God does Not chastise people when there is a chance of reform
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
وَمَا كَانَ
اللّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُمْ
وَأَنتَ فِيهِمْ...
8: 33. But Allah was not going to send them a penalty whilst thou wast amongst them;
...وَمَا كَانَ اللّهُ مُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ ﴿٣٣﴾
nor was He going to send it whilst they could ask for pardon.
Other versions:
8: 33
Asad But God did not choose thus to chastise them while you [O Prophet] were still among them [note 33], nor would God chastise them when they [might yet] ask for forgiveness.
Yusuf Ali But Allah was not going to send them a penalty whilst you were amongst them; nor was He going to send it whilst they could ask for pardon.
Pickthall But Allah would not punish them while thou wast with them, nor will He punish them while they seek forgiveness.
Transliteration Wa ma_ ka_nalla_hu liyu'azzibahum wa anta fihim, wa ma_ ka_nalla_hu mu'azzibahum wa hum yastagfiru_n(a).
[[ Ruby’s note 8:33 – There were Quraysh who did converted to Islam and asked forgiveness later as the Muslim community progressed. What I believe is indicated here is that if God sees any possibility of people’s turning around and transformation God gives the chance and not act against them right away. However, if He sees that the arrogance and obstinacy is to the point of no return, the punishment may fall rightaway.]]