King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:16 Mean?

2 Peter 2:16 in the King James Version says “But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.”

2 Peter 2:16 · KJV

Context

14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: adultery: Gr. an adulteress

15

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

16

But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

17

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

18

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. clean: or, for a little, or, a while, as some read

Read 2 Peter 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 2, verse 16 - Comprehensive theological analysis. Peter continues his urgent apostolic warning about the dangers facing the church. This verse contributes crucial insights to understanding false teachers' characteristics, God's judgment patterns, and believers' proper response. The Greek terminology reveals theological precision in Peter's argument, emphasizing both divine sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility in sanctification.

The immediate context connects to Peter's broader argument about maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity while awaiting Christ's return. Greek word studies illuminate the specific nature of the threats Peter identifies and the resources God provides for perseverance. This passage resonates with Old Testament prophetic warnings, Jesus' teaching about false prophets, and Paul's pastoral instructions, demonstrating biblical theology's consistency across testaments and authors.

Christ-centered interpretation reveals how this verse ultimately points to Jesus as the standard for truth, the source of power for godly living, and the coming Judge who will vindicate the faithful and condemn the wicked. The eschatological dimension reminds believers that present struggles occur within the larger framework of redemptive history culminating in Christ's glorious return and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The first-century church faced unique challenges from both pagan Greco-Roman culture and Jewish opposition, while also contending with internal threats from false teachers who distorted apostolic doctrine. Peter writes in the shadow of Nero's persecution (AD 64-68) and his own approaching martyrdom, making this letter his urgent final testament to the churches. Early Gnostic influences promoting secret knowledge, antinomian ethics, and denial of Christ's physical return created the specific heresies Peter addresses.

Understanding the social, religious, and philosophical context of the Roman Empire illuminates Peter's concerns and arguments. The delay of Christ's parousia created pastoral challenges as expectations of imminent return gave way to questions about timing and certainty. Jewish apocalyptic literature, Greco-Roman moral philosophy, and mystery religions all influenced how different groups understood salvation, ethics, and eschatology, requiring apostolic clarification to maintain orthodox Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge compromises you might be tempted to make for cultural acceptance or personal comfort?
  2. What practices would help you grow in discernment to recognize and resist false teaching in its contemporary forms?
  3. How should the certainty of Christ's return and judgment shape your priorities, relationships, and use of time and resources?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἔλεγξιν1 of 16

“rebuked”

G1649

refutation, i.e., reproof

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔσχεν3 of 16

“was”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἰδίας4 of 16

“for his”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

παρανομίας·5 of 16

“iniquity”

G3892

transgression

ὑποζύγιον6 of 16

“ass”

G5268

an animal under the yoke (draught-beast), i.e., (specially), a donkey

ἄφωνον7 of 16

“the dumb”

G880

voiceless, i.e., mute (by nature or choice); figuratively, unmeaning

ἐν8 of 16

“with”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀνθρώπου9 of 16

“man's”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

φωνῇ10 of 16

“voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

φθεγξάμενον11 of 16

“speaking”

G5350

to utter a clear sound, i.e., (generally) to proclaim

ἐκώλυσεν12 of 16

“forbad”

G2967

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

τὴν13 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοῦ14 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφήτου15 of 16

“of the prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

παραφρονίαν16 of 16

“the madness”

G3913

insanity, i.e., foolhardiness

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Peter 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Peter 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 22:21-33Acts 26:11Ecclesiastes 9:3Luke 16:11Hosea 9:7Ecclesiastes 7:25

Test Your Knowledge

2 Peter 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Peter 2 with CommentaryAll 2 Peter ChaptersComplete 2 Peter QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes