(And they bid thee) O Muhammad (hasten on the evil) to bring chastisement on them, out of derision (rather than the good) rather than ask you for their welfare, i.e. they do not ask you for your welfare, (when exemplary punishments) of those who have perished (have indeed occurred before them. But lo! thy Lord is rich in pardon for mankind) the people of Mecca (despite their wrong) despite their idolatry, that is if they repent and believe, (and lo! thy Lord is strong in punishment!) for those who do not repent of idolatry.
