And when He clarified to them by establishing the proof of the falsehood of those who engage in this speech that they deserved blame, and that was encouraging for the people of piety, He clarified that they deserved, due to their negligence in denial, the generality of retribution in a context that is glad tidings of pardon. So He said, connecting to the previous 'and if not': 'And if not for the favor of Allah' meaning the encompassing of His attributes of perfection 'upon you and His mercy' meaning His dealing with you with increased grace, looking to the favor and honor, which is necessary for mercy 'in this world' by accepting repentance and dealing with forbearance 'and the Hereafter' by pardoning whom He wishes to pardon from you 'it would have touched you' meaning immediately generally 'in what you engaged in' meaning you rushed into in whatever way it was 'in it' some of you truly, and some of you metaphorically by not denying 'a great punishment' meaning that blame and beating are insignificant with it, as one would perish and the punishment of the Hereafter would connect with him.