you find goodness in them. And give them some of Allah’s wealth which He has granted you. Do not force your ˹slave˺ girls into prostitution for your own worldly gains while they wish to remain chaste. And if someone coerces them, then after such a coercion Allah is certainly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful ˹to them˺.
Safi Kaskas   
Those who are unable to marry should keep chaste until God gives them sufficiently from His favor. If any of those whom your right hands held in trust seek a contract then, draw one with them if you know there is goodness within them, and share with them the wealth that God has given you. Do not compel your girls against their will to prostitution, out of your desire for the short-term gains of this world, if they want to be married. If they however are compelled, God will be forgiving and merciful to them.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
وَلۡیَسۡتَعۡفِفِ ٱلَّذِینَ لَا یَجِدُونَ نِكَاحًا حَتَّىٰ یُغۡنِیَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦۗ وَٱلَّذِینَ یَبۡتَغُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِمَّا مَلَكَتۡ أَیۡمَـٰنُكُمۡ فَكَاتِبُوهُمۡ إِنۡ عَلِمۡتُمۡ فِیهِمۡ خَیۡرࣰاۖ وَءَاتُوهُم مِّن مَّالِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِیۤ ءَاتَىٰكُمۡۚ وَلَا تُكۡرِهُوا۟ فَتَیَـٰتِكُمۡ عَلَى ٱلۡبِغَاۤءِ إِنۡ أَرَدۡنَ تَحَصُّنࣰا لِّتَبۡتَغُوا۟ عَرَضَ ٱلۡحَیَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡیَاۚ وَمَن یُكۡرِههُّنَّ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ إِكۡرَ ٰهِهِنَّ غَفُورࣱ رَّحِیمࣱ ۝٣٣
Transliteration (2021)   
walyastaʿfifi alladhīna lā yajidūna nikāḥan ḥattā yugh'niyahumu l-lahu min faḍlihi wa-alladhīna yabtaghūna l-kitāba mimmā malakat aymānukum fakātibūhum in ʿalim'tum fīhim khayran waātūhum min māli l-lahi alladhī ātākum walā tuk'rihū fatayātikum ʿalā l-bighāi in aradna taḥaṣṣunan litabtaghū ʿaraḍa l-ḥayati l-dun'yā waman yuk'rihhunna fa-inna l-laha min baʿdi ik'rāhihinna ghafūrun raḥīmu
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
And let be chaste those who (do) not find (means for) marriage until enriches them Allah from His Bounty. And those who seek the writing from (those) whom possess your right hands, then give them (the) writing if you know in them any good and give them from the wealth (of) Allah which He has given you. And (do) not compel your slave girls to [the] prostitution, if they desire chastity that you may seek temporary gain (of) the life (of) the world. And whoever compels them, then indeed, Allah from after their compulsion (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
And as for those who are unable to marry, let them live in continence until God grants them sufficiency out of His bounty, And if any of those whom you rightfully possess desire [to obtain] a deed of freedom, write it out for them if you are aware of any good in them: and give them [their share of the wealth of God which He has given you. And do not, in order to gain some of the fleeting pleasures of this worldly life, coerce your [slave] maidens into whoredom if they happen to be desirous of marriage; and if anyone should coerce them, then, verily, after they have been compelled [to submit in their helplessness], God will be much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace
M. M. Pickthall   
And let those who cannot find a match keep chaste till Allah give them independence by His grace. And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), write it for them if ye are aware of aught of good in them, and bestow upon them of the wealth of Allah which He hath bestowed upon you. Force not your slave-girls to whoredom that ye may seek enjoyment of the life of the world, if they would preserve their chastity. And if one force them, then (unto them), after their compulsion, lo! Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them)
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
And let those who do not have the means to marry keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them out of His bounty. And if any of those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession desires a deed of emancipation, make it possible for them, if you find goodness in them. And give them some of Allah’s wealth which He has granted you. Do not force your ˹slave˺ girls into prostitution for your own worldly gains while they wish to remain chaste. And if someone coerces them, then after such a coercion Allah is certainly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful ˹to them˺.
Safi Kaskas   
Those who are unable to marry should keep chaste until God gives them sufficiently from His favor. If any of those whom your right hands held in trust seek a contract then, draw one with them if you know there is goodness within them, and share with them the wealth that God has given you. Do not compel your girls against their will to prostitution, out of your desire for the short-term gains of this world, if they want to be married. If they however are compelled, God will be forgiving and merciful to them.
Wahiduddin Khan   
Those who do not have the means to marry should keep themselves chaste until God grants them enough out of His bounty. If any of your slaves desire a deed of freedom, write it out for them, if you find any promise in them, and give them some of the wealth God has given you. Do not force your [slave] maids into prostitution, in order to enrich yourself, when they wish to preserve their chastity. Yet if anyone forces them, once they have been forced, God will be forgiving and merciful to them
Shakir   
And let those who do not find the means to marry keep chaste until Allah makes them free from want out of His grace. And (as for) those who ask for a writing from among those whom your right hands possess, give them the writing if you know any good in them, and give them of the wealth of Allah which He has given you; and do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, when they desire to keep chaste, in order to seek the frail good of this world's life; and whoever compels them, then surely after their compulsion Allah is Forgiving, Merciful
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
Let those who find not the means for marriage have restraint until God enriches them of His grace. And for those who are looking for emancipation from among what your right hands possessed, contract with them if you knew good in them. And give them of the wealth of God which He gave you. Compel not your spiritual warriors (f) against their will to prostitution when they (f) wanted chastity, that you be looking for the advantage of this present life. And whoever compels them (f) to it against their (f) will, yet after their (f) compulsion, God will be of them (f), the female, Forgiving, Compassionate.
T.B.Irving   
Yet let those who do not find [any way to] marry, hold off until God enriches them out of His bounty. Should those whom your right hands control desire their freedom, then draw up such a writ for them if you recognize anything worthwhile in them. Give them some of God´s wealth which He has given you. Do not force your girls [whom you control] into prostitution so that you may seek the display of worldly life, if they want to preserve their chastity. Anyone who forces them (to do otherwise) [will find] God is Forgiving, Merciful, even after forcing them to.
Abdul Hye   
Let those who don’t find (financial means to) marry be chaste until Allah enriches them out of His Bounty. Those captives who seek a writing (of setting free) whom you possesses, give them in writing, if you find good in them, and give them from Allah’s wealth which He has bestowed upon you. Don’t force your maid captives into prostitution in order that you may seek gain of the worldly life, if they desire chastity. If anyone compels them (to prostitution), then surely after their compulsion, Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful (to those who are forced).
The Study Quran   
And let those who are unable to marry be chaste till God enriches them from His Bounty. And as for those among the ones whom your right hands possess who seek a contract [of emancipation] with you, contract with them if you know of any good in them, and give unto them from the Wealth of God, which He has given you. And compel not your female slaves into prostitution if they desire to be chaste, for the sake of seeking after the ephemeralities of the life of this world. And whosoever compels them, then truly God, after their having been compelled, will be Forgiving, Merciful
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
Those who don’t have the means to marry should remain chaste until God enriches them from His grace. If any of your servants desire literacy, provide it, if you recognize any good in them. Give them from the wealth that God has given you. Don’t compel your maids into prostitution for worldly gains if they wish to remain virtuous. However, if anyone compels them, then after their compulsion, God is Forgiving and Merciful.
Talal Itani (2012)   
And let those who do not find the means to marry abstain, until God enriches them from His bounty. If any of your servants wish to be freed, grant them their wish, if you recognize some good in them. And give them of God's wealth which he has given you. And do not compel your girls to prostitution, seeking the materials of this life, if they desire to remain chaste. Should anyone compel them—after their compulsion, God is Forgiving and Merciful
Dr. Kamal Omar   
And those must wait who find not the financial means for Nikah (marriage) until Allah enriches them out of His Bounty. And those who seek a document (granting them independence) out of those whom your right hands held in trust — so write them (the document) if you knew in them good. And give them out of the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And compel not the females under your control towards undesirable state (of celibacy) — if they have decided protection (through a marriage-bond) — in order that you may seek the gain of the present life. And whoever compels them, then surely Allah, after their (coming under) compulsion will be Oft-Forgiving, continuously Merciful (to them)
M. Farook Malik   
And let those who do not find means to marry keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them out of His bounty. As for those of your slaves who wish to buy out their liberty, execute the deed of liberty with them if you find them deserving, and give them some of the wealth which Allah has given you. Do not force your slave-girls into prostitution for your own worldly gains, if they wish to preserve their chastity; and if anyone forces them into it, then surely after such a compulsion Allah will be forgiving and merciful to them
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
And let the ones who do not find (the means) to wed keep abstaining until Allah enriches them of His Grace. And the ones your right hands possess who seek the Book, (Contract of emancipation) then contract with them (accordingly), in case you know that they are in charitable circumstances. And bring them of the wealth of Allah that He has brought you. And do not compel your handmaids to prostitution, in case they are willing to be chaste, (Literally: to be in wedlock) that you may inequitably seek the advantages of the present life; (Literally: the lowly life, i.e., the life of this world) and whoever compels them, then surely Allah, even after their being compelled, is Ever-Forgiving, Ever-Merciful
Muhammad Sarwar   
Let those who cannot find someone to marry maintain chastity until God makes them rich through His favors. Let the slaves who want to buy their freedom have an agreement with you in writing if you find them to be virtuous. Give them money out of God's property which He has given to you. Do not force your girls into prostitution to make money if they want to be chaste. If they have been compelled to do so, God will be All-merciful and All-forgiving to them
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
And those who cannot afford marriage should keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them out of His grace. And those of your slaves who wish to enter the contract of Kitabah (emancipation by paying money), contract Kitabah with them, if you recognize some good in them. And give them out of the wealth of Allah that He has given to you. And do not compel your maids to prostitution – if they wish to observe chastity – in order that you may seek the temporary benefit of the worldly life. If one compels them, then after their being compelled, Allah is Most- Forgiving, Very-Merciful
Shabbir Ahmed   
And those who cannot find a match must keep chaste until Allah grants them sufficiency out of His Bounty. And if any of the male and female slaves desires a deed of freedom, write it out for them if you ensure good for them by way of rehabilitation. (4:5-6). Give them from Allah's wealth that He has given you. Never hold your slave maidens for worldly gains from preserving their chastity by marrying if they so desire, lest they resort to lewdness. If anyone forces them, then after this compulsion Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful to them. (And He will hold the one who forces them, accountable)
Dr. Munir Munshey   
Those lacking the means to marry should abstain until Allah enriches them by His grace. Write down for your slaves _ those who desire to work for their freedom _ (the terms of emancipation) if you know them to be worthy and able. Give them something from the wealth Allah has granted you. Do not _ to gain the worldly benefits _ compel your slave girls into prostitution, while they wish to remain chaste. For the slave girl compelled in this manner, Allah is the most Forgiving and the most Kind
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
And let those who do not find the (financial) means to marry, keep themselves pure, until Allah provides them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a note (of promise) in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom), give them such a note (of promise); If you know any good (ones) from them; And give them something from yourselves out of the wealth that Allah has bestowed upon you. And do not force your maids to prostitution when they like purity (of their moral conduct), so that you may make a gain in things of this life. But if anyone forces (or has forced) them (the maids), still, after such compulsion (or circumstances), Allah is Often Forgiving (Ghafoor), Most Merciful (Raheem) (to the maids because of the force or compulsion.
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
But let them who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract [for eventual emancipation] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek [thereby] the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [to them], after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
And let those who are not able to marry continue to be chaste until God enriches them of His Bounty. And if those who are still dependants seek marriage, then marry them off if you find that they are ready, and give them from the wealth of God which He has bestowed upon you. And do not force your daughters into marriage when they have desired independence, in order that you may make a gain in the goods of this worldly life. But if anyone has compelled them, then for their compulsion, God is Forgiving, Merciful
Abdel Haleem   
Those who are unable to marry should keep chaste until God gives them enough out of His bounty. If any of your slaves wish to pay for their freedom, make a contract with them accordingly, if you know they have good in them, and give them some of the wealth God has given you. Do not force your slave-girls into prostitution, when they themselves wish to remain honourable, in your quest for the short-term gains of this world, although, if they are forced, God will be forgiving and merciful to them
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
And those who find not means to marry shall restrain themselves until Allah enricheth them of His grace. And from among those whom your right hands own those who seek a writing- write it for them if ye know in them any good, and vouchsafe unto them of the wealth of Allah which He hath vouchsafed unto you. And constrain not your bedmaids to harlotry if they would live chastely, in order that ye may seek the chance gain of the life of the world. And whosoever will constrain them, then verily Allah is--after their constraint--Forgiving, Mercifu1
Ahmed Ali   
Those who cannot afford to marry should abstain from what is unlawful until God enriches them by His grace. And free those slaves you possess who wish to buy their freedom after a written undertaking, if you know they have some goodness, and give them out of the riches God has given you. Do not force your maids to prostitution if they wish to lead married lives, in order to get the benefits of this world. But if someone forces them, surely God (will forgive them) after their forced helplessness, for He is forgiving and kind
Aisha Bewley   
Those who cannot find the means to marry should be abstinent until Allah enriches them from His bounty. If any slaves you own want to make a contract to free themselves, write it for them if you know of good in them and give them some of the wealth Allah has given you. Do not force your slavegirls to prostitute themselves if they desire to be virtuous women out of your desire for the goods of this world. If anyone forces them, then after they have been forced, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Ali Ünal   
Let those who cannot afford to marry keep themselves chaste until God grants them sufficiency out of His bounty. And if any of those whom your right hands possess desire to enter into a contract with you to purchase their freedom, make this contract with them if you know that they are honest (and able to earn without begging and be good, free citizens). Help them out of God’s wealth which He has granted you. And do not compel your slave-girls to prostitution in order to seek the (fleeting) benefits of the life of this world while they desire to remain chaste. If anyone compels them to prostitution, then God will be All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate to them after they are subjected to such compulsion
Ali Quli Qara'i   
Those who cannot afford marriage should be continent until Allah enriches them out of His grace. As for those who seek an emancipation deal from among your slaves, make such a deal with them if you know any good in them, and give them out of the wealth of Allah which He has given you. Do not compel your female slaves to prostitution when they desire to be chaste, seeking the transitory wares of the life of this world. Should anyone compel them, then after their compulsion Allah is indeed all-forgiving, all-merciful
Hamid S. Aziz   
And let those who cannot find a match keep chaste until Allah gives them means from His grace. And if any of your slaves asks for a Deed in writing (an agreement to purchase their freedom), write it for them if you know any good in them; yea, give them s
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
And those who do not find (any way) to marry, should abstain (from sex) until God enriches them from His bounty. And those among what your right hands own who ask for the certificate (of freedom), then write it for them if you know any good in them, and give them some of God’s possession that He gave you. And do not force your maids into prostitution looking for gain of this world’s life, if they want to be chaste. And if anyone forces them, then after their compulsion God is forgiving and merciful (to them).
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
Let those who do not find the means for marriage keep themselves chaste until God gives them means out of His grace, and if those whom your right hand possess ask for a deed in writing to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum, give them such a deed if you know any good in them. Yes, and give them something out of the means which God has given to you. And do not force your female captives into prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that you may make a profit in the goods of this life, but if anyone compels them, then indeed because they were compelled, God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming
Musharraf Hussain   
And let those who lack the means to marry keep themselves chaste until Allah makes them self-sufficient through His grace. If any of your slaves asks for an emancipation contract, and you see some good in them, draft it for them; and give them of the wealth that Allah has given you. For your cravings to make worldly gains do not force your maidservants into promiscuity, if they wish to remain chaste, merely because you desire what this worldly life has to offer. Whoever forces them into it, then Allah will be Forgiving, Kind to those maidservants after being coerced to perform sexual intercourse.
Maududi   
And those, who cannot find a match, should observe continence till Allah provides them with means out of His bounty And if those who are in your possession, ask for a deed of emancipation, execute the deed of emancipation with them, provided that you find some good in them; and give them something out of the means Allah has given you. And do not force your slave-girls into prostitution for your own worldly gains when they themselves want to keep chaste; and if anyone forces them into it, after such a compulsion Allah will be forgiving and merciful for them
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
And let those who are not able to marry continue to be chaste until God enriches them of His Bounty. And if those who are maintained by your oaths seek to consummate the marriage, then document it with them if you find that they are ready, and give them from the wealth of God which He has bestowed upon you. And do not force your young women to need if they have desired to be independent, in order that you may make a gain in the goods of this worldly life. And if anyone has compelled them, then for their compulsion, God is Forgiving, Merciful
Mohammad Shafi   
And let those who cannot get married live in continence until Allah makes them free from want out of His grace. And as for those who ask for a writ of freedom from among those whom your right hands possess (slaves), give them the writ if you know them to be good and worthy. And give them of the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls into prostitution while they desire to keep themselves chaste, in order to seek some advantage in the life of this world. And in case they are so compelled, then, indeed, Allah would be forgiving, merciful on them (the girls)

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
And let those who have no means to marry, restrain themselves until Allah provides them means out of His Bounty. And from among your servants and hand maids the property of your hand those who wish that you should write for them freedom on the condition that they may earn some wealth, then write it for them if you know some good in them; and help them out of the wealth of Allah which He has given to you. And force not your maids to prostitution when they desire to live in chastity in order that you may get some goods of this worlds life. And whosoever will force them then undoubtedly, Allah after this that they remain in compulsion is Forgiving, Merciful.
Rashad Khalifa   
Those who cannot afford to get married shall maintain morality until GOD provides for them from His grace. Those among your servants who wish to be freed in order to marry, you shall grant them their wish, once you realize that they are honest. And give them from GOD's money that He has bestowed upon you. You shall not force your girls to commit prostitution, seeking the materials of this world, if they wish to be chaste. If anyone forces them, then GOD, seeing that they are forced, is Forgiver, Merciful.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
Let those who do not find the means to marry be abstinent until Allah enriches them of His bounty. Those your right hand owns who seek their freedom, make a contract with them accordingly if you know some good in them, and give them from the wealth of Allah that He has given you. Do not force your slavegirls into prostitution in order to seek worldly gain for they wish to preserve their chastity. Whosoever compels them, surely Allah, after their being compelled, is the Forgiver (to the girls), the Most Merciful
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
And let those who cannot find a match keep chaste, until Allah makes them free from want out of His grace. And those of your slaves who ask for a writing (of freedom), give them the writing, if you know any good in them, and give them of the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And compel not your slave-girls to prostitution when they desire to keep chaste, in order to seek the frail goods of this world’s life. And whoever compels them, then surely after their compulsion Allah is Forgiving, Merciful
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
And those who do not find marriage should refrain/be chaste until God enriches/suffices them from His grace/favour/blessing, and those who ask/wish/desire the destiny/fate/term (marriage) from what your rights owned/possessed, so write with them (marry them), if you knew goodness in them, and give/bring them from God's property/possession/wealth which He gave you, and do not compel/force your young women/(F) youths on (to) the prostitution, if they (F) wanted/intended chastity, to desire the life the present's/worldly life's vanities/non-essentials, and who compels/forces them (F), so then God (is) from after their having been compelled/forced, forgiving, merciful
Bijan Moeinian   
Those who cannot find a match, must maintain morality. They should wait until God showers them out of His Grace. As for those slaves of yours who wish to be free and then marry (and you find them responsible people), grant them their freedom; also give them some capital out of what God has given you at first place. Do not force your female slaves into prostitution so that you make a little bit money. If the female slaved are forced to do so, God will forgive them as He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful
Faridul Haque   
And those who do not have the means to get married must keep chaste till Allah provides them the resources by His munificence; and the bondwomen in your possession who, in order to earn something, seek a letter of freedom from you – then write it for them if you consider some goodness in them; and help them in their cause with Allah’s wealth which He has bestowed upon you; and do not force your bondwomen into the dirty profession, while they wish to save themselves, in order to earn some riches of the worldly life; and if one forces them then indeed Allah, upon their remaining compelled, is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful
Sher Ali   
And let those who find no means of marriage keep themselves chaste, until ALLAH grants them means out of HIS bounty. And such as desire a deed of manumission in writing from among those whom your right hands possess, write it for them if you know any good in them; and give them out of the wealth of ALLAH which HE has bestowed upon you. And force not your maids into unchaste life by keeping them unmarried if they desire to keep chaste, in order that you may seek the gain of the present life. But if anyone forces them, then after their compulsion ALLAH will be Forgiving and Merciful to them
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
And those who cannot afford marriage (for lack of financial means) should adopt chastity until Allah enriches them out of His bounty. And from amongst (the male and female slaves) under your control, those who seek to write out a deed (of manumission—freedom through earning and paying,) write it for them, and free them (under the given condition) if you see any good in them. Pay them (also yourselves) out of that wealth which Allah has given you (to help them get freedom). And do not force your maids into prostitution to obtain benefit of the worldly life if they desire to keep themselves chaste (or wish to safeguard their chastity through marriage). And whoever will compel them, then (even) after they are compelled, Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful
Amatul Rahman Omar   
And those who find no (means of) marriage should (exercise restraint and) keep themselves chaste until Allah grants them means (to marry) out of His grace and bounty. (There is another commandment,) as for those of your bondsmen (or women) as ask for a written contract (of freedom for themselves on payment of ransom), write this (deed of manumission for them) provided you find good capabilities in them and give them out of Allah's wealth which He has given you. (Another commandment for you is that,) with a mind to gain (by this unrighteous means) the benefits of the present life do not constrain your slave-girls to unchaste life (by keeping them unmarried) when they desire (to marry) to preserve their virtue. But if anybody forces them (to abstain from marrying and to become unchaste) they will find, after they are forced, that God is Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His Bounty. And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), give them such writing, if you know that they are good and trustworthy. And give them something yourselves out of the wealth of Allah which He has bestowed upon you. And force not your maids to prostitution, if they desire chastity, in order that you may make a gain in the (perishable) goods of this worldly life. But if anyone compels them (to prostitution), then after such compulsion, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to those women, i.e. He will forgive them because they have been forced to do this evil action unwillingly)

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
And let those who find not the means to marry be abstinent till God enriches them of His bounty. Those your right hands own who seek emancipation, contract with them accordingly, if you know some good in them; and give them of the wealth of God that He has given you. And constrain not your slave-girls to prostitution, if they desire to live in chastity, that you may seek the chance goods of the present life. Whosoever constrains them, surely God, after their being constrained, is All-forgiving, All-compassionate
George Sale   
And let those who find not a match, keep themselves from fornication, until God shall enrich them of his abundance. And unto such of your slaves as desire a written instrument allowing them to redeem themselves on paying a certain sum, write one, if ye know good in them; and give them of the riches of God, which He hath given you. And compel not your maid-servants to prostitute themselves, if they be willing to live chastly; that ye may seek the casual advantage of this present life: But whoever shall compel them thereto, verily God will be gracious and merciful unto such women after their compulsion
Edward Henry Palmer   
And let those who cannot find a match, until God enriches them of His grace, keep chaste. And such of those whom your right hands possess as crave a writing, write it for them, if ye know any good in them, and give them of the wealth of God which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire to keep continent, in order to crave the goods of the life of this world; but he who does compel them, then, verily, God after they are compelled is forgiving, compassionate
John Medows Rodwell   
And let those who cannot find a match live in continence till God of His bounty shall enrich them. And to those of your slaves who desire a deed of manumission, execute it for them, if ye know good in them, and give them a portion of the wealth of God which He hath given you. Force not your female slaves into sin, in order that ye may gain the casual fruitions of this world, if they wish to preserve their modesty. Yet if any one compel them, then Verily to them, after their compulsion, will God be Forgiving, Merciful
N J Dawood (2014)   
And let those who cannot afford to marry live in continence until God shall enrich them from His own bounty. As for those of your slaves who wish to buy their liberty, free them if you find in them any promise and bestow on them a part of the riches which God has given you. And you shall not force your slave-girls into prostitution in order that you may enrich yourselves, if they wish to preserve their chastity. If anyone compels them, God will after their compulsion be forgiving and compassionate

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
And let those who do not find means for marriage keep their chastity till Allah provides for them from His favor. And those who seek a deed of manumission from among those whom your right hands possess, accept their request if you find good in them and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given unto you and do not coerce your maid slaves unto prostitution while they seek to guard their chastity in order that you seek a trifling gain of this life and whosoever coerce them, Lo! Allah after their coercion is Oft-Forgiving Most-merciful.
Munir Mezyed   
But let those who don’t find the financial means for marriage guard their chastity, until Allâh makes them wealthier of His Bounty. Those of your slaves who seek emancipation, contract with them accordingly if you know any good in them, and give them of the wealth of Allâh which He has given you. Don’t oblige your slave-girls to prostitution when they seek chastity, so that you may obtain some temporary benefits of this worldly life. If someone obliges them (to prostitution), then Allâh is to them, after their compulsion, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
And let those who cannot find a marriage opportunity abstain until Allah enriches them from His favours. And those who want freedom of those in your possession, set them free if you know of good in them and give them of the wealth of Allah that He gave you, and do not compel your female servants to transgress if they want to be chaste, desiring the offering of this world, and if anyone compels them, then Allah is forgiving and merciful after they have been compelled.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
Those who are unable to become married should keep themselves chaste until Allah enables them from His grace. If any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing [for their freedom], give such a deed if you know any good in them. Give them something out of the abundance that Allah has given to you. Do not force your female slaves, who want to be chaste, into prostitution in order that you may make a gain in the goods of this life. If anyone forces them, even after such coercion, Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
And let those who do not find the means to marry remain chaste until Allah enriches them from His grace. And if any of those whom youpl rightfully possess desire an (emancipation) agreement, write an agreement with them if you recognize some good in them, and give them of Allah’s wealth which He has given you. And do not compel your maids to prostitution, seeking the materials of the Earlier (Life), if they want to remain chaste. But should anyone compel them—then after their compulsion, Allah is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Bestowing of mercy.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
Yet let those who do not find [any way to] marry, hold off until Allah (God) enriches them out of His bounty. Should those whom your right hands control desire their freedom, then draw up such a contract for them [to pay money for it from their work] if you recognize anything worthwhile in them. [Honorable people] Give them some of Allah (God)'s wealth [or discount of contract money] which He has given you. Do not force your girls [whom you control] into prostitution so that you may seek the display of worldly life.If they want to preserve their chastity [and]. anyone forces them (to do otherwise) [they will find] Allah (God) is Forgiving, Merciful, even after forcing them to.
Samy Mahdy   
And let those who do not find shagging be chaste, until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek writing the book from whom your right hands possess – so write a book for them, if you know there is within them a goodness, and give them from Allah’s money which He has given you. And do not force your girls on the prostitution, if they want fortification, you will be seeking the belongings of the Dunya life, and whoever is forcing them, so Allah after their compulsion is Forgiver, Merciful.
Sayyid Qutb   
As for those who are unable to marry, let them live in continence until God grants them sufficiency out of His bounty. And if any of your slaves desire to obtain a deed of freedom, write it out for them if you are aware of any good in them; and give them something of the wealth God has given you. Do not force your maids to prostitution when they desire to preserve their chastity, in order to make some worldly gain. If anyone should force them, then after they have been compelled, God will be much forgiving, merciful [to them].
Ahmed Hulusi   
Those who do not have the means to marry should keep themselves chaste until Allah bestows wealth on them from His grace... Sign a contract with your slaves who request a deed of freedom, if you find them promising, and give to them from the wealth Allah has given you. If your bondmaids wish to remain chaste, do not force them into prostitution for the sake of temporary worldly benefits... But if anyone forces them, after they have been forced, Allah will be Ghafur and Rahim to them.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
And let those who do not find the means to marry keep (themselves) chaste until Allah enriches them out of His grace. And those of your slaves who seek a writing (of emancipation), write it for them if you know any good in them, and give them of the wealth of Allah which He has bestowed upon you; and do not compel your slave girls to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that you may make a gain in the life of the world; and whoever compels them, then (unto them), verily after their compulsion, Allah will be Forgiving, Merciful
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
And those who cannot marry because they lack the means may conform their life and conduct with the principles of morality until Allah makes His grace abound in them. And those on hand who wish to buy their freedom by performing certain paid-services deserve attention. You reduce a mutually binding agreement to writing if you believe that they qualify -stamped with virtues and sound minds- and give them -in benevolence and/or alms- something of the grace of Allah abounding in you. And do not force your female slaves -or any of your females- into prostitution for a worldly gain -a Pagan custom- nor make them recover their liberty by prostituting their honour if they seek chastity and purity. And he who forces them into sin shall suffer for it, whereas they -the women- shall, under the circumstances be recipients of Allah's Mercy and Forgiveness, for Allah is Ghafurun and Rahimu
Mir Aneesuddin   
And arrange for the marriage of those among you who are single and the righteous among your male and female slaves (servants). If they are in poverty Allah will enrich them out of His grace and Allah is Omnipresent (Ample-giving), Knowing.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until God gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them suc h a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which God has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is God, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to them)
OLD Literal Word for Word   
And let be chaste those who (do) not find (means for) marriage until Allah enriches them from His Bounty. And those who seek the writing from (those) whom possess your right hands, then give them (the) writing if you know in them any good and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And (do) not compel your slave girls to [the] prostitution, if they desire chastity that you may seek temporary gain (of) the life (of) the world. And whoever compels them, then indeed, Allah after their compulsion (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful
OLD Transliteration   
WalyastaAAfifi allatheena la yajidoona nikahan hatta yughniyahumu Allahu min fadlihi waallatheena yabtaghoona alkitaba mimma malakat aymanukum fakatiboohum in AAalimtum feehim khayran waatoohum min mali Allahi allathee atakum wala tukrihoo fatayatikum AAala albigha-i in aradna tahassunan litabtaghoo AAarada alhayati alddunya waman yukrihhunna fa-inna Allaha min baAAdi ikrahihinna ghafoorun raheemun