and say, Which is better - our deities or he?" [But] it is only in the spirit of dispute that they put this comparison before thee: yea, they are contentious folk!

And they say, "Are our gods best, or he?" This they set forth to thee, only by way of disputation: yea, they are a contentious people.

And say: Are our gods better, or is he? They raise not the objection save for argument. Nay! but they are a contentious folk.

And they say: Are our gods better, or is he? They set it forth to thee only by way of disputation. Nay, they are a contentious people.

And they said, "Are your gods better, or is he?" They did not present the comparison except for [mere] argument. But, [in fact], they are a people prone to dispute.