Transliteration:( Qaala yaaa Aadamu ambi' hum biasmaaa'ihim falammaa amba ahum bi asmaaa'ihim qaala alam aqul lakum inneee a'lamu ghaibas samaawaati wal ardi wa a'lamu maa tubdoona wa maa kuntum taktumoon )
"He (Allah) said: 'O Adam! Inform them of the names of these things.' [65] When he (Adam) informed them of the names of all these things, Allah said: 'Did I not tell you that I know all the hidden mysteries of the heavens and the earth, and I know whatever you disclose and whatever you conceal?'"
This verse highlights that Hazrat Adam عليه السلام was commanded to inform, not to teach, the angels about the names.
The distinction between teaching and informing is important:
Teaching implies developing understanding in the student.
Informing simply means stating facts or data.
So, when Adam presented the names, it was to demonstrate his God-given knowledge, not to impart it to the angels.
This is why Allah used the verb “taught” when referring to Adam, but “informed” when describing Adam's action toward the angels.
This confirms that Adam’s level of knowledge remained superior, and the angels, even after hearing the names, did not attain his level of understanding.
Allah then reminds them that His knowledge encompasses all realities, both manifest and hidden, whether known or concealed by His creation.
The tafsir of Surah Baqarah verse 33 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Baqarah ayat 31 which provides the complete commentary from verse 31 through 33.
(2:33) Then Allah said to Adam: “Tell them the names of these things.”[44] And when he had told them the names of all things, Allah said: “Did I not say to you that I know everything about the heavens and the earth which are beyond your range of knowledge and I know all that you disclose and also all that you hide?”
44. This demonstration of Adam’s capacity was an answer to the first of the doubts the angels had expressed. In this manner, they were made to realize that God had not only bestowed some authority upon man, but had also endowed him with knowledge. Fear of mischief and disorder through man’s appointment as vicegerent is only one aspect of the matter. The other aspect is constructive and offsets man’s potentiality for spreading mischief. For the wise will not sacrifice a major good for fear of a minor harm.
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