Revelation 13:11

¶ And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

And {G2532} I beheld {G1492} another {G243} beast {G2342} coming up {G305} out of {G1537} the earth {G1093}; and {G2532} he had {G2192} two {G1417} horns {G2768} like {G3664} a lamb {G721}, and {G2532} he spake {G2980} as {G5613} a dragon {G1404}.

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. It had two horns like those of a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon.

Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon.

And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like unto a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

Commentary on Revelation 13:11

Revelation 13:11 introduces a new, formidable figure in John's apocalyptic vision, distinct from the "beast coming up out of the sea" described earlier in the chapter. This verse sets the stage for understanding the nature and role of this second beast, often identified as the "false prophet."

Context

Following the description of the first beast, which embodies political and economic power wielded by the dragon (Satan), this verse shifts focus to a second entity. This "another beast" emerges not from the sea (often symbolizing chaotic nations or peoples), but "out of the earth" (Greek: ek tēs gēs), suggesting an earthly, perhaps more localized or immanent origin, potentially relating to human systems, philosophies, or a religious-spiritual authority. Its primary function, as revealed in subsequent verses, is to serve and promote the worship of the first beast.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Second Beast (The False Prophet): This entity is later explicitly named the "false prophet" (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). Its role is primarily spiritual and deceptive, acting as the propagandist and religious enforcer for the first beast and the dragon.
  • Deceptive Appearance: The phrase "he had two horns like a lamb" is profoundly significant. The "Lamb" (Greek: arnion) is a prominent and revered symbol for Jesus Christ throughout Revelation, representing His sacrifice and authority (John 1:29; Revelation 5:6). This beast's lamb-like horns suggest an outward appearance of innocence, spirituality, benevolence, or even Christ-like authority, designed to mislead and gain trust.
  • Malignant Nature and Speech: The stark contrast comes with "and he spake as a dragon." The "dragon" (Greek: drakōn) is explicitly identified as Satan himself (Revelation 12:9). This reveals the true, sinister nature behind the beast's benign facade. Its speech, doctrines, and decrees, though seemingly spiritual, will be manipulative, oppressive, and ultimately aligned with the will of Satan, leading humanity into idolatry and rebellion against God.
  • Spiritual Deception: This verse underscores the theme of profound deception in the end times. The false prophet will use signs and wonders (Revelation 13:13-14) to persuade people to worship the first beast, embodying a counterfeit spirituality that mimics truth but serves evil.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "lamb" here is arnion, a diminutive form, often used affectionately for Jesus. The contrast with drakōn, "dragon," highlights the ultimate deception: an entity appearing gentle and spiritual but speaking with the voice and authority of the ultimate enemy. The phrase "coming up out of the earth" (ek tēs gēs) suggests an earthly origin, perhaps arising from human philosophies, religious movements, or systems that gain widespread acceptance and influence.

Practical Application

Revelation 13:11 serves as a timeless warning for believers to exercise profound discernment. It teaches us that evil often disguises itself in attractive, seemingly spiritual, or even benevolent forms. We are called to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and evaluate teachings and leaders not by their outward appearance or perceived authority, but by the true source and content of their message. Does their message truly align with the Word of God and glorify the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, or does it subtly lead away from Him towards another authority or system? This verse emphasizes the need for vigilance against spiritual counterfeits in every age.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 7:8

    I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:15

    Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

  • Matthew 7:15

    Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

  • Revelation 17:6

    And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

  • Revelation 16:13

    And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

  • Revelation 11:7

    And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

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