What is the meaning of 2 Peter 2:16?

But he was rebuked for his transgression

• Peter is recalling Balaam’s rebellion (Numbers 22:22-24, 31-34). Though Balaam knew God’s standards (Micah 6:5), he sought gain over obedience (2 Peter 2:15).

• “Transgression” highlights willful crossing of a known line—sin against clear light (Hebrews 10:26).

• God’s rebuke shows His faithfulness to confront sin before it ripens into greater harm (Revelation 3:19).

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by a donkey, otherwise without speech

• The animal selected is ordinarily mute; Scripture calls it “a beast of burden” (Numbers 22:28).

• God often chooses the weak or unlikely to shame the proud (1 Corinthians 1:27).

• This detail underscores the miracle’s authenticity: a natural impossibility turned into God’s megaphone (Psalm 115:3).

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that spoke with a man’s voice

• The donkey’s articulate words (Numbers 22:28-30) are presented as literal fact, not allegory.

• This shows the Creator’s absolute sovereignty over creation; if He can give speech to a donkey, He can certainly guide human events (Luke 19:40).

• Balaam could not deny the message, for it came through a creature he controlled—yet now the roles reverse (Job 12:7-10).

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and restrained the prophet’s madness

• “Madness” describes Balaam’s reckless drive toward profit at Israel’s expense (Jude 11; Revelation 2:14).

• The miraculous warning pulled him back from immediate destruction by the angel of the LORD (Numbers 22:32-33).

• God’s intervention illustrates both justice and mercy: justice in exposing sin, mercy in offering a chance to repent (2 Peter 3:9).

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summary

Peter uses Balaam to warn against false teachers who chase profit and lead others astray. God literally opened a donkey’s mouth to prove He will confront such arrogance. If the Lord employed a speechless animal to halt one prophet’s folly, He can certainly expose and judge modern deceit while offering sinners a merciful path back to truth.