(Lo! among you) O group of believers (there is he who loitereth) there is him who cannot bring himself to go out in the way of Allah-meaning 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy-but rather waits to see what happens to you on your expedition; (and if) on your expedition (disaster) death, defeat or hardship (overtook you, he) 'Abdullah Ibn Ubayy (would say: Allah hath been gracious unto me) by my staying back (since I was not present with them) on that expedition.