(يَحْذَرُ الْمُنَافِقُونَ أَن تُنَزَّلَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُورَةٌ…) (The hypocrites are afraid lest a surah…): The Arabic word (are afraid) is derived from the root word which means the preparation to face an expected danger or harm. Allah (swt) makes it clear that the hypocrites are always fearful of being exposed and having the secrets of their diseased hearts revealed because they used to show the contrary of what they conceal. The hypocrites are constantly wary of the danger that Allah (swt) may reveal a surah informing them of what lies within their hearts.

…تُنَبِّئُهُم…  (be revealed about them.): They are afraid that a Surah would reveal and announce they hide.

(…قُلِ اسْتَهْزِئُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ مُخْرِجٌ مَّا تَحْذَرُونَ) (Say, “Mock [as you wish]; indeed, Allah will expose that which you fear.’): The hypocrite’s approach is characterized by mockery and lacking seriousness. They use mockery to cast doubt in society about the believers and everything else. Allah (swt) is revealing what they fear and making it clear to His noble messenger (saws). This is evident in Surah At-Tawbah, which is the Surah that exposes their secrets the most; revealing what they were afraid to be disclosed in case any of the Quranic verses were being revealed about them.