2 Peter 1:21

1:21 for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men ¹  carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

2 Peter 2:16

2:16 yet was rebuked ²  for his own transgression (a dumb donkey, ³  speaking with a human voice, ⁴  restrained the prophet’s madness). ⁵ 

[1:21]  ¹ tn If, as seems probable, the “prophecy” mentioned here is to be identified with the “prophecy of scripture” mentioned in the previous verse, then the Greek term ἄνθρωποι (anqrwpoi, “men”) would refer specifically to the human authors of scripture, who (as far as we know) were all men. Thus “men” has been used here in the translation. If, on the other hand, the “prophecy” mentioned in the present verse is not limited to scripture but refers to oral prophecy as well, then women would be included, since Joel 2:20 specifically mentions “sons and daughters” as having the ability to prophesy, and the NT clearly mentions prophetesses (Luke 2:36; Acts 21:9).

[2:16]  ² tn Grk “but he had a rebuke.”

[2:16]  ³ tn The Greek word ἄφωνος (afwno") means “mute, silent” or “incapable of speech.” For reasons of English style the word “dumb” was used in the translation. Despite the potential for misunderstanding (since “dumb” can refer to a lack of intellectual capability) more dynamic glosses were judged to be inelegant.

[2:16]  ⁴ tn Grk “a voice of a (man/person).”

[2:16]  ⁵ sn Balaam’s activities are detailed in Num 22—24 (see also Num 31:8, 16).