Taberî conveys the qiraat differences in the reading of the word 'as-silm' (السلم): in the Hijaz reading it is read with fatha as 'as-selm' meaning 'reconciliation, peace, paying jizya and abandoning war', while in the Kufa reading it is read with kasra as 'as-silm' (السِّلْم) and is interpreted as either Islam or peace. He himself prefers the reading with kasra as more correct, meaning Islam; because the verse addresses the believers and there is no point in telling believers who have no war among themselves to enter into peace. He explains the word 'kaffa' as meaning 'all/completely', interpreting it as believers being called to apply all the provisions of Islam completely and without omission.

وأما الذي هو أولى القراءتين بالصواب في قراءة ذلك، فقراءة من قرأ بكسر السين؛ لأن ذلك إذا قرئ كذلك وإن كان قد يحتمل معنى الصلح، فإن معنى الإسلام: ودوام الأمر الصالح عند العرب أغلب عليه من الصلح، والمسالمة

Ibn Kathir explains the word 'silm' as Islam/obedience and states that according to the most authentic view, the expression 'kaffatan' is an accusative adverbial modifier attached to the verb 'adhlu', meaning believers are commanded to enter collectively into all the provisions of Islamic law, all branches of faith, and all paths of goodness to the best of their ability. He also conveys that some exegetes relate this verse to a group from the People of the Book who believed and wished to maintain their adherence to the Torah (such as Abdullah ibn Salam and his companions), but notes that he approaches this view with caution.

والصحيح الأول وهو أنهم أمروا كلهم أن يعملوا بجميع شعب الإيمان وشرائع الإسلام وهي كثيرة جدا ما استطاعوا منها

According to Baydawi, the word 'as-silm/as-selm' means submission and obedience; the possible addressees of the verse could be the hypocrites, believers from the People of the Book, or Muslims in general. According to this interpretation, the verse commands either complete outward and inward submission to Allah, or entering Islam fully without mixing it with other things, or believing in all prophets and books and entering into all of Allah's laws, or obeying completely all branches and provisions of Islam without omission. Regarding 'deviation', it is reminded that Allah possesses might and wisdom, and His punishment is both powerful and just.

والمعنى استسلموا لله وأطيعوه جملة ظاهرا وباطنا، والخطاب للمنافقين، أو ادخلوا في الإسلام بكليتكم ولا تخلطوا به غيره.

According to this exegete, the verse expresses completing obedience in matters of faith, that is, entering Islam completely by believing in all prophets and books together with belief in Muhammad and his book. Not following the steps of Satan means not falling prey to doubts that make adherence to only the Torah religion seem good. Furthermore, the text indicates that the address is directed at Muslims and includes remaining steadfast upon Islam throughout one's life and not deviating from any of the provisions of its law.

وذلك لأن المعصية مخالفة لله ولرسوله ، فيصح أن يسمي تركها بالسلم