Al-Furqan Verse 39

For each We set forth ˹various˺ lessons, and We ultimately destroyed each.

To each We gave examples [of the previous nations], and each We destroyed completely.

for each We struck similitudes, and each We ruined utterly.

To each of them We gave warnings, and each of them We destroyed completely.

And unto each! We propounded similitude thereunto; and each We ruined an utter ruin.

To each one We set forth Parables and examples; and each one We broke to utter annihilation (for their sins).

We admonished each one of them by citing the examples (of those who were destroyed before them) and ultimately annihilated all of them.

We administered warnings to each of them, and then destroyed them completely.

And We illustrated examples to each one of them; and ruining them, annihilated them all.

For each of them We drew examples, and each We destroyed utterly.

To each (of them) did We explain the truth in diverse ways and warning examples (from history), and each (of them) did We annihilate utterly.

And for (the guidance of) each one (of them) We quoted excellent pieces of advice and (when they still persisted in refusal) We ruined each one of them, a complete ruination.

And each/all We gave to it the examples/proverbs, and each/all We destroyed/ruined destruction/ruin .

And We illustrated examples to each one of them; and ruining them, annihilated them all.

And (the tribes of) A´ad and Thamud and the people of Ar´Rass, and many generations between them.

And for each of them We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons, etc.), and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds).

And ‘Ad and Thamud and the dwellers of Rass and many generations in between.

And to every one We gave examples and every one did We destroy with utter destruction.

Each (of them) We warned by examples, and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin.

We gave guidance and drove each to destruction.

to each of them We gave examples, and each of them We utterly ruined.

And for each We put forward examples, and each We brought to utter ruin.

To each of them We gave warnings and each of them We destroyed completely.

To each We presented the parables; and each We devastated utterly.

For each [of them] We struck similitudes, when establishing arguments against them, and We destroyed them only after warning [them], and each [of them] We ruined utterly, We destroyed utterly, because of their denial of the prophets sent to them.

وَكُلًّ ضَرَبْنَا لَهُ الاَْمْثَالَ

And for each We put forward examples,

meaning, `We showed them the proof and gave them clear evidence,'

as Qatadah said, "They had no excuse."

وَكُلًّ تَبَّرْنَا تَتْبِيرًا



and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin.

means, `We destroyed them completely.'

This is like the Ayah,

وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مِن بَعْدِ نُوحٍ

And how many generations (Qurun) have We destroyed after Nuh! (17;17)

"Generations" (Qurun) here refers to nations among mankind.

This is like the Ayah,

ثُمَّ أَنشَأْنَا مِن بَعْدِهِمْ قُرُوناً ءَاخَرِينَ

Then, after them, We created other generations (Qurun). (23;42)

Some defined a generation as being 120 years, or it was said that a generation was one hundred years, or eighty, or forty, etc. The most correct view is that a generation refers to nations who are one another's contemporaries, living at the same time. When they go and others succeed them, this is another generation, as it was recorded in the Two Sahihs;

خَيْرُ الْقُرُونِ قَرْنِي ثُمَّ الَّذِينَ يَلُونَهُمْ ثُمَّ الَّذِينَ يَلُونَهُم

The best of generations is my generation, then the one that follows it, then the one that follows that