Overall meaning : When you see these hypocrites, Muhammad, their impressive outward appearance pleases you; and when they speak, you listen to their speech with delight because of their eloquence. When they are seated in your gatherings, they do not understand anything: They are as though they were useless blocks of wood propped up against a wall. They imagine that every shout is directed against them.
The hypocrites are the real enemies of Muslims; therefore, beware of them, Muhammad, for they pose greater danger to you than the unbelievers who openly declare their enmity towards you. Allah has excluded them from His mercy and disgraced them. How can they turn away from the truth despite its clear proofs?!
When it is said to them, ‘Turn to Allah and repent of your hypocrisy, and come to the Messenger of Allah so that he may ask forgiveness for you,’ they turn away their heads by way of refusal and out of contempt and pride.
It is the same whether or not you pray for their forgiveness, Muhammad, Allah will by no means forgive them; for Allah does not guide the rebellious transgressors who disobey His commands.