they are unable to succour their devotees,44 even though to them they may [appear to] be hosts drawn up [for succour].
Asad Translation Note Number :
Lit.. "them".
Malik Quran Translation
But they do not have the ability to help them yet their worshippers stand like warriors ready to defend them.
Yusuf Ali Quran Translation
They have not the power to help them: but they will be brought up (before Our Judgment-Seat) as a troop (to be condemned). 4021
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
There is some difference of opinion among Commentators as to the exact meaning to be attached to this clause. As I understand it, the meaning seems to be this. Man is apt to forget or turn away from the true God, the source of all the good which he enjoys, and to go after imaginary powers in the shape of gods, heroes, men, or abstract things like Science or Nature or Philosophy, or superstitious things like Magic, or Good-Fortune or Ill-Fortune, or embodiments of his own selfish desires. He thinks that they might help him in this Life or in the Hereafter (if he believes in a Hereafter). But they cannot help him: on the contrary all things that are false will be brought up and condemned before Allah's Judgment-seat, and the worshippers of the Falsehoods will also be treated as a troop favouring the Falsehoods and therefore worthy of condemnation. The Falsehoods, therefore, instead of helping them, will contribute to their condemnation.
Mustafa Khattab Quran Translation
They cannot help the pagans, even though they serve the idols as dedicated guards.1
Mustafa Khattab Translation Note Number :
Another meaning is that those idols will be assembled to witness the torment of their worshippers on Judgment Day.
Piktal Quran Translation
It is not in their power to help them; but they (the worshippers) are unto them a host in arms.
Quran Transliteration
La yastateeAAoona nasrahum wahum lahum jundun muhdaroona