These readings represent two ways of realising the form X verb (originally istaṭāʿū, as subsequently in this ayah), the first with elision and the second with merging, and they are identical in meaning [Makki]. Some scholars argue that the subsequent wa-mā staṭāʿū expresses their greater inability to burrow through the barrier.
He has revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ the Book in truth, confirming what came before it, as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel
Explanation
These readings represent two ways of realising the form X verb (originally istaṭāʿū, as subsequently in this ayah), the first with elision and the second with merging, and they are identical in meaning [Makki]. Some scholars argue that the subsequent wa-mā staṭāʿū expresses their greater inability to burrow through the barrier.