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Suggested translation^1,2:

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¹This translation may have been updated from the original suggested translation as a result of the discussions that follow.
²Click on the {verse number} of a translation to see other good translations of the verse.

I think the translator misparsed this verse. The phrase أن تبروا is the accusative of أيمانكم. Thus the correct translation, IMHO, is,

{2:224} And do not make God a subject in your oaths to do good, be watchful [of God] and reconcile between people. And God is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

That is, when people want to do good or make peace, they should not swear by God for that; they should just do the good deed! Why? Because they may not be able to do the good deed. Swearing by God to do something is a commitment that must be fulfilled. It's an uttering that should never be made lightly.


I suggest,
{2:225} God does not take you to task for frivolity in your oaths, but He takes you to task for what your hearts have earned. And God is much Forgiving and Forbearing.