And, indeed, [even] before thy time have [God's] apostles been derided, and for a while I gave rein to those who were [thus] bent on denying the truth: but then I took them to task - and how awesome was My retribution!
 - Mohammad Asad
Mohammad Asad
Rasools have been mocked before you (O Muhammad), but I always gave respite to the unbelievers and finally I seized them, so see how terrible was My requital!
 - Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik
Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam Malik Other messengers had already been ridiculed before you, but I delayed the disbelievers 'for a while' then seized them. And how 'horrible' was My punishment!
 - Mustafa Khattab
Mustafa Khattab
And verily messengers (of Allah) were mocked before thee, but long I bore with those who disbelieved. At length I seized them, and how (awful) was My punishment!
 - Marmaduke Pickthall
Marmaduke Pickthall Mocked were (many) Apostles before thee: but I granted respite to the Unbelievers and finally I punished them; then how (terrible) was My requital! 1849 1850
 - Abdullah Yusuf Ali
Abdullah Yusuf Ali