King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:11 Mean?

Revelation 13:11 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 13:11 · KJV

Context

9

If any man have an ear, let him hear.

10

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

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,

Read Revelation 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of beast from sea and earth - antichrist's power, false prophet, mark of the beast employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 13:11 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον2 of 18

“I beheld”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἄλλο3 of 18

“another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

θηρίον4 of 18

“beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

ἀναβαῖνον5 of 18

“coming up”

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ6 of 18

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς7 of 18
G3588

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

γῆς8 of 18

“the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ9 of 18

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶχεν10 of 18

“he had”

G2192

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

κέρατα11 of 18

“horns”

G2768

a horn (literally or figuratively)

δύο12 of 18

“two”

G1417

"two"

ὅμοια13 of 18

“like”

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ἀρνίῳ14 of 18

“a lamb”

G721

a lambkin

καὶ15 of 18

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐλάλει16 of 18

“he spake”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὡς17 of 18

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δράκων18 of 18

“a dragon”

G1404

a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Revelation 13:11 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 Revelation 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:82 Corinthians 11:13-15Matthew 7:15Revelation 17:6Revelation 11:7Revelation 13:17

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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