Bible Strands
2 Peter 2:16
But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter addresses early Christians warning them against false teachers who have abandoned the straight path to follow Balaam. He cites a historical event to illustrate how God interrupts prophetic corruption.
The words — ἔλεγξιν (elegxin) means reproof, and ὑποζύγιον (hupozugion) means donkey. The text states that a mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice to deliver this reproof.
The thread — The encounter originates in Numbers 22:21, where Balaam saddles his donkey before the journey. Peter contrasts this divine interruption with the false teachers’ descent into the darkness described in 2 Peter 2:17.
Why it lands — The verse demands acknowledgment that God can use unexpected means to halt rebellion. It requires readers to examine whether they pursue corrupt paths for gain or remain on the straight way.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
Cross-references
- Numbers 22:21 So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.
- Acts 26:11 I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.
- Ecclesiastes 7:25 I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.
- Ecclesiastes 9:3 This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead.
- Hosea 9:7 The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived—let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.
- Luke 16:11 So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?
- Acts 26:24 At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”