Tafsir of Ya seen 36:16

"They said, 'Our Lord knows...'"

His saying: {Our Lord knows} functions like an oath in terms of emphasis. The same applies to their saying: "God bears witness," and "God knows."

This response—delivered in a manner of emphasis and verification—is only appropriate for them because it is coupled with their saying: {And there is not upon us except the clear notification}, meaning: that which is manifest and uncovered by the signs that testify to its truth. Otherwise, if a claimant were to say, "By God, I am truthful in what I claim," without producing evidence, it would be reprehensible.

{They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." They said, "Your omen is with you. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people."}