Yusuf Ali
Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah´s Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost.
Sahih International
So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure their bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allah had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah - never will He waste their deeds.
Shakir
So when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make (them) prisoners, and afterwards either set them free as a favor or let them ransom (themselves) until the war terminates. That (shall be so); and if Allah had pleased He would certainly have exacted what is due from them, but that He may try some of you by means of others; and (as for) those who are slain in the way of Allah, He will by no means allow their deeds to perish.
Pickthall
Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain.
محمد جالندھری
جب تم کافروں سے بھڑ جاؤ تو ان کی گردنیں اُڑا دو۔ یہاں تک کہ جب ان کو خوب قتل کرچکو تو (جو زندہ پکڑے جائیں ان کو) مضبوطی سے قید کرلو۔ پھر اس کے بعد یا تو احسان رکھ کر چھوڑ دینا چاہیئے یا کچھ مال لے کر یہاں تک کہ (فریق مقابل) لڑائی (کے) ہتھیار (ہاتھ سے) رکھ دے۔ (یہ حکم یاد رکھو) اور اگر خدا چاہتا تو (اور طرح) ان سے انتقام لے لیتا۔ لیکن اس نے چاہا کہ تمہاری آزمائش ایک (کو) دوسرے سے (لڑوا کر) کرے۔ اور جو لوگ خدا کی راہ میں مارے گئے ان کے عملوں کو ہرگز ضائع نہ کرے گا