عَيِينَا — root and sense
عَيِينَا comes from عَيَّ which means to be incapable, lack the strength to do something, or be too tired to complete it. It is used when somebody is incapable of expressing oneself.
Ayah 50:15 — Arabic and translation
أَفَعَيِينَا بِٱلْخَلْقِ ٱلْأَوَّلِ ۚ بَلْ هُمْ فِى لَبْسٍ مِّنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ
“Have we been over exhausted by the first creation. No, rather, they are in a confused state about a new creation”.
A hard question linking the power in the first creation to their confusion about a new creation (i.e., resurrection).
Language points and insights
فَعَيِينَا بِالْخَلْقِ الْأَوَّلِ — two readings
“Were We incapable when We undertook the initial or first creation?”
“Do you think that We became exhausted by the first creation (and unable to repeat it)?”
Context of power and capability
After mentioning the destruction of many nations, the question challenges any notion of tiredness or lack of capability: “Do you think that I am tired or lack in power and capability?”
لَبْسٍ — confusion as covering and sticking
لَبْسٍ comes from لَبِسَ “to wear/put on” (cf. لِبَاس clothing) — clothing covers and hides what is behind it, producing uncertainty about the true form.
If a matter has لَبِسَ someone, it has confused him; it is also used with the meaning of “sticking” to something. The expression “He لَبِسَ a woman” indicates close attachment.
Hence: بَلْ هُمْ فِي لَبْسٍ مِّنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ — they are wrapped up in confusion about a new creation (i.e., their resurrection).
Note: لَبْسٍ is the second word in this Surah for confusion; the first was مَرِيج.
جَدِيدٍ — newness and renewal
Means “new” and also “unprecedented” and “renewal,” like something given a fresh cut or face.
خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ can imply a better creation, a more refined creation, or one of great capacity.
The Arabs said رَجُلٌ جَدِيدٌ to mean one fortunate with Rizq (provision); the word implies good fortune, happiness, and wealth. Thus, “a new creation” can imply a creation that will attain a lot more Rizq and provide more happiness than before.
Visualizing “wrapped confusion”
This layered veil suggests how covering hides form and creates uncertainty — mirroring the state of being in لَبْسٍ about a new creation.
First creation versus a new creation
The verse contrasts the first creation with the denial and confusion about a new creation.
Questioned as a measure of capability: “Were We incapable when We undertook the initial or first creation?”
Denied due to لَبْسٍ: a renewed, possibly better or more capacious creation — i.e., their resurrection.
Context and argument
This is the last verse of the second section. What precedes it prepares a compelling conclusion.
Evidence of nature
Beauty of the creation of the sky and earth and the benefits brought forth from them.
Historical argument
Mention of the nations, how they denied the Messengers, and were deserving of the threat (punishment).
The hard question
فَعَيِينَا بِالْخَلْقِ الْأَوَّلِ ۚ بَلْ هُمْ فِي لَبْسٍ مِّنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ
The creation and maintenance of the heavens and the earth, the sending of the Messengers, and the destruction of deniers are proofs of capability and power.
Is the One who has done all of that and created the first creation not able to bring a new creation and resurrect you?! After seeing all this evidence, you are still unclear and confused about this matter?!
Key terms at a glance
عَيِينَا · incapacity, exhaustion; inability to complete/express
فَعَيِينَا بِالْخَلْقِ الْأَوَّلِ · twofold: incapable? exhausted to repeat?
لَبْسٍ · confusion via covering; sticking; wrapped uncertainty
جَدِيدٍ · new, unprecedented, renewal; better/refined/greater capacity
مَرِيج · earlier term in the Surah for confusion