None but a few youth from his own people believed in Musa (Moses), because of the fear of Fir’on (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, lest they should persecute them; and certainly Fir’on was mighty in the land and the one who did not hesitate to transgress any limit.
Meaning:-
Persecute: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief.
Transgress: to violate a law, command, moral code, etc.; offend; sin.