The word(s) "were" appears 425 time(s) in 385 verse(s) in Quran in Muhammad Pickthal translation.

(231) Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.

(232) Allah hath promised such of you as believe and do good work that He will surely make them to succeed (the present rulers) in the earth even as He caused those who were before them to succeed (others); and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He hath approved for them, and will give them in exchange safety after their fear. They serve Me. They ascribe no thing as partner unto Me. Those who disbelieve henceforth, they are the miscreants.

(233) They will be awarded the high place forasmuch as they were steadfast, and they will meet therein with welcome and the ward of peace,

(234) So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed.

(235) And the wizards were flung prostrate,

(236) Thus (were those things taken from them) and We caused the Children of Israel to inherit them.

(237) By Allah, of a truth we were in error manifest

(238) But they hamstrung her, and then were penitent.

(239) And then cometh that which they were promised,

(240) (How) that wherewith they were contented naught availeth them?