﴿ لَوْ كَانَ عَرَضًۭا قَرِيبًۭا وَسَفَرًۭا قَاصِدًۭا لَّٱتَّبَعُوكَ وَلَٰكِنۢ بَعُدَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلشُّقَّةُ ۚ وَسَيَحْلِفُونَ بِٱللَّهِ لَوِ ٱسْتَطَعْنَا لَخَرَجْنَا مَعَكُمْ يُهْلِكُونَ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ ﴾

“Had there been [a prospect of] immediate gain, and an easy journey, they would certainly have followed thee, [O Prophet:] but the distance was too great for them. And yet, [after your return, O believers,] they will swear by God, "Had we been able to do so, we would certainly have set out with you!" - [and by thus falsely swearing] they will be destroying their own selves: for God knows indeed that they are lying!”

(Had it been a near adventure) a near spoil of war (and an easy journey they had followed thee) to the Battle of Tabuk with a good disposition of the soul, (but the distance seemed too far for them) Historic Syria seemed too far for them. (Yet will they swear by Allah) to you when you come back from the Battle of Tabuk, i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Abi Wajd Ibn Qays, Mu'attib Ibn Qushayr and their companions who did not take part in the battle of Tabuk ((saying): If we had been able) to acquire provision and mount (we would surely have set out with you) to the Battle of Tabuk. (They destroy their souls) by lying in their oaths, (and Allah knoweth that they verily are liars) because they were able to set out with the Prophet (pbuh).