TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
Complete Jewish Bible
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon.
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I beheld another beast comming vp out of the earth, which had two hornes like the Lambe, but he spake like the dragon.
Young's Literal Translation
And I saw another beast coming up out of the land, and it had two horns, like a lamb, and it was speaking as a dragon,
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Commentary on Revelation 13 verses 11–18
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.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Those who think the first beast signifies Rome pagan by this second beast would understand Rome papal, which promotes idolatry and tyranny, but in a more soft and lamb-like manner: those that understand the first beast of the secular power of the papacy take the second to intend its spiritual and ecclesiastical powers, which act under the disguise of religion and charity to the souls of men. Here observe,
I. The form and shape of this second beast: He had two horns like a lamb, but a mouth that spoke like the dragon. All agree that this must be some great impostor, who, under a pretence of religion, shall deceive the souls of men. The papists would have it to be Apollonius Tyranaeus; but Dr. More has rejected that opinion, and fixes it upon the ecclesiastical powers of the papacy. The pope shows the horns of a lamb, pretends to be the vicar of Christ upon earth, and so to be vested with his power and authority; but his speech betrays him, for he gives forth those false doctrines and cruel decrees which show him to belong to the dragon, and not to the Lamb.
II. The power which he exercises: All the power of the former beast (Rev 13:12); he promotes the same interest, pursues the same design in substance, which is, to draw men off from worshipping the true God to worshipping those who by nature are no gods, and subject the souls and consciences of men to the will and authority of men, in opposition to the will of God. This design is promoted by the popery as well as by paganism, and by the crafty arts of popery as well as by the secular arm, both serving the interests of the devil, though in a different manner.
III. The methods by which this second beast carried on his interests and designs; they are of three sorts: - 1. Lying wonders, pretended miracles, by which they should be deceived, and prevailed with to worship the former beast in this new image or shape that was now made for him; they would pretend to bring down fire from heaven, as Elias did, and God sometimes permits his enemies, as he did the magicians of Egypt, to do things that seem very wonderful, and by which unwary persons may be deluded. It is well known that the papal kingdom has been long supported by pretended miracles. 2. Excommunications, anathemas, severe censures, by which they pretend to cut men off from Christ, and cast them into the power of the devil, but do indeed deliver them over to the secular power, that they may be put to death; and thus, notwithstanding their vile hypocrisy, they are justly charged with killing those whom they cannot corrupt. 3. By disfranchisement, allowing none to enjoy natural, civil, or municipal rights, who will not worship that papal beast, that is, the image of the pagan beast. It is made a qualification for buying and selling the rights of nature, as well as for places of profit and trust, that they have the mark of the beast in their forehead and in their right hand, and that they have the name of the beast and the number of his name. It is probable that the mark, the name, and the number of the beast, may all signify the same thing - that they make an open profession of their subjection and obedience to the papacy, which is receiving the mark in their forehead, and that they oblige themselves to use all their interest, power, and endeavour, to promote the papal authority, which is receiving the mark in their right hands. We are told that pope Martin V. in his bull, added to the council of Constance, prohibits Roman catholics from suffering any heretics to dwell in their countries, or to make any bargains, use any trades, or bear any civil offices, which is a very clear interpretation of this prophecy.
IV. We have here the number of the beast, given in such a manner as shows the infinite wisdom of God, and will sufficiently exercise all the wisdom and accuracy of men: The number is the number of a man, computed after the usual manner among men, and it is 666. Whether this be the number of the errors and heresies that are contained in popery, or rather, as others, the number of the years from its rise to its fall, is not certain, much less what that period is which is described by these prophetic numbers. The most admired dissertation on this intricate subject is that of Dr. Potter, where the curious may find sufficient entertainment. It seems to me to be one of those seasons which God has reserved in his own power; only this we know, God has written Mene Tekel upon all his enemies; he has numbered their days, and they shall be finished, but his own kingdom shall endure for ever.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–18. Public domain.
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IrenaeusAD 202
Against Heresies Book V
And he shall perform great wonders, so that he can even cause fire to descend from heaven upon the earth in the sight of men, and he shall lead the inhabitants of the earth astray."
Hippolytus of RomeAD 235
Hippolytus Dogmatical and Historical Fragments
But as it is incumbent on us to discuss this matter of the beast more exactly, and in particular the question how the Holy Spirit has also mystically indicated his name by means of a number, we shall proceed to state more clearly what bears upon him. John then speaks thus: "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 he exercised all the power of the first beast before him; and he made the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he did great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast which had the wound by a sword and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he caused all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their forehead; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast; for if is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred threescore and six."
By the beast, then, coming up out of the earth, he means the kingdom of Antichrist; and by the two horns he means him and the false prophet after him. And in speaking of "the horns being like a lamb," he means that he will make himself like the Son of God, and set himself forward as king. And the terms, "he spake like a dragon," mean that he is a deceiver, and not truthful. And the words, "he exercised all the power of the first beast before him, and caused the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed," signify that, after the manner of the law of Augustus, by whom the empire of Rome was established, he too will rule and govern, sanctioning everything by it, and taking greater glory to himself. For this is the fourth beast, whose head was wounded and healed again, in its being broken up or even dishonoured, and partitioned into four crowns; and he then (Antichrist) shall with knavish skill heal it, as it were, and restore it. For this is what is meant by the prophet when he says, "He will give life unto the image, and the image of the beast will speak." For he will act with vigour again, and prove strong by reason of the laws established by him; and he will cause all those who will not worship the image of the beast to be put to death. Here the faith and the patience of the saints will appear, for he says: "And he will cause all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand or in their forehead; that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name." For, being full of guile, and exalting himself against the servants of God, with the wish to afflict them and persecute them out of the world, because they give not glory to him, he will order incense-pans to be set up by all everywhere, that no man among the saints may be able to buy or sell without first sacrificing; for this is what is meant by the mark received upon the right hand. And the word-"in their forehead"-indicates that all are crowned, and put on a crown of fire, and not of life, but of death. For in this wise, too, did Antiochus Epiphanes the king of Syria, the descendant of Alexander of Macedon, devise measures against the Jews. He, too, in the exaltation of his heart, issued a decree in those times, that "all should set up shrines before their doors, and sacrifice, and that they should march in procession to the honour of Dionysus, waving chaplets of ivy; "and that those who refused obedience should be put to death by strangulation and torture. But he also met his due recompense at the hand of the Lord, the righteous Judge and all-searching God; for he died eaten up of worms. And if one desires to inquire into that more accurately, he will find it recorded in the books of the Maccabees.
Victorinus of PettauAD 304
Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John
"And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth." He is speaking of the great and false prophet who is to do signs, and portents, and falsehoods before him in the presence of men.
"And he had two horns like a lamb-that is, the appearance within of a man-and he spoke like a dragon." But the devil speaks full of malice; for he shall do these things in the presence of men, so that even the dead appear to rise again.
TiconiusAD 390
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 13:11
It has two horns that are like those of a lamb. These are the two Testaments that belong to the true Lamb but that the beast tried to usurp for himself by feigning to be a lamb. Nevertheless, it is said to speak like a dragon, because by the hypocrisy of a false truth it beguiles those whom it can lead astray. For it would not be like a lamb were it to speak openly as a dragon. It now pretends to be the Lamb so that it might assail the Lamb, that is, the body of Christ. It speaks against God, since it drives away from the way of truth those whom he has deluded and who now seek after him.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 13:11
Some say that this beast is the antichrist, while to others its two horns signify the antichrist and the false prophet. But since also the false prophet is thought to come in his own person, it is proper to think that the dragon is to be interpreted as Satan, the beast that arises from the sea as the antichrist, and this beast that comes up from the earth as the false prophet, which is the opinion of the blessed Irenaeus. That he comes up from the earth symbolizes that he arises from an earthly and groveling manner of life. That he has two horns like a lamb indicates that in the skin of a lamb he cloaks the murderousness of the wolf hiding within and that at the beginning he will have the form of piety. Concerning him Irenaeus says, “Concerning his armorbearer, whom he also calls the false prophet, he says, ‘he spoke like a dragon.’ ” The authority of signs and wonders was given to him, so that going before the antichrist, he might prepare the way of destruction for him. We say that the healing of the wound of the beast is either the apparent, short-lived unity of the divided empire, or the temporary restoration by the antichrist of the tyranny of Satan that had been destroyed, or the fraudulent resurrection of one of his associates who had died. It says that he speaks like a dragon, because he will do and say the things of the devil, who is the author of evil.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. He presents the horns of a lamb to secretly insert the poison of the dragon. Because, through the hypocrisy of holiness, he falsely claims to have the unique wisdom and life that the Lord truly possessed. Concerning this beast, the Lord says: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves (Matthew VII).
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He said another in office, yet it is one. What is the sea is also the earth, according to Daniel. To whom, seeing the four beasts rise from the sea, the angel says: These four great beasts are four kingdoms that will arise from the earth (Daniel VII).
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
Having made many digressions and having returned from the later principles to the earlier principles, he arrived at the matter under discussion. And that was to narrate to us the things concerning the wicked and God-hated Antichrist. This one therefore is now set forth in the midst, and see what he says about him.
And I saw, he says, another beast coming up out of the earth, from where also is the beginning of origin for all men. For the Antichrist is a man, "whose presence is according to the working of the Devil," (2 Thess. 2:9) as it seems to the most wise Paul.
And it had two horns like a lamb, and it spoke like a Dragon. He said reasonably that he does not have the horns of a lamb, but that he is like a lamb, and that he is not a Dragon, but speaks like a Dragon. For since the true one is thought to be Christ, it is not that he was given horns like a lamb. And since through every sort of wickedness he contends equally with the Devil, yet he is not the Devil, he did not say that he is a Dragon, but that he speaks as a dragon. Since therefore these things are so, the Word preserved for him the image also in the vision, and gives him a form not of a lamb, but like a lamb, neither of a dragon, but like a dragon. For Christ has been called a lamb, the Devil a Dragon, but it was neither this nor that.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 13:11 introduces a second significant apocalyptic figure, emerging from the earth, distinct yet complementary to the first beast from the sea. This entity presents a deceptive appearance, characterized by lamb-like horns, suggesting innocence or spiritual authority, yet its true nature is revealed through its dragon-like speech, aligning it with Satan's deceptive and oppressive agenda. This verse sets the stage for understanding the spiritual and propagandistic arm of the antichrist system, emphasizing the profound deception that will characterize the end times.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Revelation 13:11 directly follows the description of the first beast, which rose from the sea and received its power, throne, and great authority from the dragon, demanding worship from the world (Revelation 13:1-10). While the first beast embodies political and economic power, the introduction of the second beast signals a shift to a different, yet equally dangerous, dimension of the anti-God system. This second beast's primary function, elaborated in subsequent verses (Revelation 13:12-17), is to enforce the worship of the first beast, performing great signs and wonders to deceive humanity. The two beasts, along with the dragon (Revelation 12:9), form an unholy trinity, mimicking God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in their perverted mission.
Historical & Cultural Context: John wrote Revelation during a time of intense persecution for early Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian, who demanded emperor worship. The imagery of beasts and dragons was common in ancient Near Eastern apocalyptic literature, often symbolizing oppressive empires or chaotic forces. The "earth" as a place of origin, in contrast to the "sea" (often representing chaotic nations or peoples), could suggest an internal, perhaps more localized or immanent origin for this beast, possibly arising from within established human systems, philosophies, or even religious institutions. The concept of a spiritual authority enforcing political worship would have resonated deeply with Christians facing the pressures of the imperial cult, where refusal to worship the emperor could mean death.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Revelation. Firstly, it underscores the theme of deception, highlighting how evil will often present itself in a seemingly benevolent or spiritual guise to mislead humanity. The contrast between the "lamb-like" appearance and "dragon-like" speech is central to this theme. Secondly, it develops the theme of counterfeit worship, revealing how the second beast will orchestrate a global system of idolatry, compelling allegiance to the first beast rather than to God. This directly opposes the call to worship God alone found throughout the book, as seen in passages like Revelation 14:7. Thirdly, it introduces the concept of a spiritual enforcer within the end-times scenario, often identified as the "false prophet" (Revelation 16:13). This figure's role is to provide the theological justification and miraculous validation for the first beast's authority, ensuring widespread compliance and devotion to the anti-Christ system.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 13:11 is rich with Symbolism and Contrast, which are key to understanding its message. The "beast" itself is a potent symbol, representing a malevolent power or system. Its origin "out of the earth" symbolizes its earthly, perhaps institutional or religious, nature, distinguishing it from the "sea beast." The most striking device is the Juxtaposition of its appearance and speech: "two horns like a lamb" versus "he spake as a dragon." The "lamb" is a powerful Metaphor and Allusion to Jesus Christ, highlighting the beast's deceptive mimicry of divine authority and innocence. Conversely, the "dragon" is a direct Symbol and Allusion to Satan, revealing the true source and nature of the beast's message. This stark contrast emphasizes the profound Irony of the beast's presentation, warning believers that spiritual danger often comes disguised as piety or benevolence, ultimately speaking the lies of the enemy.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:11 serves as a profound theological warning about the nature of spiritual deception in the end times. It highlights that the most dangerous forms of evil may not appear overtly monstrous but rather in guises of piety, spirituality, or even benevolence. This "false prophet" figure, with its lamb-like appearance and dragon-like voice, embodies the ultimate counterfeit, mimicking the true Lamb of God while serving the agenda of the dragon (Satan). Theologically, it underscores the importance of discernment, reminding believers that outward appearances can be misleading and that the true test of any teaching or authority lies in its alignment with the character and truth of God, not in its perceived spiritual aura or miraculous signs. This beast's role in enforcing worship of the first beast also reinforces the overarching theme in Revelation of the cosmic battle over who receives worship—God or the counterfeit powers.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:11 offers a timeless and crucial lesson for believers in every age: the necessity of profound spiritual discernment. In a world saturated with competing ideologies, spiritual movements, and charismatic leaders, this verse warns us that genuine danger often hides behind attractive, seemingly innocent, or even "spiritual" facades. We are called to look beyond outward appearances and listen carefully to the true source and content of messages. Does a teaching or leader truly glorify the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, and align with the unchanging truth of His Word, or does it subtly, or even overtly, promote another authority, system, or self-serving agenda that ultimately echoes the voice of the dragon? This verse challenges us to be vigilant, to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1), and to remain rooted in biblical truth, recognizing that even miraculous signs can be used for deception (Matthew 24:24). Our spiritual safety depends on our ability to distinguish the true Shepherd's voice from the cunning whispers of the enemy disguised in sheep's clothing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the second beast coming "out of the earth" compared to the first beast coming "out of the sea"?
Answer: The distinction in origin is highly symbolic. The first beast, emerging "out of the sea" (Revelation 13:1), is often interpreted as representing political power or empires arising from the chaotic, tumultuous "sea" of nations and peoples. In contrast, the second beast coming "out of the earth" suggests a more grounded, perhaps indigenous, or internally generated power. This could symbolize a religious, philosophical, or cultural system that arises from within established human society, gaining widespread acceptance and influence from the ground up, making it appear more familiar or legitimate. It signifies a power that operates within the existing structures of the world, rather than overtly conquering them.
How does the imagery of "two horns like a lamb" and "spake as a dragon" convey deception?
Answer: This imagery is a powerful representation of profound deception. The "lamb" (Revelation 5:6) is the quintessential symbol for Jesus Christ in Revelation, representing His innocence, sacrifice, and divine authority. Therefore, the beast's "lamb-like horns" suggest an outward appearance of purity, benevolence, spiritual authority, or even Christ-likeness, designed to gain trust and mislead. However, the immediate contrast, "he spake as a dragon," exposes its true nature. The "dragon" is explicitly identified as Satan (Revelation 12:9). This means that despite its benign or even holy facade, the beast's message, doctrines, and decrees are not from God but are inspired by and serve the purposes of Satan, promoting lies, oppression, and rebellion against divine truth. It's a warning that evil can masquerade as good, especially in the spiritual realm.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 13:11, with its depiction of a deceptive beast mimicking the Lamb yet speaking as the dragon, profoundly highlights the unique and unparalleled nature of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God. The beast's counterfeit lamb-like appearance underscores the absolute authenticity of Christ, who truly is the innocent, sacrificial Lamb whose blood takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Unlike the beast, whose power and message originate from Satan, Jesus' authority comes directly from God the Father, and His words are truth and life (John 14:6). The beast's dragon-like speech, leading to idolatry and spiritual enslavement, stands in stark contrast to Christ's voice, which calls His sheep to freedom, salvation, and eternal life (John 10:27-28). Ultimately, this verse serves as a stark reminder that while there will be many counterfeits seeking to deceive, only Jesus, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), offers genuine salvation and the authentic path to God. His victory over the dragon and all its agents (Revelation 20:10) ensures that the true Lamb will reign supreme, and His followers will never be truly deceived.