Thus is the meaning of His saying, exalted is He: “That is more likely to make them give testimony in its true form.”

“That is more likely to make them give testimony in its true form”: that is, this ruling We have ordained—the return of the oath—is more apt and more likely to cause the two executors, and others like them, to give testimony as it truly was; that is, it is more conducive to their giving testimony in its proper form. “Or lest they fear that oaths will be returned after their oaths”: that is, it is more likely to make them fear that the oath will be returned to the claimant after they have sworn, so that the claimant will swear to their betrayal and falsehood, whereupon they will be exposed and held liable for compensation. Thus, when they fear this ruling, they will not swear falsely. “And fear Allah”: do not swear false oaths or betray a trust. “And listen”: to this admonition. “And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.”