Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command: so think over what you will command."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
قَالُوا۟qālūThey said
نَحْنُnaḥnuWe
أُو۟لُوا۟ulū(are) possessors
قُوَّةٍۢquwwatin(of) strength
وَأُو۟لُوا۟wa-ulūand possessors
بَأْسٍۢbasin(of) might
شَدِيدٍۢshadīdingreat
وَٱلْأَمْرُwal-amruand the command
إِلَيْكِilayki(is) up to you
فَٱنظُرِىfa-unẓurīso look
مَاذَاmādhāwhat
تَأْمُرِينَtamurīnayou will command
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 33) {قَالُوْانَحْنُاُولُوْاقُوَّةٍ …:} The chiefs unanimously replied that we are people of great strength and fierce warriors, meaning that in terms of weapons, army, and preparation, we are fully equipped in every way. However, we will not do anything without your command; you should consider what you command, and we will obey you.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
33-1. That is, we also possess strength and weapons, and in times of battle, we fight with great steadfastness; therefore, there is no need to bow down or be subdued.
33-2. Because we are your followers; whatever command is given, we will carry it out.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(The courtiers) said, "We are powerful and strong warriors, but the decision [30] is yours. So consider what you will command us to do."
[30] The queen’s advisors and courtiers gave the same response that courtiers generally give. They are neither accustomed to burdening their minds with giving any wise answer, nor do they wish to take any responsibility upon themselves. They only wish to say “Yes, Your Majesty” and prove themselves to be obedient servants of the command. And this is exactly what these people did as well: “Our services are at your disposal. We are powerful and well-versed in the art of war. However, the decision as to whether to wage war against Solomon or to become obedient to his command depends upon your own discretion.” Thus, the queen did not gain any particular benefit from consulting her advisors, except that if she intended to confront, they assured her of their loyalty. However, from this it is incidentally understood that although a monarchical system prevailed in Sheba, it was not a despotic system. Rather, the ruler considered it necessary to consult her advisors in important matters.