ἔλεγξιν δὲ ἔσχεν, a periphrasis for the passive of ἐλέγχω, = “was rebuked”. ἰδίας παρανομίας, emphatic, “his own transgression”. Two interpretations of ἰδίας are possible. (1) The παρανομ. is a characteristic trait in Balaam (Keil. Weiss). (2) As prophet, Belaam was expected to do and teach God's law. He whose duty it is to rebuke others is himself rebuked for his own transgression” (Hundhausen, Wiesinger). παρανομία = “a particular transgression” as distinct from ἀνομία = “disobedience in general”, παραφρονίαν, “infatuation”. Balaam is proceeding against what he knows to be the Divine will.

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Old Testament